TOYOTA - Century (VG20) - 1967-1997

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The Toyota Century is a large four-door limousine produced by Toyota mainly for the Japanese market. Production of the Century began in 1967 and the model received only minor changes until redesign in 1997. This second-generation Century is still sold in Japan, with some exports to Asian countries, notably Hong Kong where it is used as the official transportation for the Chief Executive.

The Century is produced in limited numbers and is built in a "nearly hand-made" fashion. It is often used by royalty, government leaders, and executive businessmen. The Century is comparable in purpose to the Austin A135, ZIS/ZIL, Chinese Red Flag, and Maybach limousines.

1st Generation (1967–1997)
First-generation Century(VG20)

The original Century was based on the 1964 Toyota Crown, which featured the 2.6 L V8 Toyota 3V engine. The 1967 Century was equipped with an upgraded version of this engine, the 3.0 L 3V. 1973 saw the introduction of the 3.4 L 4V, and the engine was once again changed to the 4.0 L 5V in 1982. Note that the 3V, 4V, and 5V do not refer to the number of valves in the engine; they denote models in the line of Toyota V engines. There is also a L-Type stretched version of the Century, length is 5270mm with a wheelbase of 3010mm.

The 1st generation Century remained largely untouched during its 30-year production run. Although minor cosmetic changes and engine upgrades occurred throughout its lifespan, the commercial longevity of the Century chassis is nevertheless impressive.

2nd Generation (1997–present)

The Century received a complete redesign in 1997, although the new model was visually very similar to the old. The 1997 model also received an engine upgrade: it could be purchased with the 280 PS 5.0 L 1GZ-FE V12. The Century remains the first and only Japanese front-engine, rear-wheel drive production car equipped with a V12.

The Century has been Toyota's most luxurious model since its inception in 1967. In fact, it is placed above the Toyota equivalents of Lexus offerings in Japan. The Century is distinguished by different color options than the rest of the Toyota lineup.

Like other cars in the top of the luxury class, the Century is designed with a chauffeur in mind. Hence, the rear seats recline and the front passenger seat has a fold-down center section so that a passenger in the back may stretch his feet forward.

The Century is priced at ¥15,000,000 or approximately US$150,000 (as of 2005).

Although the Century is not exported outside Japan in large numbers, it is used frequently by officials stationed in overseas Japanese offices.

In contrast to other luxurious cars (such as the Maybach or a Rolls Royce), the Century has not been positioned and marketed as a sign of wealth or excess. Instead, the Century projects an image of conservative achievement. Marketing literature states roughly that, "the Century is acquired through persistent work, the kind that is done in a plain but formal suit." This image drove a good deal of the 2nd generation design as a traditional and tasteful update of the original.

European and American critics have noted that the styling of the 2nd generation Century is similar to many German and British cars, such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit.



Nelson (kombota)

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A step above the Crown Eight with its completely new design, was an internationally competitive luxury car, a prestige saloon. Named to commemorate the 100 years since Sakichi Toyoda's birth and the Meiji Era's centennial, it displayed unbelievable performance and Japan-like styling. It weighed more than 1.7 tons, had a high-performance, 3.0-liter V8 engine and was capable of reaching speeds of 170km/h. Its weight and smooth ride concealed the high-performance engine it possessed.

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<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tec_club/sets/72157594286906485/">Restantes fotos</a><!--EZCODE LINK END-->

Um exemplar dos nosso dias. Descubram as diferenças!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX2lack8oSs

Nelson (kombota)

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The VG20 model Century was released in 1967 as a full upgrade of the VG10 model with a completely new design. A large top-of-the-range car that combined luxury with high-performance, it was named Century to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Sakichi Toyoda, the father of Toyota's founder, Kiichiro.
The VG20D was equipped with a V8 engine with an aluminum block and heads, as well as styling and a full range of stability, safety, and comfort features appropriate for a prestige car. Its equipment included a 3-speed automatic transmission, air conditioner, stereo radio, electro luminescent illumination technology, and air purifier. It had a longitudinal subframe to reduce weight and vibration.
The front independent suspension was designed so that a constant level of comfort could be maintained at all times. It featured the first application of rolling diaphragm pneumatic springs in a Japanese passenger vehicle, in combination with trailing arms and oleopneumatic cylinders. The rear suspension combined trailing arms with coil springs. It was characterized by left and right strut bars inserted between the lower arms and differential cage instead of lateral rods, meaning that the lower arms also performed the role of suppressing lateral movement.

Storage location : TOYOTA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM (41-100, Yokomichi, Nagakute, Nagakute-cho, Aichi-gun, Aichi-ken 480-1131)

Year manufactured : 1967

Manufacturer : Toyota Motor Corporation

Classification : Mass-production vehicle

Current status : On public display: static
   
Vehicle name : Toyota Century

Model name : Model VG20D

Company name : Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.

Year manufactured : 1967

Vehicle type/usage : Standard-sized passenger car
   
Model / Weight     
Style : Sedan

Number of doors : 4

Passenger capacity : 6

Vehicle weight : 1800 kg

Body / Size     
Structure : Unit body construction

Bumpers : Provided (steel)

Step : None

Overall length : 4980 mm

Overall width : 1890 mm

Overall height : 1450 mm

Tire size : 7.85-14 6PR
   
Body / Axle / Driving / Others     
Frame : Front/rear subframe type

Front axle : Trailing arm

Rear axle : Semifloating trailing arm

Wheelbase : 2860 mm

Front tread x rear tread : 1520×1540 mm

Vehicle height adjustment : None

Steering : Power steering

Dampers : Hydraulic double-acting cylinder

Stabilizer : (Front) torsion bar

Driving stability devices : None

Features : Light controlling system Air conditioner (built-in type) Air purifier Auto door lock (at 30 km/h) Rear window defogger Independent suspension using rolling diaphragm pneumatic springs. The first combined application of trailing arms and oleopneumatic cylinders in Japan.
   
Engine / Size / Power     
Cooling/cylinder arrangement : Water-cooled V8-cylinder (3V type)/

Valve train : OHV (2 rocker shafts)

Carburetor : 4-barrel

Bore x stroke : 78.0×78.0 mm

Displacement : 2981 cc

Ignition system : Semi-transistor type

Max. power/r.p.m. : 150 ps/5200 rpm

Max. torque/r.p.m. : 24 kgm/3600 rpm

Supercharger : None

Fuel tank capacity : 90 L

Fetures : Transistor type electromagnetic fuel pump, PCV
 
Hybrid     
Hybrid system type : None
   
Drive-train     
Transmission : 3-element 1-speed 2-axis type torque converter

Nelson (kombota)

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