Gallery: 2024 Toyota Century SUV <\/h3>\n
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Many people would probably argue the Century is a typical SUV. Just take a look at the high beltline, the massive wheel arches, and the body cladding in a contrasting color, and you\u2019ll probably agree. However, Toyota doesn\u2019t agree with this definition.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe arrived at this profile by focusing on the backseat passenger, pursuing a car that inherits the unique Century character while catering to the diversifying values of the times. From that perspective too, we never set out to build an SUV. I would describe this car as a \u201cnew concept for chauffeur-driven mobility,\u201d Tanaka explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But who is Toyota\u2019s target with the new century? Well, in a previous article, the automaker\u2019s boss Akio Toyoda said the luxury not<\/em>-SUV “will also suit younger people” as well as those “who previously felt that a Century [sedan] was not for them.” This was rather surprising considering that the starting price of the model in Japan is approximately $167,000 with current exchange rates \u2013 one might begin to wonder how many young people can afford a vehicle that is almost five times more expensive than the Land Cruiser 300.\u00a0<\/p>\n Lead designer Sonoda shines more light on the overall concept. \u201cThe Century is more than just another model within the Toyota brand \u2013 it carries Toyota\u2019s corporate identity. The Century has a distinctive \u201cCenturyness\u201d that is about more than merely physical form, encompassing the car\u2019s stature and aura. We spent our days grappling with the question of \u201cinheritance and evolution\u201d – what aspects of Centuryness do we retain, and what do we try to evolve.\u201d<\/p>\n Under the ceremonial suit, the Century hides a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a CVT, and all-wheel drive thanks to a rear-mounted electric motor. This system is good for 406 horsepower. For now, there\u2019s no mention of a V8 engine, let alone a V12, which the second-generation Century was equipped with starting in April 1997.<\/p>\n