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Toyota Century II (G50) 5.0 V12 (280 Hp) Automatic 4-speed
Overall Rating
Toyota Century:
The Toyota Century is a lineup of full-size luxury cars and limousines produced mainly for the Japanese market, serving as Toyota's flagship car within Japan; globally the unrelated Lexus brand houses Toyota's flagship luxury model. Production of the Century began in 1967, and the model received only minor changes until redesigns in 1997 and 2018.
The Century derived its name from the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda , the founder of Toyota Industries. It is often used by the Imperial House of Japan, the Prime Minister of Japan, senior Japanese government leaders, and high-level executive businessmen. The Century is comparable in purpose to the Austin Princess/Daimler DS420, Cadillac Series 70, Mercedes-Maybach, Hongqi, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and Russian ZIL limousines....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II (G50) Overview:
Toyota Century (II (G50)). With 481 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1990 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
5.0 V12 (280 Hp) Automatic 4-speed Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.0L 1GZ-FE V12 delivers exceptional smoothness and ample power, perfectly suited for the Century's luxury cruising character, ensuring effortless acceleration and refinement.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a significant drawback, especially with the 4-speed automatic, reflecting the large V12 engine and older transmission technology. Expect very high consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary 1GZ-FE V12 engine: unparalleled smoothness and refinement.
- • Exceptional ride comfort and serene cabin quietness.
- • Understated, timeless design with a strong presence.
- • High build quality and Toyota's renowned reliability.
- • Exclusivity and unique status as Japan's ultimate luxury car.
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy, especially with the 4-speed automatic.
- • Large dimensions can make city driving and parking challenging.
- • Limited availability and parts outside of Japan.
- • Technology, while advanced for its time, is dated by modern standards.
- • High maintenance costs for a V12 engine.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (VG45): 1990 - 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Century |
| Generation: | II (G50) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.0 V12 (280 Hp) Automatic 4-speed |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 280 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 56 Hp/l [150mm more] |
| Torque: | 481 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 1GZ-FE More details about the engine 1GZ-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 4999 |
| Number of cylinders: | 12 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.4 l |
| Coolant: | 14.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 20 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 140.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.1 kg/Nm, 241.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1990 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 95 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5270 mm mm [150mm more] |
| Width: | 1890 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1480 mm mm [30mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3025 mm mm [165mm more] |
| Front track: | 1575 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1575 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Toyota Century?