Dedication to Constantly Improving Automobiles Transforms the Unreachable into Reality (Genba)
The new Toyota Century, unveiled in September, is a stunning embodiment of the concept of "inheritance and evolution," seamlessly blending traditional, dignified styling cues with modern, refined innovations.
The design of the new Century retains a style that makes it instantly recognizable as a Century, with its long, clean silhouette and commanding stature. This quiet luxury and discreet elegance are evident in the massive chrome alloy wheels, flush door handles, and privacy tinted windows. The two-tone body color, a signature feature of earlier models, has been reinterpreted on the new SUV variant with cladding to maintain visual continuity with the sedan's heritage.
While retaining foundational design elements such as the horizontal and vertical lines, the new Century showcases thoughtful evolution. New details like the C-shaped LED headlamps distinguish the newest model from past versions and competitors, demonstrating a careful balance between preserving the Century's identity and adapting to contemporary luxury standards. The front and rear lamp designs integrate modern lighting technology but maintain symmetry and understated styling, a testament to the Century’s identity.
Inside, the car reflects both tradition and innovation. It combines luxury materials like polished wood and brushed metal trim with a high-tech, digital display and touch controls, representing an evolution of the luxurious and meticulously crafted cabin environment for modern users. Features such as electrically adjustable, ventilated, and massaging seats elevate comfort, preserving the Century's reputation for offering a refined experience tailored for executives and dignitaries.
Under the hood, a silenced but powerful V8 or hybrid engine furthers the concept of evolutionary refinement. Powerful yet discreet, the engine mirrors the car’s philosophy of subtle strength and advanced engineering.
The development of the new Century was a collaborative effort involving design, production engineering, and craftsmanship. Chief Engineer Yoshikazu Tanaka and Design Division General Manager Tatsuya Sonoda were key individuals in the development process. Sonoda, particularly focused on the car's proportions and front grille, initially thought the acrylic grille was unfeasible. However, the team made it happen with assistance from Toyoda Gosei.
The front grille design employs a new acrylic material that transitions from a solid upper section to a honeycomb pattern. This unique feature, inspired by traditional Kumiko latticework found in Japanese architecture, achieves a gradation that gives it a sense of depth. The side pillars' acute angle, inspired by the Mikazuki Munechika sword, could not be reproduced with a standard press. A forming method combining stamping and laser processing was devised for the new Century, a first for a mass-market vehicle.
Clay modelers spent more time shaping the exterior of the new Century than on any other vehicle, ensuring every detail was perfected. The grille design changes expressions depending on the viewer's position and distance, adding a dynamic element to the Century's exterior.
In conclusion, the new Century exemplifies "inheritance and evolution" by respecting classic luxury automobile aesthetics and craftsmanship while integrating contemporary technology and design trends to evolve its style and features without losing the core values that define the Century name.
- The new Toyota Century, with its powerful yet discreet engine, showcases the finance sector's influence in the automotive industry, as technological advancements are seamlessly integrated into this luxury vehicle.
- The design collaborators, like Chief Engineer Yoshikazu Tanaka and Design Division General Manager Tatsuya Sonoda, demonstrate the significance of finance in transportation, as they manage the complex project budget and secure funding for innovative elements, such as the unique acrylic grille.
- As the new Century gracefully blends traditional styling with modern innovations, it serves as a testament to the evolving lifestyle trends that permeate various sectors, including finance and automotive, emphasizing the importance of balancing heritage with contemporary demands.
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