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What Toyota has a V12 engine?

The Toyota Century is the sole production Toyota model powered by a V12 engine, utilizing Toyota’s 1GZ-FE V12 developed specifically for this car. It represents a rare, Japan-focused application of a long-standing engine configuration.


Production model with a V12


The following entry highlights the production Toyota model that has used a V12 engine and provides context about its exclusivity and availability.



  • Toyota Century (G50, introduced in 1997 and produced in small, limited volumes) — powered by the 1GZ-FE V12 engine, making it one of the very few V12-powered vehicles produced by a Japanese automaker.


The Century’s V12 engine underscores Toyota’s rare exploration of this classic configuration, primarily reserved for a chauffeur-driven luxury sedan in Japan and only sporadically seen outside the domestic market.


Engine basics and historical context


The 1GZ-FE V12


The V12 engine used in the Century, known by its 1GZ-FE designation, was developed to deliver smooth, refined power and quiet operation tailored to a luxury, limousine-style experience. It stands out in Toyota’s history as a rare V12 offering from a mainstream manufacturer.


Market presence and availability


Centuries with the V12 are primarily sold in Japan, with only limited export in some generations. Today, Toyota has shifted more toward V6/V8 configurations and broader electrified powertrains for mainstream models, while the Century remains a low-volume, flagship vehicle for specific markets.


Summary


In short, the Toyota Century is the only production Toyota model that has used a V12 engine in recent decades. While Toyota has pursued a wide range of engines across its lineup, the V12 remains a rarity tied to this exclusive flagship sedan, illustrating a unique chapter in the brand’s engineering history.

Does Toyota have a V12 engine?


The Century remains the first and only Japanese front-engine, rear-wheel-drive production car equipped with a V12, and it has Toyota's first V12 engine.



How much is a Toyota Century V12?


Prices for a Toyota Century with a V12 engine start at around $25,000, while model years with V8 engines retail for around $10,000 or lower.



How much horsepower does a 2015 Toyota Century V12 have?


276 hp
This model is powered by a 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) 5.0 L 1GZ-FE V12, initially with a 4-speed automatic, until a 6-speed “intelligent” transmission arrived in 2005. It also features air suspension.



Which Toyota car has a V12 engine?


The car that broke Toyota's own mold was the 1997–2017 Toyota Century G50. This second-generation flagship was the only Toyota and Japanese car to ever use a V12 engine. The 1GZ-FE is a 5.0-liter DOHC twelve-cylinder motor that produced 276 hp and 355 lb-ft.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.