2018 Toyota Century

[hoffmeister_fan]

Akio's big pimpin' in a GR-modded Century.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[KiwiRob]

K

I actually kinda like that a Japanese car maker has got the balls to create a car that has style to rival a Rolls. It's not the ultimate in luxury but it does it in a different way that will pull on the strings of some rich folks. I think the woolen seats are quite nostalgic and I do like the interior.

Toyota have been building them since the 60’s, it’s not as if it’s a new market for them.

Now if I could buy a Century GRMN I wouldn’t even think about going anywhere near an M, AMG or RS sedan, this thing is so freaking cool, it’s just wicked cool in a way none of the big German sedans could ever be.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

K

Toyota have been building them since the 60’s, it’s not as if it’s a new market for them.

Now if I could buy a Century GRMN I wouldn’t even think about going anywhere near an M, AMG or RS sedan, this thing is so freaking cool, it’s just wicked cool in a way none of the big German s...

If they upgraded the engine from the standard powertrain used in the current Century and did away with their horrid CVT, this would be very interesting.

 

[Centurion]

If they upgraded the engine from the standard powertrain used in the current Century and did away with their horrid CVT, this would be very interesting.

I thoughts Toyota CVTs are better now that they use cogs instead of belts?

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I thoughts Toyota CVTs are better now that they use cogs instead of belts?

I think the new CVTs seen in the LC500h and LS500h utilize a 4-speed transmission in order to address the rubber-band feel issue and giving it virtual 10-speeds, however it's been oft derided. That said, the Century utilizes both the V8 and the eCVT found in the (previous gen) LS600hL, which did not use that 4-sp transmission.

Toyota Century - Wikipedia

Lexus LS (XF40) - Wikipedia

Lexus LC - Wikipedia

 

[Yaz]

What if Toyota brought it to the US in limited numbers? Maybe rebadged a Lexus, above the LS.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Merc1]

They could do that and it would be an instant collectable. It wouldn't sell that many so they would have to keep the production limited. The Japanese did the right thing copying the Europeans to get their foot in the door/market share, but now they should play up their own heritage with their cars that genuinely have it, like this one. This car on American roads could cause a shock like when the 2004 Chrysler 300 appeared and would sell out quickly in limited production say 500 units under the Lexus brand.

M

 

[Sovereign]

^ If heritage matters than this car should be kept under Toyota badge. IMO Toyota badge can sell a limited batch of high priced cars better than VW with Phaeton, and Century itself is a long running nameplate.

 

[Merc1]

I don't think selling it at Toyota dealers in the U.S. would work though. 180K is a lot to spend on a mere "Toyota". Maybe the Lexus Century, if GM/Buick doesn't object?

M

 

[M.N.D]

They could do that and it would be an instant collectable. It wouldn't sell that many so they would have to keep the production limited.

It is an interesting idea, but I don't think that the Century nameplate will be that familiar with the audience since the car has never been to the US (I could be wrong, though), and getting the car may bring the usual question of "why is it that expensive for a Toyota?". It may be a limited production just like you said, but will it work? In this day and age of people preferring SUVs and a kind of a push against the classic sedan, it's possible that it won't make a financial sense for Toyota to bring the car. Converting it to a Lexus would make it lose the status of a legendary flagship Toyota, in my humble view.

The Japanese did the right thing copying the Europeans to get their foot in the door/market share, but now they should play up their own heritage with their cars that genuinely have it, like this one.

This is a good point, and it is something that I miss in Japanese sedans these days. I would say that the special identity of the Japanese cars became strong during the 1980's with the likes of Toyota Crown, Cressida (my most two favorite sedans from Toyota), Nissan Cedric, Honda Accord and others. In my opinion as a person who likes conservative, yet elegant cars, this Century (although it has an evolutionary design throughout its ages) gives a nod to that era of the 80's.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Keep it a Toyota, there's more equity in a "Toyota Century" than a Lexus Century or Lexus L#XXX. Plus its understated, elegant style is in direct contrast to Lexus' more extrovert designs; it just wouldn't fit in. All that said, they'd be hard-pressed to sell over 75 per year in the NA market. Cost of federalization wouldn't be worth it. It'd be best for it the gather a halo, forbidden-fruit effect among the few that find this car fascinating like we are doing right now.

What if Toyota brought it to the US in limited numbers? Maybe rebadged a Lexus, above the LS.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

So is he a chauffer in a race-suit or a racer in a chauffer's hat? Either way, that was delightful and that GRMN-fettered Century looks tastefully bad-ass. Imagine if that had a V12 from the prior Century.

 

[Serpens]

What if Toyota brought it to the US in limited numbers? Maybe rebadged a Lexus, above the LS.[/MEDIA]

Personally I think it would a tremendous flop, Lexus badge or not. Like Volkswagen Phaeton bad.

 

[DjordjeC63]

I d like to drive Phaeton. Also Centruy, but not this Grmn that is riced.

 

[J.E]

Looks like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan will have some competition.

 

[dalab]

I think Hyundai did a much better job with the retro futur of the "Grandeur", it seems to be the same idea to modernize the icon, but..... this one is halfway compared to the other work

 

[KiwiRob]

Toyota also made a 4 door cabrio. Looks pretty cool IMO.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Yaz]

Still want the V12

 

[Centurion]

This car is on my bucket list. Would love to experience an all wool interior.