The thing that everyone is forgetting is that it isn't a hybrid for economy; it is for performance, they felt that they needed a 12 cylinder available to keep that market segment, however in stead of using the Century V-12 in the LS; they added hybid boost.
Do I think it is the best thing ever? No.
Do I like it? Yes (I've driven one and do like it)
Toyota Century - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia