The engine code of the V12 in the second-generation Toyota Century is 1GZ-FE. Introduced in 1997, the second-generation Century used Toyota’s first production V12, a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated engine designed for exceptionally smooth and quiet operation rather than outright sporting performance.
The 1GZ-FE has a 60-degree V12 layout, double overhead camshafts and 48 valves. It used electronic fuel injection and Toyota’s VVT-i variable valve-timing system. Japanese-market output was officially listed at 280 PS, reflecting Japan’s former manufacturers’ power agreement, while export specifications were commonly rated at 220 kW.
The Century’s V12 is unusual because it powered a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Japanese production car intended primarily for chauffeured executive transport. The second-generation model, known by the G50 designation, remained in production from 1997 to 2017. The code can be confused with Toyota’s 1UZ-FE V8, 2JZ-GTE inline-six or 3S-GTE four-cylinder, but those engines were not the Century’s V12.