Toyota Century
The Toyota Century — Japan's most prestigious automobile, a symbol of authority with hand-assembled V12 engine and bespoke interior materials.
Overview
The Toyota Century has been produced in Japan since 1967. With first (VG20/GZG50, 1967–1997), second (GZG50, 1997–2017), and third (UWG60, 2018–present) generations, it is the country's longest-running luxury sedan. Sold exclusively in Japan, the Century establishes a standard of domestic excellence rather than competing with Western luxury brands.
The third-generation Century (UWG60) operates with a 5.0L V8 plus electric motor hybrid system. The second generation was produced with Toyota's only V12 engine for Japan (1GZ-FE, 267 hp) — a technological achievement available in only select models worldwide. Interior appointments of silk, wood, and lacquered metals are hand-crafted.
In Azerbaijan, the Century is extremely rare — second-generation (1997–2017) examples are available through parallel import. Suitable for state protocol events, special businesspeople, and collectors, this model is considered the most exclusive Toyota in the Azerbaijani market.
Century in Pictures
Exterior design, cabin layout, and real-world use reference images. Broken links gracefully fall back to text tiles.
Key Specifications
- Engine (2nd gen): 5.0L 1GZ-FE V12 — 267 hp / 461 Nm
- Engine (3rd gen): 5.0L V8 + electric — 424 hp (hybrid system)
- Also: 4.0L V8 (1st gen)
- 0–100 km/h: ~10.2 sec (2nd gen)
- Fuel consumption: 8.5 L/100km (2nd gen V12)
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic (2nd gen)
- Platform: Bespoke — hand-assembled
- Length: 5,265 mm (2nd gen)
Variant Comparison
| Variant | Engine | Power | Transmission | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Century (2nd gen) | 5.0L 1GZ-FE V12 | 267 hp | 4-speed Auto | ~25,000 |
| Century (3rd gen Hybrid) | 5.0L V8 + Electric | 424 hp | e-CVT | ~60,000+ |
| Century (1st gen, 1GZ) | 4.0L 1GZ V8 | 190 hp | 4-speed Auto | ~8,000 |
| Century (3rd gen SUV) | 3.5L V6 + 2 Motors | 405 hp | e-CVT | ~70,000+ |
Competitor Snapshot
Competitor choice in Azerbaijan should account not only for headline specs, but for service ecosystem, parts availability, and ownership confidence over your actual routes.
| Model | Core Strength | Main Compromise (Local Context) |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus LS 460 | More globally available, better dealer network | Less exclusive; sold worldwide unlike Century |
| Rolls-Royce Ghost | Western prestige, bespoke British craftsmanship | Vastly more expensive; different cultural statement |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 | Modern technology, global support, MBUX | Mass-market compared to Century's exclusivity |
| Nissan President | Similar Japanese state car concept | Discontinued 2010; rarer, less prestigious than Century |
Toyota Century — Repair & Service in Azerbaijan
Toyota's service infrastructure in Azerbaijan is more comprehensive than any rival in this segment. Several authorised Toyota dealers in Baku, numerous independent specialists, and wide local parts availability for major models are all accessible. Century maintenance costs are significantly lower compared to German rivals.
- 1GZ-FE V12: Oil change every 5,000–7,500 km (5W-30 full synthetic)
- V12 cooling system: Coolant replacement every 40,000 km
- V12 spark plugs (12 units): Replace every 30,000 km
- Transmission fluid: Change every 40,000 km
- Silk floor lining: Specialist care required — dedicated leather/textile service
- Air filters: Inspection every 15,000 km
Ownership Cost Estimator (Azerbaijan)
Adjust these values for your driving profile. All figures are estimates for planning purposes only.
- Estimated annual fuel consumption: 900 L
- Estimated annual fuel cost: $630
- Total annual ownership estimate: $6330
- Average monthly ownership estimate: $528
- The 1GZ-FE V12 engine is technically complex — requires specialist Toyota technician
- Spare parts are not available in Azerbaijan — most must be ordered directly from Japan
- Long body (5,265 mm) makes maneuvering on Baku's narrow streets challenging
- Used prices are very high — few examples reach the market
- Specialist technical team required for all luxury equipment to function fully
Used Century Buying Checklist
Inspect each point thoroughly before committing to a purchase. Request service records, VIN validation, and any recall completion documentation.
- Full V12 engine inspection across all 12 cylinders
- Both bank oil leak inspection
- Full luxury equipment functionality — massage seats, curtains
- V12 cooling system full inspection
- Bodywork electrical wiring condition throughout
- 4-speed automatic transmission smooth shift verification
- Japanese official service documentation availability
Century FAQ — Azerbaijan Buyers
Is the Toyota Century available in Azerbaijan?
Very rarely — mainly second-generation (1997–2017) examples through parallel import. Only a handful of examples are believed to exist in Azerbaijan. Third-generation (2018+) examples are virtually unavailable.
Why is the V12 engine so special?
The Toyota 1GZ-FE V12 5.0L engine was developed exclusively for the Century — it never reached the world market. 12 cylinders, two banks, fully balanced — extraordinarily quiet operation. It is one of the supreme technical achievement symbols in Japan.
How does the Century compare to a Rolls-Royce?
The Century represents a different concept of luxury according to Japanese culture — inner perfection over outer show, quiet gravitas, hand-crafted quality. If the Rolls-Royce is Western luxury, the Century is Eastern luxury.
Toyota Century ?
The Toyota Century is the most exclusive Toyota in Azerbaijan. With its V12 engine, hand-assembled interior, and long cabin, it is the highest expression of status. Given spare parts difficulties and high technical demands, it is recommended only for those with appropriate resources.
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