All posts by Francis Mitterrand

2024 Toyota Century Limited

Toyota Century Limited is the most expensive and most luxurious SUV of the Japanese manufacturer. Only 30 examples will be produced per month and each will cost around $169,000.

The story about this car begins in 1967, when it was presented as a lineup of full-size luxury cars and limousines produced mainly for the Japanese market. The first generation was powered by a V8 engine, and from 1997 a V12 was used until 2018, when it returned to a V8 with the addition of Toyota’s hybrid technology.

After 56 years of production of this sedan, Toyota presents this expensive model in SUV form for the first time. At 5205 mm long, 1990 mm wide and 1805 mm high and with a wheelbase of 2950 mm, the new Century SUV is shorter than the sedan version, and can accommodate four people instead of five.

The front part of the vehicle is decorated with a medium-sized radiator grille and a logo with a phoenix bird instead of the classic Toyota badge, a new design of LED headlights. Moving towards the back, it can be noticed that the front doors are shorter than the rear doors, which have an opening angle of 75 degrees.

The interior of the SUV has a modern design, with digital instruments instead of analog ones, a central multimedia system screen with buttons below it. Behind the rear seats is a glass that separates the passenger space from the trunk, so the passengers behind will not be bothered by the sounds coming from the trunk.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Toyota Century is powered by a 3.5L V6 gasoline engine combined with a rear-mounted electric motor with a total power of 406 hp (299 kW). Power is sent to all wheels via a CVT gearbox. It has a special Rear Comfort mode, which distributes the braking force and adjusts the chassis in such a way that those sitting in the back are not bothered by movements and vibrations while driving.

Source: Toyota

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Jeep Gladiator FarOut Final Edition

When Jeep introduced the open-air truck, the Jeep Gladiator, in 2020, everything looked promising. However, the pressure of electrification forced the manufacturer to stop production of this car. So Jeep has prepared a special edition of this model, the Gladiator FarOut Final Edition, for European customers.

Gladiator FarOut Final Edition is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 Multijet diesel engine with 264 hp (194 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is equipped with the advanced Selec-Trac system with permanent 4×4 drive, which has a transfer case for low gears, third-generation Dana 44 axles and a Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential. It is mounted on black 18-inch wheels.

Jeep has already started the transition to an all-electric brand, so the decision to withdraw the 5.18-meter-long Gladiator pick-up is somehow expected. The Gladiator FarOut Final Edition can be ordered in seven exterior colors: Bright White, Black, High Velocity, Zynith Silver, Sting Grey, Sarge Green and Hydro Blue.

The car is equipped with Mopar tubular side skirts, leather upholstery, heated seats, heated steering wheel, Alpine premium audio system and LED lights.

Source: Jeep

Mini is giving up the manual gearbox

British car manufacturer Mini has announced that it will no longer sell cars with a manual gearbox. Obviously, the company is sticking to its plan to switch to all-electric cars.

In an interview with Top Gear, the head of the British brand Stefanie Wurst said that in the future Mini will focus even more on electric models, including the motorsport division. As for the thermal engines, Mini did not reveal more information, but it is possible that it will only be offered as a hybrid.

The John Cooper Works 1TO6 Special Edition will be the last Mini with a six-speed manual gearbox. This car, which offers the feeling of driving a go-kart, is based on the old generation Cooper and was produced in only 999 examples.

A few days ago, Mini presented new generations of fully electric Mini Countryman and Mini Cooper Electric. Mini Countryman is powered by a single electric motor with 201 hp (148 kW) and is equipped with a 64.7 kWh battery. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.6 seconds and has a range of 462 km. For those who want more power, the Countryman SE ALL4 is powered by two electric motors with a power of 309 hp (227 kW), which is enough to push the car to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Petrol engines with 168, 215 and 296 hp are also available as an option.

Mini Cooper Electric comes in two versions, E and SE. The Cooper Electric E is powered by a single electric motor with 181 hp (133 kW) and is equipped with a 40.7 kWh battery. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds and has a range of 306 kilometers. The Cooper Electric SE is powered by a single electric motor with 215 hp (158 kW) and is equipped with a 54.2 kWh battery. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds and has a range of 403 kilometers.

Source: Mini, Top Gear