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Toyota Century SUV to get a performance variant

Akio Toyoda hints at Century GRMN SUV for “many people around the world”.

2 min read•23 Aug '24

Akbar Merchant

26K+ views

When Toyota took the covers off the Century luxury SUV in September 2023, it also showcased a one-off performance-oriented Century GRMN as a prototype. Now, Toyota Corporation’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, has confirmed that the brand plans to bring the Century GRMN SUV into series production.

Century GRMN SUV has sliding doors at the rear
Gets multiple carbon fibre bits and a unique alloy wheel design
Century SUV is currently sold in Japan and China only

Toyota Century GRMN SUV: New Details

That the Century GRMN SUV could go into production came up during a meeting between Toyoda and Century owners from China.

“The Century I own is the only GRMN there is for now. Next, I want to make a GRMN that many people from around the world can ride,” said Toyoda. When asked if the Century GRMN would be introduced, Toyoda replied, “We’re planning to,” but added, “We need to wait a bit.”

Toyota Century GRMN SUV: What All is Different

The Century GRMN SUV has a pronounced front splitter with Century lettering, especially designed side skirts and a rear diffuser with all parts made of carbon fibre. It gets 22-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black. The Century GRMN SUV’s overall stance looks different and lower than that of the standard Century SUV. At the rear, it has sliding doors, which can be opted for in the standard Century SUV.

The Century GRMN SUV will likely get performance modifications and a sharper chassis setup with revised suspension, steering and brakes. It could pack more power, too. For reference, the Century SUV comes with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol with a plug-in hybrid good for 406hp. It has an e-CVT gearbox and the E-Four Advanced AWD system.

Currently, the Century SUV is limited to the Japanese and Chinese markets, but Toyota has plans to increase its global footprint to take on the likes of the Rolls Royce Cullinan. And the Century SUV GRMN will directly rival the Cullinan Black Badge, which also has sporty character and looks.

What is Toyota GRMN?

Toyota vehicles with the GRMN suffix are generally the most extreme performance-focused models from the brand, positioned above the GR (serious sports line-up), the GR Sport (entry-level sports range), and the GR Parts (accessories).

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