Whoa: Toyota’s Rolls-Baiting Century SUV Might Have an 800-HP V-12

It seems Toyota is on a bit of a revival kick. First, it unveiled the GR GT that will mark the return of a 4.0-liter V-8 engine to the automaker’s arsenal. That’s an engine design and displacement we haven’t seen from Toyota since 2000 and the 1UZ. Now, there’s a chance that the new Century Coupe concept unveiled last fall at the Japan Mobility Show might resurrect another legendary engine when it reaches production. Is the world ready for another Toyota V-12? We are.

Why is this engine significant? If there’s an engine layout that signifies power, luxury, and extravagance, it’s the V-12 and the 1GZ-FE found in the Toyota Century limousine from 1997 through 2017 was said to be one of the best. It was silky and smooth, perfect for keeping chauffeured owners unruffled. A handful of these top-shelf sedans even made it to the U.S. for use by Toyota executives.

Now, with a new Century ultra-luxury brand and vehicle on the horizon, there’s a chance Toyota will revive this engine design with modern tweaks.

According to Magazine X, a Japanese publication that covers its auto industry, sources indicate a new 6.0-liter V-12 is in the works and will live under the hood of the Century Coupe SUV/lifted car thing. While the outlet is unsure of how this V-12 would be built (either as a brand-new casting or be based on the BMW 3.0-liter I-6 currently in the GR Supra) the Century won’t solely rely on piston-powered grunt.

Instead, it seems the engine will be assisted by both a pair of turbochargers and a plug-in hybrid system, and it will feature AWD. The report says that this should be good enough for around 800 hp routed through an 8- or 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Century Coupe isn’t a swoopy Highlander but for rich people, it’s Toyota’s big swing at going way upmarket. Unlike Lexus shooting for Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the aim for the Century brand will target Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Maybach. It doesn’t need to make a profit, and it’s meant to make a point. Packing a new V-12 will certainly do that.