[supra93]

The Toyota Century is closely associated with Japanese royalty and it appears the company has made a one-off convertible in honor of the new emperor’s coronation ceremony on October 22nd.

According to Japanese Nostalgic Car, the model is officially called the “royal parade car” and will be used to transport Emperor Naruhito on a 2.9 mile (4.6 km) route through the streets of Tokyo to the Akasaka Palace.

The Century is reportedly the royal family’s first new parade car in 30 years and replaces a 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche which was only used on two occasions. The new car is slated to see a lot more action as it will be used during high-profile events such as the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. It will also reportedly be put on display at palaces in Kyoto and Tokyo, when not in use.

The convertible closely echoes the standard Toyota Century, but the model has been equipped with a retractable roof and a modified rear end. JNC also reports the car features unique seats which have backrests that are fixed at a 25 degree angle to provide “unobstructed views of the royals.” Furthermore, the rear seats are reportedly positioned 1.6 inches (40 mm) higher than on the sedan.

Little else is known about the car, but it presumably uses the same powertrain as the sedan. As a result, the convertible likely has a hybrid powertrain that consists of a nickel-metal hydride battery, an electric motor and a 5.0-liter V8 engine that develops 376 hp (280 kW / 381 PS) and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) of torque. This setup gives the Century a combined output of 425 hp (317 kW / 431 PS).

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/09/on...or-an-emperor/

[WestRace]

It looks like a Chinese Rolls Royce :-) I think I would be embarrassed driving it.

[GenXer]

I guess they don't have to worry about the emperor getting assassinated.

[Darth One]

Originally Posted by GenXer

I guess they don't have to worry about the emperor getting assassinated.

beat me to it. i came here to post "they should ask JFK's family whether this was a good idea"