Toyota Century Coupe to revive V12 power

AS PART of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to powertrain technology, there is a strong chance we may see the return of an actual twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 petrol/electric hybrid engine to the world’s number one automaker’s inventory.

Potentially arriving under the bonnet of a new Century Coupe, currently in concept form and apparently heading for 2027 production, the unit will give Toyota the power to take on rivals from Rolls-Royce and Bentley, all within an attention-grabbing coupe-SUV body style.

While the production vehicle will undoubtedly target the top end of town, details on the future engine remain sketchy, with rumours circulating this week suggesting the V12 unit will produce more than 600kW of power and over 1000Nm of torque.

The dramatically styled coupe-SUV was unveiled a few months ago, and according to a number of well-placed sources is definitely headed for production.

Publication carscoops.com reports that a V12 powertrain would align with Toyota’s grand ambitions for the Century nameplate, now that it has been spun off into a standalone brand.

It says what’s still unclear is whether the rumoured powertrain will be a bespoke engine or derived from an existing design.

The notion of a V12 sits nicely with previous generations of the Century that used 5.0-litre V12 power in the G50 Model of 1997 and also in the G51.

Back then, the large, complex engine was (allegedly) good for only 206kW and 460Nm driving the rear axle via a four- or six-speed auto transmission.

After that the big boxy G60 generation sedan went to a 5.0-litre V8 hybrid set-up and finally a 3.5-litre petrol V6 hybrid in the current Century SUV.

Adding fuel to Carscoops’ speculation is Japan’s Mag X which broke the V12 story, noting that one potential possibility involves merging two of BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-litre straight sixes lifted from the soon defunct Supra sports coupe.

“Still, that scenario feels unlikely. First, it would require approval from BMW, but more importantly, it would be a strange direction for a brand trying to carve out a distinct identity. Best to take that possibility with some scepticism,” opined Carscoops.

“In any case, to make sure all that power is put to use, the report claims Toyota will equip the coupe with its E-Four all-wheel drive system as standard. Transmission details are still limited, but the car is expected to feature either an eight-speed automatic or a ten-speed automatic.

“Little else is known about the production version of the bright-orange Century Coupe concept from last October.

“Odds are the final car will stay fairly close to the concept in appearance, though some design elements may be toned down. The black wheel arches and raised ride height, for instance, borrow awkwardly from SUV styling and might not make the final cut.”

Commentators say the interior will “likely need a rethink as well” as the concept featured only two seats including one for the driver and another in the back on the passenger side presumably tailored for chauffeured comfort.

The quirky layout limits practicality and a more conventional four-seat plan is expected for production.

According to Carscoops pricing remains unconfirmed, its report suggesting the Century Coupe will be built in limited numbers and carry a significant price tag.