Toyota Century Won't Go Full Electric, It's Keeping a Proper Engine Instead

Everyone thought the next Toyota Century would finally ditch the engine and go battery-only. Nope. Toyota just confirmed the iconic Japanese luxury limo is sticking with internal combustion. And not just any old engine, it could get the brand's new V8.

This news dropped literally yesterday, straight from Toyota's powertrain boss.

The Confirmation Came Straight from the Top

Takashi Uehara, president of Toyota's powertrain division, told reporters the next-generation Century sedan will not be fully electric. "We have not actually decided which kind of engine will be installed," he said. But it will definitely have an engine.

That means either the new modular V8 that's coming for Toyota and Lexus performance cars, or possibly a hybrid version of it. The current Century already runs a silky-smooth V8 hybrid, so a newer, cleaner version makes perfect sense.

Why Toyota Isn't Rushing to Electric for Its Flagship

The Century isn't a normal car. It's Japan's version of a Rolls-Royce Phantom – built for emperors, prime ministers, and CEOs who get driven around. These buyers want absolute silence, effortless power, and zero drama.

A big battery pack adds weight. Charging infrastructure is still a pain for chauffeur-driven cars that do long trips. And honestly, some people just love the feel of a proper V8.

Toyota calls this its "multi-pathway" approach. The company isn't putting all its eggs in the EV basket. Instead, it's building new engines that can run on petrol, hybrid, hydrogen, or even synthetic fuels. The new engine family is modular, same basic design, different cylinder counts, and works front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive.

A Quick History of Century Engines

• First generation (1967-1997): Japan's only production V12.

• Second generation (1997-2017): Still the V12, because why change perfection?

• Third generation (2018-now): Switched to a 5.0-litre V8 hybrid with 425 horsepower combined.

The next one will keep that tradition alive, just with newer tech.

The New V8 Sounds Properly Exciting

Toyota is already working on a twin-turbo V8 that's related to its high-performance four cylinders. This engine is headed to the GR GT supercar and the next Lexus flagship sports car. Different versions can be tuned gently for luxury cars or brutally for track weapons.

For the Century, expect the gentle one, all torque, no noise, perfect for gliding through Tokyo traffic while the boss sleeps in the back.

Could We Finally Get the Century Outside Japan?

Toyota has started hinting at global sales. The Century SUV is already sold in a few markets. The regular sedan might follow, possibly through Lexus dealerships. Imagine pulling up to a hotel in Dubai or LA in a proper Japanese Rolls-Royce rival.

Bottom Line

While everyone else panics about the death of the combustion engine, Toyota is quietly building better ones. The Century proves there's still life in proper engines, especially at the very top end of the market where buyers want perfection, not ideology.

The car won't arrive tomorrow. Details are still being finalised. But when it does come, it'll remind everyone that going electric isn't the only way to be modern. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com