Used since 1967, the Century nameplate lives on the a part of the Toyota iceberg that we have by no means seen in the US. It has traditionally denoted a giant, luxurious sedan also known as Japan’s Rolls-Royce, and the model introduced it can quickly seem on a flagship SUV.
Confirming a latest rumor, Toyota revealed that the Century SUV will make its debut on-line in September 2023. It hasn’t proven the mannequin but, however it launched a preview picture that provides us a primary concept of what to anticipate from it. The sedan has historically been characterised by a boxy, understated and stylish design, and it seems just like the SUV will tick the identical packing containers. It encompasses a pronounced belt line that flows right into a squared-off quarter panel, horizontal LED back lights, and vibrant exterior trim items to underline its positioning as a range-topping SUV.
The picture exhibits somebody sporting a glove getting ready to open the passenger-side rear door. This confirms two factors. One, the Century SUV (a reputation that won’t find yourself on the manufacturing mannequin) will get front-hinged rear doorways as a substitute of Rolls-Royce-style rear-hinged models. Two, its inside might be designed for chauffeur-driven consumers. We anticipate finding a protracted listing of luxurious and luxury options for the rear passengers.
We’ll have to be affected person to search out out what’s underneath the sheet metallic. Toyota builds the current-generation Century on a platform launched in 2003, so we would not be stunned if the SUV rides on one of many model’s newer architectures. Powertrain particulars stay underneath wraps as nicely, although an earlier rumor claims the high-riding limousine will use a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain constructed round a twin-turbocharged V6.
Toyota will stream the disclosing on its YouTube channel on September 6, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. Japan time, which is 9:30 p.m. on September 5 in California and 12:30 a.m. on September 6 in New York. Whereas unveiling a automotive this late (or this early, relying in your perspective) may sound odd, nothing means that the Century SUV might be bought in the US. The sedan mannequin has by no means been obtainable right here.
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