2018 Toyota CH-R

Toyotas upcoming subcompact hatchback, the coupe high-rider (C-HR), has a novel exterior design that makes one wonder what its purpose is. Not that its incoherent, its just so unlike any of the status quo body styles- in a good way. Its unique expression is a refreshing step in a new direction for Toyota that’s expected to appeal greatly to a vast demographic.

Toyotas global designers expounded on an interesting theme that works brilliantly for the high rider: “Distinctive Diamond”. Toyota wanted to borrow the exquisiteness and strength that the precious gem evokes. Designers translated these traits into physical form by dynamically sculpting a muscular and edgy body that still effortlessly emanates luxury. The name “coupe high-rider” is quite fitting in the sense that the body has meticulously defined curves of the likes that have never been seen on an SUV before.

The C-HR comes equipped with an economical 2.0 L 4 cylinder that produces 144 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Although this isn’t quite the recipe for a performance car, it is expected to get good gas mileage and may actually surprise you with its deft responsiveness. Deputy Chief Engineer Hiro Koba, a diehard racer at heart, made it his mission to take the C-HR to the famed Nurburgring to ensure that the ride would be as exhilarating as the body was uncanny.

The unique CH-R is expected to arrive at Toyota dealers this spring, so it could be seen on the streets any day now. If you’d like to receive updates on Toyotas new CH-R, visit our site here.

The Toyota Mirai

Toyota has an innovative and clean vision for the future. This vision is slowly coming to fruition through Japans government-sponsored “hydrogen economy” initiative. Toyota in particular believes that fuel cells will take the place of all batteries to power zero emission cars from now to 2050. The Toyota Mirai, still just blossoming, is the conceptual catalyst of the hydrogen economy initiative and Toyotas vision of a cleaner future.

The Mirai, Toyotas sole zero emission vehicle, is now in its second year. After its initial release in 2016, the Mirai was awarded the 2016 World Green Car award at the New York International Auto Show.

“Just as Prius changed the world nearly 20 years ago, the hydrogen-powered Mirai is ready to make history. With a range of over 300 miles per tank, a refueling time of under five minutes, and emissions that consist only of water vapor, Mirai is leading the world toward a more sustainable future.” –Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division, at the NYIAS

The 2017 Mirai gets its power from a 114-kilowatt (153-horsepower) fuel cell under the front seats, which sends electricity to the electric motor that drives the front wheels. Some energy can also be supplied by the 1.6-kwh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which provides short boosts of energy when maximum power is needed, since fuel cells operate at a more steady output level. The electricity pushing the Mirai begins with the hydrogen tanks. Hydrogen travels from the tanks to the fuel cell stack where it undergoes a chemical reaction that encompasses the oxygen in the air. This creates the electricity, and the only byproduct from this process—water.

Safety is just as primary a concern as efficiency for the Mirai. The prototypes endured millions of miles of road testing and track evaluation, as well as rigorous in-house crash testing and more than 10,000 miles of extreme climate testing. The Mirai is also now equipped with Toyotas Star Safety System, a Pre-Collision system, Safety Connect, and Lane Departure Alert.

The Mirais sales are unfortunately limited to areas offering hydrogen refueling stations, hence they will only be available in the US within certain areas of California this year. You can visit our site here for updates/more information on the Toyota Mirai.

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