Tokyo, Japan: The signs were all over the place. Big bold letters in an eye-catching red background.
“Reborn.”
That was the message made loud and clear at the expansive Toyota corporate display at the recently concluded 42nd edition of the bi-annual Tokyo Motor Show.
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and resultant tsunami that hit crucial parts of the country – plus the still unresolved effects of the nuclear fallout that struck the tsunami-ravaged Fukushima nuclear power plant – it was an apt message indeed.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Toyota embodied the inspiring recovery not just of an embattled industry, but of a nation as a whole.
And to put an exclamation point on all its recovery efforts, Toyota did not just extend a message of being reborn, but one of regaining a fun to drive spirit as well. Hence visible too were messages that proclaimed “Fun to Drive. Again.”
The proof of the pudding, of course, is in the tasting; and in this regard, Toyota did not disappoint.
Taking center stage at the show was the No. 1 Japanese carmaker’s entry to the affordable sports car wars, the much awaited GT 86 that it has developed jointly with Subaru. Sporting a rear-wheel-drive layout and a 200-hp flat-four normally aspirated powerplant, the GT 86 promises to bring back the joys of motoring in the tradition of the original Toyota Celica and more specifically, Toyota’s iconic AE 86 Levin that has become a cult classic.
Needless to say, Toyota also exhibited several concept cars to highlight its green technologies. The corporate display included a diverse selection of next-generation eco-cars including a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), which represents the technology Toyota considers best suited for widespread use to effectively meet CO2 emissions restrictions and the diversification of energy.
Making its world premiere was the Toyota Fun-Vii, a concept vehicle that heralds a future where people, cars and society are linked. Making its domestic premiere, meanwhile, was the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid, an environment-friendly vehicle that combines features from both pure-electric vehicles and gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, is equipped with a new, high-capacity lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a household outlet.
Able to operate as an electric vehicle on short trips and as a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle on medium to long trips, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid can be used regardless of battery charge status or charging infrastructure availability.
Also making a world debut was Toyota’s FCV-R, a practical sedan-type next-generation fuel-cell concept vehicle fueled by hydrogen, a promising source of CO2 emission-free energy that can be produced from a variety of sources and can be easily stored and transported.
This concept model is a highly practical fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) that is planned for launch in about 2015.
With the fuel-cell unit located beneath the specially designed body, the vehicle can accommodate up to four passengers and boasts impressive luggage space. The fuel cell stack, consisting of a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, can provide an ultra-long cruising distance of approximately 700 km or more.
The futuristic FT-EV III, on the other hand, represents electric vehicles (EVs) with zero CO2 emissions, which are deemed important future eco-cars that have promise to replace cars fueled by gasoline. The FT-EV III is an electric concept vehicle with an ultra-compact and lightweight package suitable for short-distance trips.
Toyota is developing EVs with the aim of launching a vehicle suitable for short-distance travel in 2012. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the FT-EV III achieves an estimated cruising range of 105 km on a fully charged battery.
Last but not least was the Toyota Aqua (also making its world premiere). The Aqua is an affordably priced compact-class dedicated hybrid vehicle that aims to provide the joys of hybrid vehicle ownership, such as superior fuel efficiency, user friendliness and fun, to as many people as possible.
The Aqua combines the features of a compact car with a hybrid vehicle to create a car that represents the future of compact vehicles with a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/li. under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/li. under MLIT 10-15 test cycle.
The Aqua’s body, at less than four meters long, offers outstanding handling, while the minimized height enhances aerodynamic performance, combining comfortable maneuverability with stylish proportions.
The state-of-the-art compact and lightweight hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter engine with a high-output motor to create a low center of gravity for enjoyable dynamics and outstanding maneuverability, all while offering interior comfort and ample luggage space.
Following the launch in Japan, scheduled for late December 2011, the Aqua will be sequentially rolled out to other countries and regions worldwide.