Toyota unveiled the convertible version of the all-new Century SUV for the first time at a sumo event at the Kokugikan on January 12 this year, when Toyota hinted at the existence of a convertible version of the Crown. In the preliminary sumo wrestling tournament held on the 28th of the same month, Fuji won the championship by Teruyuki Yokozuna, becoming the first wrestler to ride the ** Century SUV convertible version.
The Century SUV Convertible is a special model created by Toyota to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Great Sumo in 2025, mainly for use in the Japan Sumo Association's Victory Lux Parade. In the past, parade vehicles, including the Toyota Crown, were also used by various manufacturers.
Originally, this year's plan was to base it on the 16th-generation Crown Crossover, but after Toyota communicated with the association, it was decided to use it as the ** Century SUV instead. Chairman Akio Toyoda said at the time: Actually, we also prepared a convertible from the Crown. However, the exact details have not yet been revealed.
It wasn't until the video released by Toyota Times on the 5th of this month that the Crown convertible was revealed to the world for the first time. The film tells the secret of the production of the ** Crown convertible.
One of the highlights was the manufacturing team's removal of the crossover's roof, but still retaining the original sleek design concept to create a convertible that was both stylish and eye-catching. In the video, Vice President Hiroki Nakajima shares the challenges of making a convertible, saying: Building a convertible is extremely challenging in terms of technology and craftsmanship. We do yearn for the convertibles that are common in places like the United States, and the desire to drive while feeling the wind is part of our DNA. 」
In addition, Simon Humphries, who oversaw Toyota's design, emphasized the design philosophy of the convertible: to keep it refined and beautiful, even if it is a convertible. Unlike a regular car, the driver and passengers are seen and are part of the design. When designing Crown and Century, we took special care to make them look natural and unpretentious. 」
As for where will the Crown Convertible be unveiled? Vice President Nakajima said, "Each generation of the Crown model has a convertible version and is available for rental at various events, so it may be seen in various occasions in the future." 」