What is the official state car of the Emperor of Japan?
Answer
Toyota Century Royal
The official state car of the Emperor of Japan is the Toyota Century Royal.
The Century Royal is a specially built, highly customized version of Toyota’s Century limousine. Toyota produced it for Japan’s Imperial Household, and it entered service in 2006. Unlike an ordinary luxury sedan, the vehicle was designed for ceremonial appearances, official travel, and state occasions.
Its passenger compartment includes wool-cloth upholstery, granite entry steps, and a ceiling finished with traditional Japanese washi paper. The car is also equipped with undisclosed security features. It uses a 5.0-liter V12 engine shared with the standard third-generation Century, producing 280 PS and 460 Nm of torque.
The Century Royal is often confused with the regular Toyota Century, which is Japan’s flagship luxury car and is also used by senior officials and business leaders. The Imperial Household also has other Century sedans for official duties, but the specially prepared Century Royal is the distinctive state car associated with the Emperor.