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#ZACHMultimediaHotRods "Carmaker shows off new version of vehicle #ToyotaCentury traditionally used by Japanese royals and CEOs "TOKYO—Toyota Motor Corporation thinks the world outside of Japan may finally be ready to embrace its six-figure superluxury flagship car. "Toyota’s Century—often described as the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars of Japanese cars—is a frequent choice of corporate chieftains and government leaders in Japan, including the emperor. "Since it made its debut in 1967, the Century has been sold almost exclusively in Japan and the model has changed little from its original boxy sedan shape and classic styling. "Toyota on Wednesday showed off a new, larger, plug-in hybrid version of the model that “from the start had its eye on the world,” Executive Vice President #HirokiNakajima Toyota said, speaking at the unveiling event in Tokyo. "The new Century model will be introduced this year in Japan at a suggested retail price equivalent to around $170,000 and will be offered to customers in all regions of the world, Nakajima said. Toyota said select dealers in Japan would sell the model but didn’t describe sales procedures in other countries such as the U.S. "With its new Century, Toyota is targeting two segments—larger and luxury vehicles—that have continued to grow despite stagnation elsewhere in the car market. Until now, Toyota has primarily served the luxury market through its Lexus brand. "In 2022, global sport-utility vehicle sales grew 3% from the year earlier despite a slight decline in overall car shipments. That was due in part to strong demand for the vehicles in the U.S., India and Europe. Demand for luxury cars has also continued to rise through recent economic uncertainties. "One thing that won’t change is Toyota’s practice of having specially trained workers hand-make and customize the Century models in Japan. For now, Toyota said it wouldn’t produce more than 30 of the new Century models a month in addition to the existing sedan type it also continues to manufacture. "That means the new Century will likely have a bigger impact on Toyota’s brand image than its bottom line. Nakajima said the Century is a way to show off Toyota’s craftsmanship. He said details of overseas rollout plans would be determined based on initial reactions from customers. "Through the decades, Toyota’s Century has gained a following for being a decidedly Japanese take on a superluxury car. While little-known to most Toyota buyers in the U.S., it has attracted a following from some car enthusiasts such as comedian Jay Leno, who featured the model on a 2018 episode of his car-review series. "The vehicle’s grille features a badge inspired by the golden phoenix that adorns the Temple of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. The exit from the rear passenger cabin is lowered so that a person wearing a ceremonial kimono can easily get in and out. "It targets the Japanese upper crust who want to broadcast success, but not in a flashy way. The..."... ...

Toyota Century SUV Teased – Will Debut Globally On Sep 6th - https://lnkd.in/d3vx3nw8 - Will Debut Globally On Sep 6th Luxury SUV rage has engulfed most of the automotive brands across the world. Legacy car brands have jumped in the pond too - Lamborghini has Urus, Ferrari has Purosangue, Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX, Porsche has Cayenne and even Rolls-Royce has Cullinan. Toyota has entered the chat with Century SUV.Toyota Century SUV teased - The most luxurious Toyota ever!Century is one of Toyota's brands that embodies the pinnacle of what this Japanese behemoth of a company can achieve in luxury arena. If you're unfamiliar with Century brand, there's a good reason for that as it always has been JDM exclusive. Now for the first time, Toyota is making Century brand global with its first ultra-luxury SUV.Just recently confirmed, Toyota will unveil Century SUV on 6th September. Once debuted, launch could follow soon and there is a possibility of this hitting our shores as well. We say this because Toyota is making a habit of launching chauffeur-driven vehicles in India soon after their global debut.We saw this trend with Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM. If so, this will be the first Century vehicle to go on sale in India. In Toyota's grand scheme of things, Century brand slots above everything else in terms of luxury and opulence. Even above Toyota's premium brand Lexus.Century brand first debuted in 1967. Since then, it has been a sedan-only bespoke lineup for JDM market. With Century SUV going global, Toyota is highly likely to leave the bespoke factor behind. Rumour mill suggests Century SUV will get same underpinnings as Toyota Grand Highlander. This is a monocoque platform and might sport hybrid powertrains from Grand Highlander too.No more bespoke V12 - Say hello to hybridsIf this is true, we're looking at a big SUV with around 5.3 meters in length and 2 meters in width. Wheelbase will easily be greater than 3 meters. Exterior design will be stately and elegant, taking design cues from Century sedan. We're not so sure about Century's Gold Phoenix logo on global models, which represents Imperial House of Japan.On the inside, we can expect Century SUV to feature 2-row and 3-row seating layout options. Exquisite materials and skilled Takumi craftsmanship will be a standout attribute for Century SUV. We hope the collapsible front passenger seat backrest from Century sedan makes it here as well.Powertrains with Century SUV might not be very bespoke, just like its platform. Possibility of a bespoke V12 gasoline engine is very thin. Hybrid powertrains shared with Toyota Grand Highlander could be a more sensible option. If launched in India, Toyota Century SUV will lock horns with Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW XM, Land Rover Range Rover and the likes. Source

Mercedes Benz to unveil first Mythos model next year https://ift.tt/8vlQFe4 Mercedes-Benz made a grand announcement of introducing an ultra-luxury line-up called Mythos, which will sit above the Maybach model range. Since then, there hasn't been any fresh update on the brand or the model. In the document about its financial results for 2023, Mercedes reshared the same teaser image to announce that the first Mythos model will be launched in 2025. Mythos line-up to sit above Mercedes-Maybach range First model will be a speedster Expected to be produced in limited numbers First Mercedes-Mythos model to be a speedster There are talks of the current-gen SL getting a Maybach version, and if this teaser is to be believed, one can expect a Mythos branded model too. The higher-end models are expected to be based on the AMG SL 63, which means pricing will be astronomical and could even hit USD 3,00,000 (about Rs 2.5 crore) for the Mythos specification. Mercedes has earlier described Mythos as a dedicated sub-brand for "highly exclusive collectible cars with low production numbers.” These cars will be pitted against Bentley and Aston Martin models, among other high-end marquees. Mercedes-Benz had earlier said that it will, henceforth, focus on three distinct categories – top-end luxury, core luxury and entry luxury. Top-end luxury comprises all AMG and Maybach vehicles; the most expensive EQ-badged EVs; Mercedes S-Class, Mercedes GLS and Mercedes G-Class derivatives; and any limited-edition models. Expect more details on the Mythos brand of models from Mercedes closer to its global debut. SOURCE Also see: New Mercedes-AMG E 53 revealed with 612hp hybrid powertrain Mercedes Maybach Vision Ultimate Luxury high-riding sedan axed We see India's growth coming from Tier 2, Tier 3 markets: Mercedes' region overseas head via https://ift.tt/8vlQFe4

Third-generation Dacia Duster gets more rugged while staying cheap: Filed under: Renault,Crossover,SUV,Economy Cars Continue reading Third-generation Dacia Duster gets more rugged while staying cheap Third-generation Dacia Duster gets more rugged while staying cheap originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Nov 2023 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Email this |  Comments #car #cars #awesome

DEJA VU....An INCREDIBLE success story. Genesis brand and Hyundai Motor Company (현대자동차) as a whole, including Kia Worldwide. Remember, Toyota Motor Corporation's Japanese "junk" was introduced on consignment to the US in 1957? It now is the NUMBER ONE nameplate. Toyota's Lexus brand was introduced at approximately the same time as Nissan Motor Corporation's INFINITI Motor Company. Two dramatically divergent paths. Lexus/Nissan franchises are among the most highly valued, Infiniti/Nissan is near/at the bottom. We must admit skepticism about Genesis when introduced 8 years ago....MAN WERE WE WRONG! Scaling at a controlled pace, not volume at all costs......Tesla? We've been in/driven many Teslas and only a few Genesis' vehicles. The quality, fit/finish, interiors and retail/customer experience are NO CONTEST....sorry Tesla. "The brand’s closest competitors based on 2023 sales were Land Rover (71,727 units), Porsche AG (75,415 units), Lincoln Motor Company (81,818) and Volvo Cars (128,350). Genesis sales last year increased about 23% over the prior year to 69,175 vehicles." The Genesis brand has overtaken the decades-old Infiniti brand in annual U.S. sales since 2022. Infiniti....66,699 cars! Toyota/Lexus represent the best quality, resale/overall value on the planet, as well as a robust and HIGHLY profitable retail distribution network (DEALERS). DEJA VU with Hyundai and Genesis :) #automotive #automotiveindustry #sales #innovation #ecommerce #branding #ai #ev #electricvehicles #technology #business #leadership #disruptor

Cars With the Best Long-Term Resale Value: The Top 25 Ranked: … of automobiles in today’s car market includes anything from luxury sports cars … to rugged trucks and … trucks, hybrids, and compact SUVs to select sports cars and even some economy cars … #car #cars #awesome

First bespoke model in Mercedes' Mythos series lands in 2025: Mercedes-Benz in 2022 announced a new strategy of focusing on lower-volume but higher-margin vehicles, like those offered through its AMG and Maybach sub-brands. The strategy will also include the launch of a new Mythos series offering highly bespoke limited-edition cars. The first of these will arrive in 2025, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius said... #car #cars #awesome

It is with great excitement that I delve into the recent announcement, as explored in #News.com.au's article, of the impending local release of the #CadillacLyriq, the brand's foray into the electric vehicle market. This luxury electric SUV, offering cutting-edge technology and modern aesthetic, symbolises the renaissance of the Cadillac name in today's ever-evolving automotive landscape (https://lnkd.in/gmKvAXjA). The Lyriq truly encapsulates the electrifying revolution taking the automobile world by storm, its elegant design boasting a luxurious interior and innovative touchscreen interface, all powered by an eco-friendly electric drivetrain. With an impressive range between charges, this opulent SUV tackles one of the greatest concerns associated with electric vehicles: range anxiety. The Lyriq, thus, heralds a new era in which electric vehicles are not only environmentally responsible but also cater to the refined tastes of the luxury market. As a business professional, I am particularly intrigued by the strategy behind the Lyriq's local release. Traditional brand loyalties are being disrupted as consumers become ever more discerning of sustainability and technology. Cadillac's decision to adapt by offering a luxurious, environmentally-friendly vehicle is evidence of the company's foresight and innovative spirit, ensuring it remains both relevant and competitive in the #ElectricVehicle space. In conclusion, the Cadillac Lyriq demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can, indeed, harmoniously coexist. This electric SUV signals a bright future for both the brand and the wider automobile market, proving that one does not have to sacrifice elegance to maintain an eco-conscious stance. #InnovationInLuxury

This would be quite significant in the automotive world. If Toyota decides to proceed with creating a new flagship brand (superceding Lexus) named "Century", a whole new group of customers would opt in to spend in excess of 150k on an ultra-luxury vehicle with the engineering reputation (mostly tied to reliability and durability) associated with Toyota. The organization would enter markets in Asia, the Middle East and the Americas with the Century SUV, going up against models from Bentley, Rolls Royce and Land Rover - The Bentayga, Cullinan and Range Rover LWB Autobiography/SV respectively. What's interesting is the powertrain under the Century SUV. It has Toyota's ubiquitous 2.4 liter inline 4 hybrid, which is not necessarily a bad thing, promising class-leading fuel-efficiency and serenity of full electric drive (depending on the configuration of the electric motors). However, this could potentially deter some buyers from the silky smooth V8 and V12 engines offered by the competition in this segment. https://lnkd.in/eY_EFMeA

New Mercedes E-Class, EQG among brand's 2024 India launches Mercedes-Benz has maintained its position as the bestselling luxury brand in India in 2023, and it hopes to continue to do so in 2024. The brand has plans to bring at least nine new cars and SUVs next year, so without further ado, here's a look at each one and what they will offer. New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Price: Rs 70 lakh-90 lakh Launch: Late 2024 Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre diesel The sixth-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class will arrive in India by late 2024 and it’ll only be available in long-wheelbase form, like the previous generations. The all-new luxury sedan is larger than its predecessor and has many design elements seen on the flagship S-Class. It remains to be seen if the ‘Superscreen’ – made up of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen – will be available on the India-spec E-Class. Mercedes is expected to offer either a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid assist option or a 2.0-litre diesel engine option for India; a 9-speed automatic will be standard across the range. Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV Price: Rs 4 crore Launch: Late 2024 Battery: 108.4kWh Mercedes’ luxury sub-brand, Maybach, is set to bring the all-electric EQS SUV to the country late next year. Naturally, there’ll be oodles of chrome on the outside, along with signature Maybach wheels, dual-tone paint and Maybach logos to help differentiate it from the standard EQS SUV. The Maybach EQS SUV’s cabin is expected to be richly appointed, eminently luxurious, and feature top-notch quality and materials. The all-electric SUV will be available in ‘680’ form, which means it’ll be powered by a 108.4kWh battery that is said to provide 600km of range on a single charge. Two electric motors on each axle deliver a total output of 658hp and 950Nm of torque, which helps this big SUV sprint to 100kph in 4.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 210kph. Mercedes-Benz EQG SUV Price: Rs 3 crore Launch: Late 2024 Battery: TBA The electric equivalent of the hardy G-Class SUV, the EQG, sports very similar boxy styling. However, Mercedes-Benz has made a number of revisions to the bodywork to make it as aerodynamic and efficient as possible. The Mercedes-Benz EQG will be based on a ladder-frame chassis, and is said to be as capable and tough as the standard ICE G-Class. What will boost its off-road cred is that the EQG gets four motors; one at each wheel. Uniquely, it also features a ‘G-Turn’ function where the electric motors turn the wheels on the left and right in opposing directions, allowing the vehicle to perform an on-the-spot 360-degree turn. New Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Price: Rs 75 lakh-80 lakh Launch: Early 2024 Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre diesel A swanky alternative to the more upright GLC SUV, the Mercedes GLC Coupe gets a raked roofline with a plunging liftback-like tailgate. Like its SUV sibling, ...