For only the third time in 51 years, Toyota has launched an all-new Century limousine for the Japanese executive market.
The first Century appeared in 1967 to commemorate the 100th birthday of company founder, Sakichi Toyoda, and has served as the chauffeur-driven model of choice for Japanese elite ever since.
Seen for the first time at Tokyo Motor Show last year, the third generation model is the first full Century redesign in 21 years. and is now available in Japanese dealerships with prices starting from 19,600,000 yen (approximately NZ$260,000).
While it features some of the company's latest technology inside and out, the Century's styling remains in-tune with its iconic bloodline.
The new Centry is slighly bigger than its predecessor to make for a more comftorble cabin, especially for passengers in the rear. It now measures 5,335mm long, 1,930mm wide, and 1,505mm tall, with a 3,090mm wheelbase.
The interior features wood trim, raised ceiling and slanting lattic motif. Toyota's designers also felt the need to decreased the height difference between the scuff plate and floor by 15mm so the floor mats now sit completely flat.
Due to Japanese preference, the seats are finished in wool velour as standard. But new for new third generation model, Toyota will allow customers to option their interior in leather.
Standard equipment includes a 16-inch rear seat entertainment system, high-end 20-speaker audio, and 7-inch touch panel in the rear center armrest that allows passengers to control the massage function of the seats, curtains and air conditioning. The left rear passenger will also have use of a power leg rest, folding behind the front passengers seat.
To create the most comfortable and luxurious ride possible, Toyota has fitted the Century with with electronically controlled air suspension that work with newly developed suspension, arms, mounts and tires which reduce road noise and vibration.
The power unit will also been refined. Replacing the 5.0-litre V12 is a 5.0-litre V8 hybrid rated at 280kW and 510Nm and aided by a 165kW and 300N electric motor.
Toyota claim the two motors deliver a combined output of 317kW.
The Century comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense suite including blind spot monitoring, parking support alert, pre-collision system, adaptive high beam and radar cruise control.
It is to be offered in four exterior colors, each with cultural significants: Kamui Eternal Black, Lake Mashū Shrine Blue Mica, Asuka Red Mica, and Seika Radiant Silver Metallic.
Toyota aims to sell 50 Centurys a month in Japan, all of which will be built at the company's Higashi-Fuji Plant.
And as always, there are no plans to export to other markets.