Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko decided to replace their 30 year old "Nissan Prince Royal," with a new ride: a customized Toyota eight-seater limousine with a 5.0 V12 engine, that costs a mere 52.5 million yen (455.000 USD).
Inside, the Century Royal features granite stone in the steps, wool fabric for its seats and Japanese hand-crafted paper for the lighting systems on the ceiling. Officials report that the Imperial Couple will begin using their limousine in Aug. 15, when they will attend a memorial ceremony for the war dead in
The Century Royal,
Video: Toyota Century Royal