Toyota has announced the launch of its completely redesigned Century in Japan. The Century debuted in 1967, and was released to commemorate the 100^th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Group. For more than 50 years, the Century has served as the chauffeur-driven model of choice for Japan. 

The new third generation Century sees its first full redesign in 21 years. The development theme blends the concepts of legacy and evolution.

It carries on the tradition of master craftsmanship and high-quality monozukuri (all-encompassing manufacturing) while the hybrid system realizes high-demand environmental performance, and an interior and exterior design injects new charm into the Century in line with its heritage.

The wheelbase has been increased by 6mm, creating a more spacious rear seat and ample leg room. The interior features wood trim to create a distinct rear seating space, a raised ceiling design, and exclusive fabric with a slanting lattice motif to create a refined, rich look.

A step-less adjustable power leg rest and massage function ensure a comfortable ride. The 11.6-inch rear seat entertainment system, 12 channel audio amp, and 20 optimally positioned speakers create the perfect ambiance. The Century also comes equipped with a 7.0-inch touch panel in the centre armrest, which enables passenger control of the audio system, air-conditioning, massage function, and curtains.

Newly equipped with a 425bhp 5.0-litre V8 hybrid system (replacing the V12 engine of the outgoing model), the Century offers a smooth, spacious ride worthy of a chauffeur-driven model and first-rate environmental performance.

The new Century also features advanced equipment and comfort amenities suitable for a luxury car, and numerous improvements have been made to achieve serenity and cruising stability.

The active noise control system reduces noise and vibration when the engine starts and achieves smooth acceleration and utmost serenity in the cabin.

The new car gets more modern safety technologies, including Toyota's Safety Sense pack, which consists of a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic lights and road sign recognition. The vehicle boasts two new additional features.

Help Net is an automatic emergency reporting system that activates if the airbag is deployed. In such cases, a Help Net system operator automatically contacts the authorities (police and fire departments). The D-Call Net service can make swift decisions to dispatch air and ground ambulances if the accident is estimated to be severe based on vehicle data.

Toyota expects to sell just 50 units a month of the new Century, highlighting the car's premium and exclusive nature.