LS Hybrid

Make
Lexus
Segment
Sedan

For those unfamiliar with Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles, the Century is a luxury limousine manufactured by Toyota for the Japan market only. It sits as the flagship in Toyota's lineup, even above Lexus products like the LS 500 - think of it as Japan's Rolls-Royce Phantom. Under the hood, the Century used to be powered by a V12 engine but now uses the same 5.0-liter V8 hybrid found in the old Lexus LS 600h.

There are several special variants of the car including a one-off convertible built for Japan's Emporer and a sporty GRMN model built for Toyota's CEO, Akio Toyoda. Only two examples of the Century GRMN are known to exist (a white one and a black one) but thanks to the Kyosho Die-cast Model Collection, you can now own your very own 1/18 scale model.

The scale model is based on the white example used by Toyoda himself. Like the real car, the die-cast model will be a limited production, with a slightly more attainable 700-unit run. This means, unlike the real one, you could potentially get your hands on it. Kyosho is selling the model for 19,800 yen, which translates to around $182 at current exchange rates. This is a lot to spend on a die-cast, considering you can find them here in the US for less than $20, but this is a limited-edition of an extremely rare car after all.

The model itself is also extremely detailed. The proportions look spot on right down to the honeycomb mesh grille, body kit, 19-inch BBS forged wheels, and carbon fiber rear spoiler. Even the interior features factory-correct buttons, screens, and trim pieces. Toyota keeps the powertrain figures a secret but the Century GRMN is rumored to make more power than the stock model's 425 horsepower. Kyosho says Toyoda's car also features an air suspension with special setup that differs from the standard Century.