Twin-turbo V12 rumoured for Toyota’s Century coupe – report

Toyota is said to be working on a new twin-turbocharged V12 engine, with unconfirmed reports it's being earmarked for the forthcoming ultra-luxury Century coupe.

Company chairman Akio Toyoda unveiled the Century Concept at the 2025 Tokyo motor show – with the vehicle rumoured to be a personal passion project of the executive – but details of the vehicle’s powertrain have yet to be officially announced.

Citing company sources, Japanese publication Magazine X claims Toyota is working on a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 with hybrid assistance – putting out an estimated 600kW of combined power – with the Century created to rival the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

“Japan as a nation seems to have lost some of its energy and dynamism, along with our presence in the world … If [founder] Kiichiro and [original Century engineer, Kenya] Nakamura could see Japan today, what would they say?” asked Toyoda-san at the Century Concept unveiling.

“I suspect they wouldn’t say anything, and instead leap straight into action … I believe now more than ever, we need the Century.”

While the previous generation of the Century sedan was powered by a V12, the current Century sedan uses a hybrid V8, with the mechanically unrelated Century SUV getting a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 3.5-litre V6 engine.

It’s believed the Lexus LFA supercar came with a V10 engine to ensure a V12 was reserved for the Century – which sits above all others in Toyota’s model hierarchy, including Lexus.

The rumour comes after Toyota revealed it was developing a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder – with expectations the engine will feature across its high-performance Gazoo Racing lineup.

The Japanese auto giant also unveiled the GR GT sports car in December 2025, powered by an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with hybrid technology.