Toyota Motor Corporations has announced the “LQ”, a concept vehicle that has the advanced ability to build an ‘emotional bond’ between car and driver. That’s right, the next-generation Toyota “Concept-I” comes ready with automated driving capabilities and “Yui”, Toyota’s next-level AI that can learn from the driver and deliver a personalised mobility experience. (more…)
Although the pace of sales for Toyota’s first fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), the Mirai, has not been as fast as for the Prius, which was its first mass-produced hybrid model, the carmaker is pushing ahead with development of FCEVs. It is already in the final stage of development of the next generation of the Mirai and will display a concept model at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show this month. It is expected that the production model will look very much like the concept shown in these pictures.
“We have worked to make a car that customers will want to drive all the time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, Chief Engineer of the first generation Mirai as well as the second generation. “I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai because I simply wanted this car, and it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai, we will be a leader in helping to realize a hydrogen energy society.”
Improved in all aspects
The totally re-designed Mirai reflects a major step forward for FCEVs and the potential of a hydrogen society, boasting significantly greater range, improved driving performance, and an elegant, sporty design that offers increased passenger room and comfort. It will be able to accommodate 5 occupants instead of four in the current Mirai.
Launched in 2014, the first-generation of the FCEV proved the global potential of hydrogen to power clean and sustainable mobility, combining a driving range with refuelling time equivalent to conventional vehicles and no emissions but water. Since then, approximately 10,000 units have been sold globally, helping pave the way towards a hydrogen society that will reduce emissions, diversify energy sources, and generate global economic growth.
Scheduled for launch starting in late 2020, initially in Japan, North America and Europe, the second-generation Mirai is said to be much more than an eco-car, marking a new stage for FCEV technology. Improvements in fuel cell system performance and increased hydrogen storage capacity mean the new Mirai will target an increase in driving range.
The car has also been totally redesigned based on Toyota’s premium rear-wheel drive TNGA platform to combine greater agility and driving performance with a sleek and elegant exterior design. It will be presented in a newly developed exterior colour (called Force Blue Multiple Layers), that uses layers of colour to achieve exceptional brightness and depth.
Substantial improvements in driving performance
Engineered from the start to accommodate Toyota’s full range of powertrains, including hydrogen fuel cells, Toyota’s latest modular platform gives the Mirai Concept a higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower centre of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.
Improvements to the fuel cell system go beyond increased range to offer linear, smooth response when pulling away, unity between the driver’s throttle inputs and the car’s acceleration. Handling is light and easy on winding roads, while highway driving produces an exceptional sense of power at all speeds.
Next stage of FCEV Technology
The fully-redesigned fuel cell system, including its fuel cell stack, will deliver substantially improved performance. This includes targeting a 30% increase in driving range over the current generation, thanks to increased hydrogen storage capacity, among other measures.
The Japanese government is promoting hydrogen as the fuel of the future for the country, with next year’s Olympics event serving as a starting point for the move. Its Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI) has set a target of 200,000 fuel cell vehicles on the road by 2025 and up to 800,000 by 2030. As with electrical recharging stations for hybrids, there will need to be a substantial network of hydrogen filling stations throughout the country and METI has set target of 900.
Japan hosted the Olympics in 1964 (although it also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972 and 1998) and on that occasion, the country showed off its technological, industrial and economic advances to the world. Notable in the advancements in transportation was the introduction of the Shinkansen or ‘Bullet Train’ which could reach 210 km/h. That speed was achieved in 1964 and today, the sleek trains can reach top speeds of 260 km/h.
At the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, the country will once again showcase advanced transportation technologies, some of which have been specially developed for the event by companies like Toyota Motor Corporation.
Dedicated transport around the event villages
Among the many different types of vehicles Toyota will provide will be specially-designed ‘Tokyo 2020 Version’ e-Palette vehicles to support athlete mobility. Up to 20 such vehicles will provide automated, loop-line transportation in the Olympic and Paralympic villages for athletes and personnel involved in the event. The battery-electric, automated vehicles have been adapted specifically for use during the Games based in part on feedback from athletes about their mobility needs in the past games.
“Olympic and Paralympic athletes work tirelessly to achieve the impossible, and we wanted to provide them with a vehicle specifically designed and calibrated to fit their mobility needs during Tokyo 2020,” said Takahiro Muta, development leader for the unique version of the ‘Tokyo 2020 Version’ e-Palette.
“Throughout the development process, athletes, especially Paralympians, helped us to better understand how we could adapt and upgrade the e-Palette to better meet the need for simple, convenient and comfortable mobility. We are proud to work with them on a vehicle that will not just move athletes physically throughout the Olympic and Paralympic villages, but will also offer them new opportunities to interact with others, share new experiences, and be moved emotionally,” he said.
Developed for autonomous mobility
First announced in 2018, e-Palette is Toyota’s first vehicle developed specifically for autonomous mobility as a service application. It reflects Toyota’s ongoing transition to a mobility company and combines electrification, connected networks, and advanced driving technologies to support new shared mobility businesses and business models.
Measuring 5255 mm long and 2065 mm wide, the Tokyo 2020 Version has been adapted to meet the unique needs of the Olympic and Paralympic villages, featuring large doors and electric ramps to allow groups of athletes, including Paralympians, to board quickly and easily. The 20-person vehicle will be controlled by an automated driving system capable of operating up to 20 km/h at SAE Level 4, supported by an on-board safety operator.
Deploying the e-Palette to support athlete and staff mobility is a key element of Toyota’s program to provide advanced mobility solutions for Tokyo 2020 as the first worldwide mobility partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition, Toyota plans to leverage the knowledge gained from operating e-Palette at Tokyo 2020 to continue developing the vehicle to support future ‘Mobility-as-a-Service’ applications.
If you’re knee-deep in the world of vehicle modifications (or just a Need for Speed or Gran Turismo enthusiast), the name MagnaFlow might be familiar. The performance exhaust manufacturer recently launched their latest xMOD premium performance exhaust series and their first model is made specifically for the 2019 Toyota GR Supra. (more…)
It was only last month when UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (Toyota Malaysia) announced that fellow Malaysians can now place their bookings for the all-new 2019 Toyota Corolla. Today, they’ve officially launched their latest mid-range sedan in the grandest of fashion at Genting Highlands. (more…)
The Hiace van has been a big seller for Toyota all over the world (to the extent that it has been ‘cloned’ in some countries) but just as with the Liteace before, tougher regulations concerning frontal collisions have been forcing manufacturers to come out with new designs that place a more significant crumple zone in front of the cabin. The traditional window vans have had their engines under the cabin with no ‘nose’ at all but in more developed countries, the lack of an extended front end is no longer accceptable.
The strict regulations have made it difficult in the European market, which is why Toyota collaborated with Peugeot and Citroen 6 years ago to share a van model that it sells as the ProAce. However, Toyota must have been keen to develop its own model too and at the coming Tokyo Motorshow, it will unveil the GranAce as a new model which could be a transitional van for the Hiace range.
Premium MPV
The new GranAce is presented as a premium MPV and measures 5.3 metres in overall length, 1.97 metres wide and 1990 mm high. It sits on a front-wheel drive platform with a wheelbase of 3210 mm and has a trailing-link rigid-axle rear suspension. High rigidity for better collision protection is achieved by the adoption of a ring-shaped frame, which also contributes to a more comfortable ride with stable handling.
The large radiator grille embellished with metallic accents flows seamlessly into the headlamps, which project in vertical and horizontal directions, creating the bold ‘face’ we have come to see in the newer Japanese MPVs. The distinctive LED daytime running lamps complement projector twin-lens LED headlamps that flow into the decorative chrome frame.
There are 2 seating layouts available: the 6-seater with seats in three rows of two, and the 8-seater with seats in 4 rows of two. A black-infused instrument panel creates a luxurious atmosphere, featuring metallic accents on the air-conditioner outlets and wood-grain embellishment in front of the front passenger seat. The meter hood is wrapped in leather and genuine stitching further lends an air of quality.
Better Toyota Safety Sense
Toyota Safety Sense will, of course, be standard and the latest suite has improved sensing functions that make use of the Pre-collision safety system to detect pedestrians during the day and at night, as well as cyclists during the day. Other safety systems include Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes (Stationary Objects) that helps reduce and/or mitigate damage from collisions during low-speed driving in parking lots.
The GranAce is intended for Asian markets initially although its positioning within the Hiace family and the future of the Hiace remain unknown. It could become a flagship variant or it could become the basis of the next generation. For now, only one engine is mentioned – the 1GD 2.8-litre clean turbodiesel engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The model will be produced by Toyota Auto Body, a Toyota subsidiary which manufactures selected SUV and commercial vehicles models.
Visit www.toyota.com.my to know more about MPV models available in Malaysia
10-year-old Sam Scharer from the Ysgol Bro Gwydir School, Llanrwst, Conwy, has won a very special design competition which involves a livery for a Toyota GT86 rally car and WRC. The kid’s sea-themed design won the hearts of judges at the nationwide competition and will be seen taking part at the UK’s round for the FIA World Rally Championship. How cool is that? (more…)
The folks from Mutiara Motors aka Toyota Plentong will be launching the all-new Toyota GR Supra for the Southern region of Johor this Saturday (28 September 2019). To all Supra fans and enthusiasts currently residing in the state, you can catch it live from 10am to 4pm. Trust us, you will not want to miss it! (more…)
The grand finals of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Velocity Esports Championship concluded its epic weekend here in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Regarded as Malaysia’s biggest national Esports racing event, spectators at Pavilion KL witnessed champions being crowned in this new era of motorsports. (more…)
It was only a couple of days back when UMW Toyota launched their most exciting model to date, the 2020 Toyota GR Supra. In pure awesomeness, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, took delivery of Malaysia’s first Toyota GR Supra on the same evening the car was launched! How cool is that? (more…)
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