Toyota's New Luxury Brand Won't Go Electric: 'Yes, It Will Have an Engine'

The Toyota Century brand will rival Rolls-Royce with a range of combustion-powered luxury cars.

Photo by: Toyota

By: Jeff Perez

Dec 2, 2025 at 11:22am ET

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Toyota recently introduced a new luxury sub-brand above Lexus, dubbed Century. Named after the luxurious Century sedan that’s been on the Japanese market for more than 50 years, Toyota’s new ultra-premium brand promises an entire line of posh people movers designed to take on the likes of Rolls-Royce. Best of all, they will have gas engines.

In a recent interview with Australia's CarExpert, Toyota confirmed that its Century models will have combustion engines. Toyota powertrain president, Takashi Uehara, said that the company has "not actually decided which kind of engine will be installed," but that "yes, it will have an engine."

Exactly what engine could the company use? Still unclear. But Toyota does have several compelling options to choose from.

One possibility is Toyota’s new hybrid four-cylinder engine. The company is reportedly targeting around 400 horsepower, with executives saying that "600 horsepower is easily possible." That powertrain pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with battery assist.

Century Coupe Concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show

Photo by: Toyota

A more likely candidate is Toyota’s upcoming hybrid V-8, expected to debut in the GR GT supercar and its Lexus sibling. Toyota has already confirmed the V-8 will serve more than just sports cars, potentially appearing in future trucks, SUVs, and Century models. Output is rumored to exceed 900 hp.

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As for a potential V-12 revival, there have been whispers of a new 12-cylinder engine for the Century range—a nod to the second-generation Century sedan, which offered a V-12 from 1997 to 2017. However, most of these rumors appear unfounded, so expectations should be tempered.

Still, Toyota’s commitment to combustion power for its Century brand is promising. The first models are expected to hit the road within the next two years, though it remains uncertain whether any will come to the US. Here’s hoping.