$500K Limousine for Japan's Imperial Family
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TOKYO — The British royal family might drive around in Rolls-Royces and Jaguars. But in Japan, the country's number-one family cruises in Toyotas and Nissans. And it's not the odd Lexus with a long wheelbase and tinted windows.
On July 7, Toyota delivered the emperor's new car, a Century Royal, to the Imperial Household Agency at the palace in central Tokyo. Costing upwards of $460,000, the specially built limo is 20 feet long, 6.5 feet wide and seats eight. Fitted with Japan's — and Toyota's — only 5.0 liter V12 engine, the one-off vehicle replaces the Prince Royal limo, specially built and supplied by Nissan more than three decades ago.
Rumored to produce more than 350 horsepower, the Century Royal's V12 benefits from the latest fuel-efficient, cleaner-emissions technology. It is also said to be considerably lighter than the outgoing Nissan Prince Royal, but still employs state-of-the-art high-tech security measures, bulletproofing and run-flat tires. It also incorporates environmentally friendly materials inside including a shoji screen-like paper ceiling, a polished granite side step for easy entry and large rear windows so the public can catch longer glimpses of the imperial couple.
The agency currently owns five vehicles and plans to gradually replace the older cars and reduce the size of the fleet to four.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will take their first ride in the new limo when they attend a memorial service for war veterans on August 15, the anniversary of the end of World War II.
For those who noticed the number plate, that's right, this car is the only road-going limo in Japan that does not require a number plate. Instead, the extra-special limo is adorned with a gold-plated chrysanthemum badge, which just happens to be the official crest of the imperial family.
What this means to you: It's good to be king no matter where you go!!
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Looks like a Rolls Royce Phantom.
Heck, If I were King, I'd ride in one of these..
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Wah, that limo is a tad taller than its driver. Wonder how well it does on the wangan highway.
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Hmm, you are not regal enough i suppose to choose that kind of car.Originally posted by LazerLordz:Looks like a Rolls Royce Phantom.
Heck, If I were King, I'd ride in one of these..
Neh mind. Come to me for a crash course!! Then you will choose a better and more regalic car.. -
Dear Lord Campy,
the truly royal and exalted do not need transportation tools, for they do not travel to places. People and places go to them.
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Btw he one step into coffin liao...still buy so expensive car..
Blame his father for WWII
and is there any pics of britain royal's roll's royce?
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Dear Butterfly,Originally posted by MooKu:Dear Lord Campy,
the truly royal and exalted do not need transportation tools, for they do not travel to places. People and places go to them.
A true Royal do not cooped up in the palace and be oblivious to their surroundings and advancement in their kingdom. So thats where royal transport comes in. They must go out and show love to the PEASANTS and let them know that their monarch still cares and value their taxes!!
Now that is truly a great ROYAL!! 
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Ah my Lord!Originally posted by mhcampboy:Dear Butterfly,
A true Royal do not cooped up in the palace and be oblivious to their surroundings and advancement in their kingdom. So thats where royal transport comes in. They must go out and show love to the PEASANTS and let them know that their monarch still cares and value their taxes!!
Now that is truly a great ROYAL!!
Forgive me, for I must buzz you not to call me a butterfly!
MooKu has too much bulk to be praised as such;
with a shape like mine I can only be called a chunk of lard.
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I wonder why they dont want to choose a Mercedes limousine over a Nissan.
European cars are best in luxery terms
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Because Nissan is Japanese!!Originally posted by ceecookie:I wonder why they dont want to choose a Mercedes limousine over a Nissan.
European cars are best in luxery terms -
i noe..but they be sacrificing luxery in term of "fellowship friendship"Originally posted by MooKu:Because Nissan is Japanese!! -
Nissan now belongs to renault.Originally posted by MooKu:Because Nissan is Japanese!! -
The Queen is using a Bentley now. No more RR.Originally posted by Diesel_Dimension:Btw he one step into coffin liao...still buy so expensive car..
Blame his father for WWII
and is there any pics of britain royal's roll's royce? 
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So now I should say "Because there are still people like MooKu (who think Nissan is Nippon)!"Originally posted by ditzy:Nissan now belongs to renault. -
Mooku dont worry i also thought that Nissan is jap. Screw Renault for braking the logic.