Toyota has just revealed a second special-edition Hakone model, named after the famous Hakone Turnpike—often seen as the spiritual home of Japanese drifting. But this time, it’s not a GR86 or any kind of lightweight sports car.
Instead, Toyota chose the ultra-luxury Century SUV, which sounds strange if you’re thinking about speed or racing. This vehicle isn’t built for drifting, and it’s definitely not designed to go fast. That’s not the point at all.
Even so, this special Century SUV will take part in one of Japan’s most prestigious endurance events—a demanding 135-mile marathon. It’s a reminder that this model is more about elegance, craftsmanship, and endurance than outright performance.
A Special Toyota For A Special Event
Toyota began with one of its plug-in hybrid Century SUV models as the base. The Century is mostly hand-built and, in PHEV form, it uses a 3.4-liter V6 paired with two electric motors for smooth and quiet power.
But this special version is far from standard. Under the skin, it features something completely different from what you’d normally expect in a Century, signaling that this luxury SUV has been reworked for a very unique purpose.
Instead of its usual setup, Toyota has fitted this Century SUV with a hydrogen fuel-cell system taken from the Toyota Mirai. That system produces just 182 horsepower, which is less than half of what the Century normally makes. On paper, that doesn’t sound ideal for a huge SUV that weighs about 1,400 pounds more and has to tackle steep mountain roads.
Still, Toyota doesn’t seem worried. Even when talking about the toughest uphill section of the event, where the winner earns the nickname “Mountain God,” the company sounds relaxed. That’s likely because this isn’t a race about speed. The Century will be climbing those hills at roughly the pace of a tired jogger, not charging uphill like a sports car.
The Century FCEV will serve as one of the official support vehicles for the 2026 Hakone Ekiden, formally known as the Tokyo–Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race. Toyota refers to it as the “Race Headquarters Vehicle,” which suggests it will likely be used by senior race officials rather than driving right next to the runners.
As for the event itself, the Hakone Ekiden is widely considered one of the greatest long-distance running races in the world. It’s a two-day relay marathon where teams from 10 Japanese universities compete against each other. The race has been held every year on January 2 and 3 since 1920, making it a long-standing part of Japan’s New Year traditions. The route starts in Otemachi, Tokyo, runs all the way to Lake Ashi in Hakone, and then returns to Tokyo the following day.
First Year For All-Electrified Toyotas At Race
Toyota has been supplying vehicles for this event since 2003, but this year it’s taking things a step further. The change isn’t just about the Century FCEV—it applies to the entire fleet supporting the race.
In total, 40 electrified vehicles will be used, made up of a mix of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Even the camera truck—which is a full-size commercial truck, not a pickup—will run on fuel cells. The same goes for the buses used to transport athletes and media staff. It’s a clear sign that Toyota wants to use this high-profile event to show how serious it is about alternative energy and zero-emissions mobility.
The e-Palette was part of the event too. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the unusual electric bus-pod concept Toyota showed a few years back as part of its vision for a future city.
That city, called Woven City, is currently being built as a small technology hub near the base of Mount Fuji—though it’s technically closer to Mount Ashitaka and sits right next to one of Toyota’s main test tracks. The idea behind Woven City is a fully connected community powered largely by hydrogen, which makes it a natural home for something like a hydrogen-powered bus pod.
So, does this mean Toyota will actually build a fuel-cell version of the Century for the public? Officially, the answer would almost certainly be, “We can’t comment on future products.” But reading between the lines, it’s clear Toyota would love to make it happen. The company is pushing hard to prove that fuel-cell technology—both electric and combustion—has a real future. Turning its flagship luxury vehicle into a fuel-cell model would be a major statement and a big win for that strategy.
FAQ’s
1. What is the latest special edition Toyota model?
Toyota has built a second Hakone special edition, based on the ultra-luxury Century SUV.
2. Is this Century SUV meant for racing?
No, the Century FCEV isn’t designed to race fast. It will be part of a prestigious 135-mile marathon in Japan.
3. What makes this Century SUV different from the standard model?
It uses a hydrogen fuel-cell system from the Toyota Mirai instead of the standard 3.4L V6 plug-in hybrid system.
4. How much horsepower does the Century FCEV produce?
The hydrogen fuel-cell system produces 182 horsepower, which is less than half of the normal Century SUV output.
5. Will the Century FCEV struggle with steep hills?
While it weighs about 1,400 pounds more than usual, Toyota designed it to handle the hills at a slow, controlled pace.
6. What is the “Mountain God” section?
It’s the toughest uphill part of the Hakone Ekiden marathon, named for the winner of that segment.
7. What role will the Century FCEV play in the Hakone Ekiden?
It will act as the “Race Headquarters Vehicle,” likely carrying senior officials rather than following the runners directly.
8. What is the Hakone Ekiden?
The Hakone Ekiden is a two-day relay marathon between Tokyo and Hakone, involving teams from 10 Japanese universities.
9. How long is the Hakone Ekiden race?
The full route is 135 miles, with runners completing the course in relay segments over two days.
10. How long has the Hakone Ekiden been held?
The race has been held every year on January 2 and 3 since 1920 as part of Japan’s New Year celebrations.
11. Has Toyota supplied vehicles for the Hakone Ekiden before?
Yes, Toyota has been the official vehicle supplier for the event since 2003.
12. How is this year’s support fleet different?
For 2026, Toyota will use 40 electrified vehicles, including a mix of fuel-cell and battery-electric models.
13. Are the buses and trucks supporting the event electric?
Yes, even the camera trucks and shuttle buses will be hydrogen fuel-cell powered.
14. What is the e-Palette?
The e-Palette is an electric bus-pod concept Toyota introduced as part of its vision for Woven City.
15. What is Woven City?
Woven City is a small tech city being built near Mount Fuji to showcase fully connected, hydrogen-powered urban living.
16. Where is Woven City located?
It’s closer to Mount Ashitaka and next to a Toyota test track.
17. Will the Century FCEV be available for purchase?
Toyota hasn’t confirmed any production plans, but it’s likely a one-off build for the event.
18. Why is Toyota using hydrogen fuel cells?
Toyota is pushing hydrogen as a zero-emission alternative to traditional gasoline and hybrid powertrains.
19. How is the fuel-cell system different from the plug-in hybrid?
Instead of using a gasoline engine and batteries, the FCEV generates electricity from hydrogen, producing only water as a byproduct.
20. Does the Century FCEV have the same luxury features as the standard Century?
Yes, it retains the hand-built craftsmanship and high-end interior of the luxury Century SUV.
21. How heavy is the Century FCEV compared to a normal model?
It’s approximately 1,400 pounds heavier than the standard plug-in hybrid version.
22. How fast will the Century FCEV go during the race?
It will move slowly, roughly at the pace of a tired jogger, as the event isn’t about speed.
23. What does FCEV stand for?
FCEV stands for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle.
24. What other Toyota vehicles will be part of the 2026 Hakone Ekiden fleet?
The fleet includes other fuel-cell and battery-electric vehicles, support trucks, buses, and media vehicles.
25. Will the public see the Century FCEV in action?
Yes, it will be part of the official support vehicles during the Hakone Ekiden race.
26. Why is Toyota naming the model after Hakone?
The Hakone Turnpike is famous as the birthplace of drifting in Japan, giving the special edition its name.
27. Does the Century FCEV drift like a sports car?
No, the Century FCEV is a luxury vehicle designed for endurance and support, not drifting or racing.
28. How is Toyota promoting hydrogen technology with this build?
By using a hydrogen-powered luxury SUV in a high-profile event, Toyota is demonstrating real-world applications for FCEVs.
29. Will this Century FCEV influence future Toyota models?
It may serve as a testbed or inspiration, but Toyota hasn’t announced any production plans yet.
30. How long is the race from Tokyo to Hakone?
The one-way distance is roughly 67.5 miles, totaling 135 miles for the round-trip relay.
31. Are all participants in the Hakone Ekiden university students?
Yes, teams are composed of runners from 10 different Japanese universities.
32. Has Toyota used fuel cells in other event vehicles before?
Yes, Toyota has experience with fuel-cell buses and prototypes, such as the e-Palette at Woven City.
33. Will the Century FCEV operate autonomously during the race?
No, it will be driven by official staff and serve as a support vehicle.
34. How does the Century FCEV contribute to sustainability?
It produces zero emissions while supporting the race, showcasing hydrogen as a clean alternative for large vehicles.
35. Will the vehicle handle steep grades safely?
Yes, Toyota engineered it to climb the hills slowly and steadily, prioritizing control over speed.
36. Is the Century FCEV fully hand-built?
Yes, like all Century SUVs, this special edition retains much of the hand-built craftsmanship.
37. What is the powertrain setup of the Century FCEV?
It uses a hydrogen fuel-cell system from the Toyota Mirai to power electric motors instead of a gasoline engine.
38. Will this event help Toyota test fuel-cell technology?
Yes, it provides a real-world environment for monitoring performance, endurance, and reliability of FCEVs.
39. How many electrified vehicles will be part of the fleet?
There will be 40 electrified vehicles, including a mix of BEVs and FCEVs.
40. Are the buses and trucks hydrogen-powered too?
Yes, even the camera truck and media/athlete buses will run on hydrogen fuel cells.
41. Is the Century FCEV fast?
No, its focus is on endurance, reliability, and luxury, not speed.
42. How does this Century FCEV differ from the GR86 Hakone edition?
The GR86 is a lightweight sports car built for performance, while the Century FCEV is a luxury SUV built for endurance and support.
43. What is the significance of the Hakone Turnpike?
It’s a famous road in Japan known as the birthplace of drifting culture.
44. Is the Century FCEV street-legal?
Yes, it meets all standard road and safety regulations, though it’s a one-off build.
45. Why did Toyota choose a Century SUV for this project?
To showcase hydrogen technology in a flagship, hand-built, ultra-luxury vehicle rather than a small sports car.
46. Will the vehicle participate in timed racing?
No, it’s a support vehicle, not a competitive racer.
47. How does Toyota use the Hakone Ekiden to promote technology?
By showcasing a hydrogen-powered fleet in a highly visible, real-world endurance event.
48. Will the Century FCEV influence future hydrogen vehicles?
It could serve as a test platform or inspiration for future hydrogen-powered production models.
49. Is the Century FCEV more environmentally friendly than standard SUVs?
Yes, it produces zero tailpipe emissions thanks to its hydrogen fuel-cell system.
50. How does this event highlight Toyota’s commitment to zero-emissions?
By fielding an entire fleet of electrified vehicles, including hydrogen buses and trucks, Toyota is demonstrating practical zero-emission mobility in a high-profile setting.
51. Where will the Hakone Ekiden take place?
The race covers Tokyo to Lake Ashi in Hakone and back, a route of 135 miles over two days.
52. What is Toyota hoping to achieve with the Century FCEV?
Toyota wants to showcase hydrogen fuel-cell technology in a flagship vehicle, highlight sustainability, and demonstrate real-world endurance.