Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda is an unashamed car enthusiast, and being the boss of the world’s biggest vehicle manufacturer has its perks. One such advantage is having his own collection of cars based on current production models, but with enough performance tweaks to make them even more desirable. Among his many vehicles is the Toyota Century GRMN SUV prototype, unveiled last year after the nameplate pivoted from its traditional luxury sedan roots to make a new additional high-riding model.
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Speaking to current Toyota Century owners, Toyoda-san said he wants “to make a GRMN that many people from around the world can ride”, with prospective plans to sell it in Japan and China. Unlike the standard Century, which is targeted at more traditional luxury SUV customers, the GRMN version features extensive carbon fibre exterior trim and black 22-inch wheels, giving it an even more aggressive stance. Unfortunately, not much is known about the specifics of Toyoda-san’s Century GRMN, though the model’s standard specs provide a taste of what can be expected.
The Century SUV is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 which is paired with two electric motors – one for the front and rear axles, respectively – to produce up to 303kW, driving all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission. It’s unlikely the older Century Sedan would lend its hybrid .