Jump to content
Get the Cheers & Gears App! ×
Create New...
  • David
    David

    Century for the Next Century, Toyota Launches Century SUV

      Meeting the demands of the 21st century, a new chauffeur-driven vehicle to meet the demands of a new age, welcome the Century SUV. 

    Toyota has had for the rich and powerful their Century car for the Japanese market only for decades. This chauffeur-driven car was a coveted auto that never was allowed to be exported out of Japan.

    Today, Toyota has announced a new chauffeur-driven Century for the 21st century in meeting the demands of a new age, new generation while maintaining the inheritance of the history of what made Century so special. The Century SUV while being a new shape, combines elegance, comfort and functionality as demanded in this new age of automotive excitement.

    001.png

    Toyota streamed the launch making a statement of the following:

    • A bold design with an elegant and graceful silhouette that incorporates Japanese aesthetic elements.
    • Based on a concept of human-centeredness, the interior space is designed to provide an even more safe and comfortable travel experience for rear-seat passengers as well as the driver.
    • The newly developed plug-in hybrid system, which inherits the quietness of the Century and delivers both environmental performance and powerful, exhilarating ride befitting the future of chauffeur-driven vehicles.

    The Century chauffeur-driven sedan debuted in 1967 as the premium Toyota executive car. The market had been dominated by U.S. and European luxury brands till now. Embodying the unrivaled spirit of omotenashi, or hospitality, ensuring that the important passengers reached their destinations safely and in comfort. The Century Sedan has been doing this for the last 5 plus decades.

    Today's Century SUV is launched with the following outline:

    1. Majestic, dignified body design with both horizontal and vertical form features. From the hand engraved phoenix emblem to the mirror finish.
      1. 019.jpg
      2. 085.jpg
    2. Interior space designed with the concept of being human-centered to realize comfortable travel time. From the fully reclining rear seats to the finely hones audio system and the rear doors that open to a wide 75-degrees allowing for elegant entry and exit of the SUV. Be it that the Century SUV is chauffer-driven or owner-driven, the cockpit is designed for ease of use by all, allowing focus on their driving with minimal distractions.
      1. 034.jpg
      2. 056.jpg
    3. Powertrain of the 21st century, delivering performance while exceeding expectations. The all new 3.5-liter V6 hybrid system achieves both performance and a quieter drive for both driver and passenger.
      1. 081.jpg
    4. The all new Century SUV is built on the Toyota TNGA platform with a high-rigidity body. This allows superior handling along with noise-reduction as well as privacy quietness associated with a chauffer-driven vehicle.
      1. 080.jpg

    The 2024 Century SUV has the following specifications:

    • Length - 5,205mm or 205 inches
    • Width - 1,990 mm or 78 inches
    • Height - 1,805 mm or 71 inches
    • Wheelbase - 2,950 mm or 116 inches
    • Couple distance - 1,220 mm or 48 inches
    • Weight - 2,570 kg or 5,666 pounds
    • Capacity - 4 persons

    While Toyota talks about this as being a Japan only auto, the all-new Century SUV is built on their global TNGA platform, a first for the Century line and it has their global all-new Hybrid system. Both would imply that this auto which is slated for just 30 hand built per month could become a global auto designed to take on the top Luxury SUVs in the world such as the Mercedes EQS SUV, Cadillac Escalade, etc.

    Check out all the images and details here in the press release folder of images:

    Toyota Century SUV - Cheers & Gears (cheersandgears.com)

    023.jpg

    Toyota Launching New Century in Japan

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Does Toyota EVER create something in their OWN image when entering a new luxury segment?  Or do they ALWAYS have to copy somebody else's style?

    This one looks like a Rolls Royce Cullinan

    Inventory - Rolls Royce Motor Cars OC

     

    Although I must say, the Toyota looks to be more refined as a design.  But that aint sayin' much.

    This is yet another reason as to why I hate Toyota.   They are afraid to use their own design languaga and would rather play it safe with someone else's hit and copy that.  

    Toyota has been its best styling wise, when they have been PROUD of their OWN history and presented their OWN style behind the cars they design and sell.   

    :Toyota:

    • Like 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The front looks like a mix of Lincoln and Genesis styling cues.. 

    And this photo got me thinking that the headlights would look great retrofit to a GMT-400 or GMT-800...

    Toyota-Century-SUV-Front-Teaser-main-1024x576-2.jpg

    Edited by Robert Hall
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, oldshurst442 said:

    Does Toyota EVER create something in their OWN image when entering a new luxury segment?  Or do they ALWAYS have to copy somebody else's style?

    This one looks like a Rolls Royce Cullinan

    Inventory - Rolls Royce Motor Cars OC

     

    Although I must say, the Toyota looks to be more refined as a design.  But that aint sayin' much.

    This is yet another reason as to why I hate Toyota.   They are afraid to use their own design languaga and would rather play it safe with someone else's hit and copy that.  

    Toyota has been its best styling wise, when they have been PROUD of their OWN history and presented their OWN style behind the cars they design and sell.   

    :Toyota:

    Gotta keep in mind the Japanese culture of everyone fit in, never be negative and blend with the world. As such, they I agree they have copied and made it more refined of other existing products. Toyota has lost there way in some ways and create crazy Predator autos in others.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    $170k for a FWD platform with a hybrid V6.  What a ripoff, at least the old Century Sedan had a V12 and it was something special for the time.  Probably should have made this EV since they are only making 3-400 a year and an EV powertrain would make it seem more futuristic, and smoother and quieter which you want from a chauffeur driving car. I guess the Japanese government and some CEOs will buy it regardless just to be seen in a Japanese car, and not a Mercedes, Bentley or Rolls.

    • Thanks 1
    • Disagree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    12 hours ago, smk4565 said:

    $170k for a FWD platform with a hybrid V6

    Just popping in to give SMK his daily dose of "being wrong" x2.

    One, The Century Sedan is still being sold along side the SUV. This is not a replacement.

    Two, it is using the TNGA platform, which is used in FWD, RWD, and AWD applications, from the Prius to the upcoming Land Cruiser. This is not "$170k for a FWD platform".

     

     

    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    35 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

    One, The Century Sedan is still being sold along side the SUV. This is not a replacement.

    Two, it is using the TNGA platform, which is used in FWD, RWD, and AWD applications, from the Prius to the upcoming Land Cruiser. This is not "$170k for a FWD platform".

     

     

    I am glad the Century sedan has not been replaced.  Who misses the V12?!  I also did not know that the TNGA platform was FWD and RWD and AWD.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    4 hours ago, David said:

    I hope Toyota eventually brings the Century line to the U.S. I think it would do well.

    The Lexus LX doesn't do that great here and this is double the money.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 9/7/2023 at 2:34 PM, smk4565 said:

    The Lexus LX doesn't do that great here and this is double the money.

    How do you know it did not do that great? What proof do you have cause if you sight low sales numbers then we have to say that Mercedes is failing due to all the models with low sales numbers. Same with BMW, Audi, Cadillac, etc.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    9 hours ago, David said:

    How do you know it did not do that great? What proof do you have cause if you sight low sales numbers then we have to say that Mercedes is failing due to all the models with low sales numbers. Same with BMW, Audi, Cadillac, etc.

    The LX has traditionally been in the 4-5k units per year in the USA, where as the GLS and Escalade are usually more like 20-30,000 and 40,000 recently for Escalade.  And the GLS has 11,204 first half of of this year, but they also have 5,500 EQS SUV, so if you put them together they are at 16,700 first half of this year compared to 4500 over at Lexus.  Screenshot2023-09-11at10_02_59PM.thumb.png.d81deb0439587dd983a79148bea49b9e.png

    And the Century isn't a Tundra platform and engine, it is a Grand Highlander chassis and engine for $179,000.  It would be like Chevrolet selling a $179,000 Traverse turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. 

    • Disagree 1
    • Facepalm 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

    The LX has traditionally been in the 4-5k units per year in the USA, where as the GLS and Escalade are usually more like 20-30,000 and 40,000 recently for Escalade.  And the GLS has 11,204 first half of of this year, but they also have 5,500 EQS SUV, so if you put them together they are at 16,700 first half of this year compared to 4500 over at Lexus.  Screenshot2023-09-11at10_02_59PM.thumb.png.d81deb0439587dd983a79148bea49b9e.png

    And the Century isn't a Tundra platform and engine, it is a Grand Highlander chassis and engine for $179,000.  It would be like Chevrolet selling a $179,000 Traverse turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. 

    Thank you for proving my point that you have no real knowledge that the Toyota Century does not make them money. Just like low production custom built autos from any auto maker, there could be various ways that the company shows a profit on these small production auto's.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    15 hours ago, smk4565 said:

    , it is a Grand Highlander chassis and engine for $179,000

    See my post about the TNGA platform and stop spreading bull$h!. You are trying to think of this in traditional platform terms without knowing a thing about Toyota's actual platforms. Just skip the fact that they only have to hand build 30 of these a month and make hand over fist money on them. Hell, the sedan has been running on a hybrid V8 system since 2018 but you clearly didn't know that when you made your statement about it still having a V12. Again, just half baked statements by you.

    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 9/6/2023 at 7:50 PM, smk4565 said:

    $170k for a FWD platform with a hybrid V6.  What a ripoff, at least the old Century Sedan had a V12 and it was something special for the time.  Probably should have made this EV since they are only making 3-400 a year and an EV powertrain would make it seem more futuristic, and smoother and quieter which you want from a chauffeur driving car. I guess the Japanese government and some CEOs will buy it regardless just to be seen in a Japanese car, and not a Mercedes, Bentley or Rolls.

    Since like 99.9% of your posts you never actually give facts or website to verify your information, lets take a closer look at the Century.

    Century | Vehicle Gallery | Toyota Brand | Mobility | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

    Here is the actual press release of the all new 2018 Century Sedan, the first redesigned Century in 21 years.

    Toyota Rolls Out First Fully Redesigned Century in 21 Years | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

    At this time, Toyota projected only 50 hand built units a month would make them money in a very small market as they dropped the V12 last available in the 2017 model year. As @surreal1272 clearly stated, a V8 Hybrid system started in the 2018 and went through the 2023 model year.

    Starting with the 2024 model year, both the Century Sedan and Century SUV will move to the V6 hybrid system. Quote: "Series Parallel Plug-in Hybrid System (2GR-FXS 3.5-liter V6 engine)"

    Official Century SUV webpage for building and pricing out your Uber Luxury SUV.

    Toyota Century | Toyota Motor Corporation Website

    Official Century Sedan webpage for building and pricing out your Uber Luxury Sedan

    Toyota Century | Toyota Motor Corporation Website

    I do like it in the Red Mica

    image.png

    Toyota Century | Price & Grade | Toyota Motor Corporation Website

    The Century has a certain elegance to it that is lost by the German brands in the last couple of Decades and Cadillac has recouped it along with Genesis.

    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I find it hard to believe the make a lot of profit on anything they are selling 30-50 units a month of.  Maybe on an individual car they can make $10,000 with that high price, but on 30 units, that isn't as good as selling 100,000 Corollas and making $50 profit on each one.

    And no one outside Japan would buy this, because they aren't buying a Toyota over a Bentley or Mercedes-Maybach or a Rolls or anything like that.  Lexus has been around 30 years and never been able to really get above $100k price with the exception of the LF-A and if you option up an LC or LK, yes you can get them over $100k, but Lexus isn't out there with cars costing $200,000+ because even they couldn't sell them.  

    • Disagree 1
    • Facepalm 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

    I find it hard to believe the make a lot of profit on anything they are selling 30-50 units a month of.  Maybe on an individual car they can make $10,000 with that high price, but on 30 units, that isn't as good as selling 100,000 Corollas and making $50 profit on each one.

    Yeah, because it's always a good business case to NOT make money on your product FFS. They don't have to sell high numbers or anywhere else other than Japan, which is how it is always been. They will not move this out of Japan nor change it's hand built nature (hence the only 30 a month and hand over fist money behind). Just stop the hypothetical BS. The article can speculate all it wants but that doesn't make it so. They have ZERO reason to change the current business model behind the Century lineup and if you actually read about their history and relevance in Japan, you would understand why it's that way and will most likely stay that way. Until then, save the speciation, the misinformation, and just otherwise outright wrong statements, like you have peddled on this thread. It's just embarrassing. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    23 hours ago, smk4565 said:

    I find it hard to believe the make a lot of profit on anything they are selling 30-50 units a month of.  Maybe on an individual car they can make $10,000 with that high price, but on 30 units, that isn't as good as selling 100,000 Corollas and making $50 profit on each one.

    And no one outside Japan would buy this, because they aren't buying a Toyota over a Bentley or Mercedes-Maybach or a Rolls or anything like that.  Lexus has been around 30 years and never been able to really get above $100k price with the exception of the LF-A and if you option up an LC or LK, yes you can get them over $100k, but Lexus isn't out there with cars costing $200,000+ because even they couldn't sell them.  

    Let's look at your math in this statement.

    Century @ 30 sold per month, @ $10,000 profit = $300,000 a month or $3.6 million a year for a niche product sold in Japan to Politicians, Executives and families in the 1% bracket that want a hand built Japanese product, not something that is imported from Germany.

    Corolla @ 100,000 sold per month, @ $50 profit = $5 million or $60 million a year for a generic appliance that requires considerable marketing, shipping to markets, etc. 

    Yes, they make more initial profit on the Corolla, but they have costs that eat into that profit to sell this auto around the world.

    You have stated that Mercedes makes the best in the world and people who have money want to buy the best. You are ignoring those that want a product from their home country and have no problem paying for it.

    Same here there are those of us that will pay extra for American Made niche products of quality.

    Many Japanese buy these Century autos for their status.

    End of line!!!

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, David said:

    Let's look at your math in this statement.

    Century @ 30 sold per month, @ $10,000 profit = $300,000 a month or $3.6 million a year for a niche product sold in Japan to Politicians, Executives and families in the 1% bracket that want a hand built Japanese product, not something that is imported from Germany.

    Corolla @ 100,000 sold per month, @ $50 profit = $5 million or $60 million a year for a generic appliance that requires considerable marketing, shipping to markets, etc. 

    Yes, they make more initial profit on the Corolla, but they have costs that eat into that profit to sell this auto around the world.

    You have stated that Mercedes makes the best in the world and people who have money want to buy the best. You are ignoring those that want a product from their home country and have no problem paying for it.

    Same here there are those of us that will pay extra for American Made niche products of quality.

    Many Japanese buy these Century autos for their status.

    End of line!!!

    I am sure they make more than $50 per Corolla, but I was just using that as an example.  Heck they might even lose money on the Century at $179k, but I assume they wouldn't sell it if they lost money on it.

    I get that people in Japan, or the Japanese government want a Japanese car, and that is why this exists.  My point is no one outside of Japan wants a $179,000 Toyota SUV. 

    • Disagree 1
    • Facepalm 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    8 hours ago, smk4565 said:

    I am sure they make more than $50 per Corolla, but I was just using that as an example.  Heck they might even lose money on the Century at $179k, but I assume they wouldn't sell it if they lost money on it.

    I get that people in Japan, or the Japanese government want a Japanese car, and that is why this exists.  My point is no one outside of Japan wants a $179,000 Toyota SUV. 

    That is a huge assumption that a hand-built luxury SUV from Toyota would not sell. As is proof with the Lexus Line, the Century SUV & Sedan could very well sell under the Lexus line in many markets and in some it would sell just fine as a Toyota.

    I know for a fact that in Mongolia, having a Toyota pretty much means you have achieved the 1% crowd and Toyota is the product to strive for, not Mercedes, Not BMW, Not Audi, but Toyota. A few other products are like this, Jeep is one of those products that in Mongolia people with disposable income want a Jeep over Mercedes. This I know first hand due to my close Mongolian friends and having been there. It is crazy, but Toyota is what everyone strives for and even here in the U.S. Mongolians only want Toyota.

    The Century will never go away from being a hand built ubber luxury auto line due to the Japanese Royal Family only gets driven around in Century auto's much like how our president only gets driven around in a custom Cadillac.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 9/13/2023 at 7:08 PM, smk4565 said:

    I get that people in Japan, or the Japanese government want a Japanese car, and that is why this exists.  My point is no one outside of Japan wants a $179,000 Toyota SUV. 

    Your "point" was pointless as you have been told repeatedly, that it would never be sold outside of Japan (on top of being corrected over all your mistakes regarding the Century in the first damn place). Stop creating issues where none exist. FFS.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • The Jeep Gladitator gets a gentle refresh for 2024

    Jeep is understandably reluctant to mess with success, and the Jeep Gladiator has been one of the brand's greatest success stories in the last decade.  So when it came time to give the Gladiator a nip-tuck, Jeep went in with the gentlest of hands. The biggest visual update is a refresh of Jeep's iconic 7-slot grille, windshield-integrated trail-ready stealth antenna, and seven all-new wheel designs. Inside is a redefined interior with more technology and amenities, including available 12-wa

    Jeep

    GMC Upsizes the Acadia for 2024; New 2.5L Turbo-4

    GMC caused a stir in 2016 when it downsized the Acadia in 2017 from its previous near-Yukon length. That downsize brought the Acadia down to be inline in size with the contemporary Jeep Grand Cherokee.  In the years since, the Grand Cherokee has grown and GMC is matching that with the 2024 GMC Acadia. Inches matter in this class and in that the Acadia gains (back) 10.6 inches in length and 3.2 inches in height. That equates to 80% more space behind the third row and 36% more space behind th

    GMC

    Cadillac Refreshes the CT5 with an Updated Look for 2025

    Today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Cadillac unveiled the refreshed Cadillac CT5 sedan.  CT5 retail sales have been on an upswing of late, increasing over 35%.  In a time when sedan sales are stagnating or disappearing entirely, Cadillac's positive numbers have given hope that the luxury sedan market isn't quite dead yet. The refresh of the CT5 begins with the exterior. A new larger, bolder grille is flanked by new vertically stacked headlamps and Cadillac's sign

    Cadillac


  • Community Hive Community Hive

    Community Hive allows you to follow your favorite communities all in one place.

    Follow on Community Hive
  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Posts

    • What Mark says about wanting to buy a product JUST to see that company succeed JUST to see what they could do next is how I felt about Tesla.   I had much much faith in Elon Musk about 8-9 years ago.  That faith lasted for about 2-3 years.  Today I just wish he go away.  I still like Tesla cars.  The engineering and manufacturing is just held back by Elon Musk in my opnion.   Its too bad.   I now have faith in Lucid and in General Motors and possibly Rivian and Ford for advancing American EVs and to be global leaders.  Tesla at the hands of Musk is a dead duck. 
    • The way the Lucid engineers explain the Air and the Sapphire trim. The way the talk about the engineering, it seems that Tesla is the one that is behind in EV tech. The Geese guys ironically talk about how some 1st gen EV vehicles from legacy OEMs engineered compliance cars, they didnt talk about Tesla and how Tesla had a decade advance in engineering thought and tech.  They just wax poetic about Lucid.  But truth be told that when Lucid was just a seed in the dirt, and some of the engineers were still employed by Tesla, Tesla was not JUST a decade in front of everybody, but 2 decades and had the WHOLE EV market to themselves.   Tesla did NOT advance the tech in that timeframe.  Ive said that plenty of times.  Elon Musk ALLOWED every OEM to catch up to Tesla in LESS than a decade and in some instances such as Lucid, it seems, to have surpassed Tesla and it seems that Tesla is playing catch-up.  Maybe not in sales...but THAT scenario will surely change.   Tesla better have secrets in their 2nd gen Model S and Model 3/Y to unveil because if Tesla's tech hasnt advanced with those 2nd gens, it will seem like they have stagnated and THAT will spell disaster for their EV manufacturing.   They will survive with supplying electricity via recharging everybody else's EVs and perhaps sell EV motors to others, but as far as the S-3-X-Y vehicles they offer today, will not make it to see a 3rd gen...  
    • They need to do something, I feel like Nissan has basically been dead in the water since Carlos Ghosn screwed them over.  Problem is the Ariya seems allergic to sales, despite them advertising for it all the time.  Right idea to go all EV in a hurry, but I am skeptical that they actually build EV's that people want.
    • @oldshurst442 Yes, I also wonder why on the Olds-Buick decision?  Olds was righting the ship with the Aurora, the Intrigue, and even the Alero.  It could have been an issue with the name and long-term associations.  Marketing research was also scratching their heads in the background. I'll say here that, of their offerings, I only like the Envision, and I'm talking about the last model and not the current one.  I was driving down the interstate for a fairly long time and had all of the Buick trio come up alongside me.  Enclave?  The current one has nicer sheet metal, with the last one being too bulbous. Still, I would not own one.  Encore?  I've never warmed up to it, even the slightly larger one.  Envision?  The last-gen drove alongside me and I looked and looked and thought it has the most "reasonable" lines.  I am not a big fan of the current one. Then, it goes without saying that some Buick owners are not happy that there are no sedan offerings, let alone coupe offerings.  The Chinese appear to be getting some, which wax and wane in how good they look.  I don't know where the disgruntled long-term Buick owner is going if they're not buying. For now, Buick needs to stay and it probably will for a while.  But I'm not the one doing the penciling.
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we notice you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search