As one might expect, this V12-powered beast isn’t the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road. Despite its curb weight north of 4,000 pounds, it still manages to see around 17 miles per gallon combined.
In terms of safety, there are some outstanding features in the Toyota Century that are both impressive for the time and now. For example, each bank of the V12 engine has its own ECU, independently controlled throttle body, air cleaner, surge tank, and sensors. So, in an emergency situation, the car can be driven on just six cylinders.
It has six airbags and Toyota even set its sights on U.S. standards for head injury safety, despite the vehicle never being sold in the U.S. It has an impact-sensing door lock release system so as not to trap passengers inside in the event of a crash.
Finally, it has advanced anti-lock braking and traction control to keep the car on the road in the worst conditions. It even has a smart electronic throttle control system that precisely regulates throttle output based on traction. It even has a dedicated driving mode for snow.
The G50 Toyota Century’s production continued through the 2005 model year. When its successor, the G51 Toyota Century came out, it did so with a V8 power plant. So, the G50 remains the one and only V12-powered Toyota in the company’s history. Moreover, it’s the only V12 engine production car ever to come from Japan.
