Toyota's 'Maybach'.

[v12]

wners of ultra-luxurious limousines are already the most well looked after drivers on the road - and now they're going to get even more attention.

Japanese giant Toyota is planning an all-new car due to go on sale in 2006. Aimed at the likes of the Maybach 62, as well as the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the model is also being de-signed to help the company launch its Lexus brand in its home market.

Although Lexus is a familiar name in the UK and America, Toyota is seen as sufficiently upmarket for Japanese drivers not to need a separate brand. As a result, Toyota is taking the opportunity to propel the Lexus name even further upmarket with its new luxury car.

A large part of the work to develop the new machine is already underway. The motor will use much of the technology that underpins Toyota's Century, a little-known limousine used by the likes of Japan's royal family, as well as the country's politicians. Priced from £60,000, only 200 Century models sell every year. The cars are built away from Toyota's main factory by a dedicated team of engineers.

Sporting a new 5.0-litre V12 engine, the Century rides on super-supple air-suspension and offers 280bhp and 481Nm of torque. Power is pushed to the rear wheels via a smooth automatic gearbox. Although the car may seem down on power when compared to European rivals, it's thought careful tuning could easily lift output, without spoiling the model's incredible refinement.

Inside, the new limo is set to build on the considerable level of luxury developed for the likes of the LS430. While Maybach and Rolls-Royce have chosen to focus on the past, Toyota will aim to push its vision of futuristic opulence. That means the car will be the quietest on the road and offer a level of technology neither of its rivals do. Dan Strong

Source : Auto Express

[GTO]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ] Aimed at the likes of the Maybach 62, as well as the Rolls-Royce Phantom

You kidding me, right? This thing looks more like the modified mid-80's Buick than a Maybach killer.

GTO

[Aditya]

If this is what they feel is gonna compete with the Phantom and Maybach, I can safely say that Toyota haven't seen their competition. Somebody please send them pictures. And they better get their styling department working overtime.

[Dippy]

TheCentury has always looked like an old late 70s or early 80s car. They must be joking to say it will compete with Maybach or RR. Cmon Toyota wake up

Cheers

[Revvmaster]

I am not gonna buy it and neither is the rest of the planet. So Mars it is. Teleport it please before i lose my eyesight over it.

Thanks

One frustrated car-junkie

[_Crazi4Speed_]

its not even half the size of a 62..crazi stuff...

L8r

[v12]

the looks and the size do not match the likes of the Maybach/Phantom. The Century looks liks an overgrown Toyota Crown. 5 litre , V12 is a good move, but just 280 bhp from it is too less.

[GrimReaper]

V12 i highly doubt thats going to be the 62 beater/competor. You may have been given the image of an older version of the luxury saloon. Dude come on be sensible, even crack wont make anybody actually propose that design for a 21st century super-luxury car

[v12]

thats the current model of the Toyota Century. Obviously it isnt the Maybach competitor. I put thse pics cos they were in the same article.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?http....tp

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (v12 @ Mar. 14 2004,19:59)]thats the current model of the Toyota Century.

Hahaha..the question is which century? i would say 18th century!!

[RJK]

From the A-pillar to C-pillar the car has a slight uncanny resemblance to Bentley Arnage / RR Silver Seraph.
It looks so ugly anyway ! wonder how anybody could buy it..

M3

[toyota]

This model is not going to launched in 2006 nor even later . There are chances of Lexus but not Century !!