The 2018 Toyota Century is the JDM Limo you didn’t know you needed

THE Land of the Rising Sun is home to some truly unique and lesser-known creations (the world of Kei cars speaks for itself), but if tiny cars powered by three-cylinders aren’t your thing, try the Toyota Century for size.

It’s the flagship model for Toyota in Japan, and is a luxury limo akin to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Audi A8.

And now, there is an all-new Century, set to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, but this new generation of the Century spells the end of the model’s V12 engine variant. Instead, the sole drivetrain will be a hybrid V8 combination.

A 5.0-litre bent eight making 294kW is matched with an electric motor fed by a nickel-metal hydride battery, sending power to the rear wheels.

However, this technically isn’t the first hybrid Century. That claim goes to a 1974 concept that was powered by a GT45 gas turbine and electric motor.

The Japanese limo is bigger in all areas compared with its predecessor, now measuring 5.3 metres long, 1.9 metres wide, and 1.5 metres tall. The extra length comes from an extended wheelbase, improving cabin space.

It’s only the second time the Century has received a generational update since it was introduced to the Japanese market in 1967. The first update occurred in 1997.

But don’t expect Nappa leather seats. Instead, the Century features pews upholstered in 100 percent wool and, while customers can spec leather for the seats, we think the unique wool standard fit is the cooler option.

Other features include massaging seats, and a 20-speaker audio system, rear curtains for privacy and a writing table.

Australia is missing out on the new Century, but that won’t stop us dreaming.