Toyota's Fuel Cell Sedan - Mirai - to be Launched in Japan Next Month

Toyota Motor Corporation will launch its all-new Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in Japan on December 15. The vehicle, with a MSRP of 7,236,000 yen (Rs 3,830,573) will be sold through Toyota and Toyopet dealers. The sedan uses hydrogen to generate electricity, and, in the company's own words, 'achieves superior environmental performance with the convenience and driving pleasure expected of any car'.

Check: Toyota Mirai Photo Gallery

The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which not only features fuel cell and hybrid technology, but also includes the company's new proprietary FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. Toyota claims TFCS is more energy efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no CO2 or substances of concern (SOCs) when driven. The sedan is said to offer a generous cruising range and a quick hydrogen refuelling time of about three minutes.

This Toyota baby also promises superior handling stability achieved by a low center of gravity along with powerful acceleration, thanks to the electric motor. It also gets an exclusive telematics service for a safe, secure and comfortable ride. Interestingly, the Toyota Mirai can also be used as a high-capacity external power supply system during power outages, disasters and other emergencies.

Here's a brief summary about what the Toyota Mirai is all about:

Exteriors: The front face design emphasizes the left and right grilles that draw in air for the oxygen supply and for FC system cooling, while the side profile evokes the flowing shape of a droplet of water to express the vehicle's characteristic of drawing in air and emitting water. The rear features a trapezoidal shape extending from the license plate garnish to the bottom of the bumper corners and out toward the wheels.

The sedan sports 17-inch aluminum wheels and is offered in 6 colours.

Interiors: The FCV's cabin gets soft padding on door trims and other interior surfaces, and a high-luminance silver finish throughout. The front seats provide superior body fit and hold through an integrated cover/seat foaming production process and also get an Eight-way adjustable power function. The center meter cluster includes a multi-information display with a 4.2-inch high-definition TFT liquid crystal display.

Features like steering wheel heater and seat heaters, fully automatic left and right independent temperature control air conditioning with eco mode switches, and 'Nanoe' air purification technology are standard provisions.

Dimensions:

a. Length: 4,890mm

b. Width: 1,815mm

c. Height: 1,535mm

d. Wheel-base: 2,780mm

e. Minimum Ground Clearance: 130mm

f. Kerb Weight: 1,850 Kg

Specifications:

a. Power (FC Stack): 153bhp

b. Power (Motor): 152bhp

c. Torque: 335Nm