Century used to be an elusive name outside the Japanese market. Now, though, it's going global, and with ambitions to be Japan's beacon of hope.

Some big changes are coming to the Toyota Century — namely, "Century" is being spun off into its own brand, meant to compete with other big dogs in the industry, sitting above even the likes of Lexus.

The Toyota Century, Japan’s ultimate chauffeured limo, just threw on a pair of designer sneakers. The automaker has dropped a handful of teaser shots and a short video showing a Century coupe, a sleek ...