Cars are essential in today’s world, and they have evolved from just transportation machines to so much more. Whether you’re shuttling to and from work or just rushing to the grocery store, a car makes it quick and comfortable.
Public figures, royals, and sports stars are known for their high-end cars, some of which offer top defensive armory and speed while maintaining comfort. Politicians are known for riding some of the most iconic and sophisticated cars, and those in Japan aren’t left out either.
Official state cars are vehicles that governments use in transporting their heads of state, other governing members, and visiting dignitaries on official duties. Japan is home to some of the world’s largest, successful, and historied car makers in the world.
Over the years, they’ve had the honor of being picked as the official state car providers for the Asian nation, despite not selling in America.
Let’s take a look at the official state cars of Japan and what makes them suitable for the job.
The Lexus LS600h L Is The Official Car Of The Japanese Prime Minister
The Lexus LS600h L is the official state car of Japan’s Prime Prime Minister. This car is not only a luxurious sedan, but it is also very comfortable and fit for the Japanese Prime Minister too.
It accompanies the Prime Minister on official duties within the Asian nation. When on external official duties and trips, the Prime Minister’s car may be airlifted.
The Lexus LS600h L carries lots of cool and useful tweaks to meet the needs of transporting a current head of state.
Japan’s Prime Minister travels in this luxury sedan car from Toyota’s Lexus company. An unaltered Toyota century may also be used by the Prime Minister in some instances, along with a police motorcade.
This car is extremely safe and carries some useful and advanced safety features. The Lexus LS600h L boasts of heavy steel armor that is spread around the car.
It also features windows that are fully polycarbonate. This window helps the car in case of any attacks, shielding the occupants.
When it comes down to the engine, the Lexus LS600h L surely packs a punch. A 4.6-liter V8 petrol follows the Lexus LS600h L and gives a solid horsepower of 386 hp along with a torque of 498 Nm.
The Official State Car Of The Japanese Royal Family Is The Toyota Century Royal
Japan is a constitutional monarchy that has an emperor and an empress as royal figures. Royals often make public appearances and may even go on official state duties.
What cars are then fit to transport the emperor of Japan and his family? Well, for starters, such a royal car must be a Japanese-produced door-mounted car and must be bigger than other cars.
Also, such a car has to be more environmentally friendly and safer and has to be fit for daily driving. It also helps if the vehicle has a correctly sized rear seat that ensures the emperor is visible to onlookers.
The car that fits the bill is the impressive Toyota Century Royal. This car is made by one of Japan’s biggest carmakers and was made to commemorate the 100th birthday of founder Sakichi Toyoda.
Although the Imperial House of Japan notably uses it, senior Japanese government leaders and the Prime Minister may also use a Toyota Century Royal. Toyota significantly altered the car for the royal family.
A Toyota Century Convertible Was Made To The Taste Of Emperor Naruhito For His Coronation Parade In October 2019
This new royal parade car takes over from the imperial family’s previous parade car, a 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III.
Toyota Century limo cars have been serving the royal family for years. The family owns 4 Century limos that come with great features, including the convertible and a hearse for funerals.
The Toyota Century’s full model update continues with its longstanding visual tradition. It also adds some useful technological upgrades like the Toyota T-Connect and Safety Sense P-series collision avoidance support.
The first generation of the Toyota Century cars featured side-view mirrors installed above the front wheels. This has remained in later versions as a standard feature, but door-mounted units with turn signal lights have replaced them.
The second generation of Toyota century cars carry a V12 engine. However, the third-generation hybrid powertrains of the Toyota century cars carry a 5.0-liter V8 engine.
This engine produces an output of 425 horsepower. One peculiar thing about the third generation drivetrain is that it is synonymous with the Lexus LS600h L, another Japanese official state car.
Although this premium, full-size luxury sedan is a popular car among Japanese royals, it is hardly available at Lexus dealerships in Japan. Buyers can only get them at Toyota stores which the company specifically identifies.