Toyota Showcases New Vehicles, Concepts and Technologies at Kenshiki European Forum
Toyota’s European Kenshiki forum this week reveals new electrified and performance models set for launch during the coming year and showcases the company’s research into advanced hydrogen technologies.
The presentations demonstrate the strength of Toyota’s multi-technology roadmap towards achieving carbon neutrality, including the fifth generation of its self-charging full hybrid electric system, its first purpose-built battery electric vehicle and a hydrogen combustion engine fitted to a GR Yaris. Toyota is also set to launch production of its second generation hydrogen fuel cell modules in Europe.
bZ4X European premiere
The forum marks the European debut of the new bZ4X zero emission battery electric SUV, presented in production-ready form in preparation for its market launch next year. The first model in Toyota’s new bZ – “beyond zero” – sub-brand is a spacious and strikingly designed vehicle with world-class off-road ability and, in front-wheel drive form, an expected driving range of more than 280 miles.
It comes equipped with new Toyota T-Mate safety and driver assistance systems and will be marketed with a new comprehensive leasing package to give customers – particularly those owning a battery electric vehicle for the first time – complete peace of mind. That goes for battery life, too, with performance guaranteed up to 10 years.
Visit here for the full story, provisional technical specifications, images and video.
All-new Corolla Cross
Toyota is extending its Corolla model range with the introduction of the all-new Corolla Cross, a family-friendly SUV that will take its place alongside the hatchback, Touring Sports and saloon models in autumn 2022.
Built on the development of Corolla’s GA-C platform, it completes Toyota’s European SUV line-up, making it the largest range in the region. The five-seat model will take its place between Toyota C-HR and RAV4 in terms of exterior dimensions and cabin size.
Corolla Cross will be the first model to use the fifth generation of Toyota’s self-charging full hybrid electric system and will be available with front-wheel or intelligent all-wheel drive. The 2.0-litre powertrain is expected to deliver 195bhp.
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GR86 coupe, the new access ticket to Toyota GR performance
The GR86 coupe is the third global Toyota GR model, bringing Gazoo Racing-influenced performance within reach of an even wider audience. An evolution of GT86’s pure-bred sports car character, it comes with a larger and more powerful 2.4-litre “boxer” engine, revised transmissions and a strengthened body with a lower centre of gravity.
The result is even more agile and rewarding handling in a model that’s dubbed “an analogue car for the digital age.”
It’s certain to be in demand, with production for Europe limited to just two years from the car’s launch in 2022.
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Hydrogen-powered GR Yaris experimental concept
GR Yaris has been an unequivocal success for Toyota, winning universal media praise and multiple awards for its exceptional, World Rally-inspired performance. Now Toyota has created an experimental concept version of the hatchback, powered by hydrogen.
The three-cylinder engine has been modified to run on hydrogen fuel, producing near-zero emissions. The technology concept is the same as that used in a Toyota Corolla Sport that’s currently competing in Japan’s Super Taikyu race series.
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New Yaris GR Sport
Toyota is expanding its GR Sport portfolio with the introduction of the new Yaris GR Sport. Scheduled for launch during the second quarter of 2022, this addition to the hatchback line-up – the current European Car of the Year – will go beyond Gazoo Racing-inspired design features to adopt retuned suspension and enhanced body rigidity for sportier handling.
The GR Sport will stand out with its dedicated 18-inch alloy wheels with machined red highlights, G-motif mesh grille and T-shape rear diffuser. Details in the cabin include new seat upholstery with contrast red stitching, GR logos and new gun metal silver trim.
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Hydrogen fuel cell production to start in Europe
To help expand the use of its zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology to applications beyond cars, Toyota has repackaged the fuel cell system found the Mirai saloon into compact, lightweight modules suitable for a range of different uses.
These second generation fuel cell modules – available in two formats – are to be produced on a new assembly line at Toyota’s European research and development centre in Brussels, from January 2022.
The manufacturing location recognises the growing interest in and demand for hydrogen technology in the region. Toyota hopes it will be able to contribute to expansion of the European hydrogen economy, which in turn can help meet the objective of net-zero global warming emissions by 2050.
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