Toyota is said to be working on an SUV version of the Century, according to a new report out of Japan.
It is no secret that the market for luxurious SUVs is booming so it comes as no surprise that the world’s largest car manufacturer wants to get in on the action. While this is our first time hearing about this potential new model, it will apparently be released this year.
Powering the current third-generation Toyota Century sedan is a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 that works alongside an electric motor to produce a combined 425 hp. While such a powertrain would be more than suitable for an SUV, Toyota will allegedly ditch it in favor of the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid which delivers a combined 354 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque in the LC 500h.
Watch: The Toyota Century Is A V12-Powered Luxury Sedan That Was Aimed Strictly At Japan’s Elite
Interestingly, Toyota will ensure that the Century SUV is ready for the all-electric age and base it around a platform that can support a large battery pack and a battery-electric version.
Limited other details about the claimed Century SUV are known at this stage but it could reportedly be 5,200 mm (204.7 inches) long, 1,950 mm (76.7 inches) wide, and 1,750 mm (68.9 inches) tall while tipping the scales at a hefty 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs).
Pricing will obviously vary depending on the trim level but Best Car Web claims prices will sit between 10 million Yen (~$76,000) and 15 million Yen (~$114,000). Such a price tag would put it roughly on par with the Lexus LX 600.
