Die Geburt eines Luxusriesen: Toyota GRMN Century SUV rollt in Serie

The Toyota GRMN Century SUV is set to enter production

The company's most luxurious SUV will receive a high-performance version

About a year ago, Toyota adorned an SUV with its most prestigious model name for the first time, creating a raised Century. At the debut of this luxury off-roader, we immediately noticed an intriguing Gazoo Racing variant equipped with minivan-style sliding rear doors. In fact, it was a fully enhanced GRMN model – and a one-off at that. However, that appears to be changing soon.

During a visit to China, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda took the opportunity to engage with owners of the Century SUV. He revealed that there is only one model of the car in the GRMN spec, a model that he personally owns. Similarly, the ultra-sleek Century GRMN sedan that garnered attention a few years back is also in his possession. However, unlike the sedan, the GRMN Century SUV will be put into production, allowing "many people around the world to drive it."

The traditional Century SUV is available with a V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers 406 horsepower. It's still uncertain what type of engine will be chosen for the Gazoo Racing Masters of the Nürburgring edition. The previous generation of the Century sedan was equipped with a conventional V8 engine. Before that, the Century was the only Toyota in history to feature a V12 engine, although it's unlikely that this option will make a comeback.

We still anticipate that the more potent GRMN Century SUV will pack a stronger punch, especially considering its GRMN designation. Toyota does have other sub-brands tied to Gazoo Racing. Take, for example, the vehicles marked with the GR Sport suffix. However, these are simply trim levels that offer aesthetic modifications and slightly more dynamic suspension settings.

There was even once a GRMN iQ. More substantial modifications are designated for GR vehicles such as the GR Yaris or GR Corolla. At the top of the hierarchy, however, are the GRMN models, although there have not been many of them. Usually, they are exclusive to the Japanese market and are offered in a very limited quantity.

What may come as a surprise to some is that Toyota once marketed a GRMN version of the compact iQ. Following that, the Yaris GRMN was available in Europe, and various spy shots strongly indicate that a GRMN edition of the Supra sports coupe is also on the horizon.

Currently, the Century SUV is only available in Japan and China. However, Toyota has hinted at plans to create a high-performance SUV. GR chief Tomoya Takahashi recently mentioned that this is a necessity. Yet, he likely wasn't referring to the Century SUV, which is quite pricey and occupies a very small market niche.

Regardless of the outcome, it appears that Toyota is quite comfortable with affixing a GRMN badge on an SUV. And why not? The market has been familiar with high-performance SUVs like AMG, M, and RS for years now.

By the way, the GRMN wouldn't be the only special edition of the Century SUV. Recently, Toyota constructed a convertible model to serve as a ceremonial vehicle for the Japanese Sumo Association.

Toyota's Upcoming 2024 Century SUV

Source: Toyota

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