TOYOTA has introduced a smart digital curtain in one of its luxury models, giving passengers the ability to adjust window tinting.
The Japanese giants have added dimming side windows for the rear passengers of its lesser-known Century SUV – known as Japan’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Toyota’s Century SUV – known as Japan’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan – now has ingenious window tech[/caption]
The rear windows can now be dimmed at a press of a button[/caption]
The so-called Digital Curtain has been specifically designed for the plush SUV[/caption]
The feature, which is often associated with sunroofs instead of doors, offers adjustable glass opacity which even extends to the quarter windows – giving those sat in the back an extra level of privacy.
The tech works by adding a film between two transparent laminated glass panels to create a so-called Digital Curtain – specifically for the plush SUV.
Developed by AGC – a Japanese glass manufacturing company that is headquartered in Tokyo – it uses voltage applied to the film to control the distribution and orientation of material within it.
That then enables an instant switch between three levels of transparency; transparent, semi-transparent and opaque mode.
The material, pressed between the glass, is said to be invisible to the eye and blocks up to 99% of UV rays.
First announced as a feature a couple of years ago, the Digital Curtain is now available to order for the 2026 Century – only in Japan.
The tech works similarly to SPD (suspended particle devices), which become instantly transparent when an electrical current is applied.
When powered off, the glass remains opaque.
As reported by Motor1, AGC said: “Thin-film technology in which particles inside laminated glass become aligned when an electrical voltage is applied, making the glass structure transparent.”
BECOME THE NORM
This sort of Electrochromic glass isn’t new and in fact debuted in 2005 on the Ferrari Superamerica.
It later appeared on select Mercedes models during the 2010s – which utilized AGC’s Magic Sky Control.
This tech has since made its way into mainstream cars and can be found on cars such as the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric, the Rafale and even the new Nissan Leaf crossover.
In the Century SUV, it’s limited to the side windows.
According to Toyota, they spend three and a half hours inspecting each vehicle – with final checks conducted by a single master inspector.
Naturally, the model comes with a luxury price tag, 27,000,000 yen, or $182,500, before options are applied – which include things like lace seat covers.
In recent times, Toyota has also been teasing a Century SUV – with minivan-style sliding rear doors – as well as a high-performance Gazoo Racing variant.
Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s chairman, owns a one-off GRMN-badged version – although he has hinted it could eventually be mass produced for customers.
The Century, which is usually only limited to the Japanese market, is also available in China.
It could also make its way to other markets.
For drivers without a Toyota Century SUV, getting the rear windows of a car tinted typically ranges from $60 to $200 – although this price varies based on multiple factors
According to Man Cave Colorado, the type of window film – such as dyed, carbon, ceramic – as well as the make and model of the vehicle, and the size, shape and complexity of the windows adds to the overall cost of installation.
How to save money at the mechanic
THERE are several services offered by mechanics that drivers should never pay for, according to a car expert.
Ron Krauch, an automotive writer, warned drivers not to trust everything they hear in the shop in an exclusive conversation with The U.S. Sun.
He said it’s important for vehicle owners to recognize the difference between their car’s manufacturer’s service schedule and what mechanics are trying to sell.
Any work referred to as a “dealer recommended service” is often an attempt at upselling, Krauch warned.
One of these useless upsells is fuel injecting clearing, which removes built-up dirt and debris from a vehicle’s fuel system to improve performance.
“Modern vehicles typically have fuel systems that are designed to stay clean, especially with the use of high-quality gasoline that contains detergents to keep injectors free of deposits,” he said.
Drivers should also always say no to engine flushes, as modern vehicles don’t need any help cleaning out “sludge or deposits.”
“Most modern engines and oils are formulated to stay clean, and if you regularly change your oil on schedule, you shouldn’t need this service,” he said.
And finally, no one should spend extra getting a premium oil change.
“Shops often upsell customers to synthetic or high-performance oils – even if the vehicle’s manufacturer doesn’t require them,” Krauch said.
