Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Mirai hydrogen car goes rallying

Toyota's first mainstream hydrogen fuel cell car, the Mirai, has been used as a course car for the WRC

The Toyota Mirai hydrogen car kicked off last weekend’s WRC round in Trier, West Germany. Used as a 'zero' course car, experienced rally driver and journalist Mitsuhiro Kunisawa used the car to preceded competitors through the stages.

To be rally-ready, though, the Mirai was fitted with a roll cage and race seats as well as competition tyres, improved brake pads and WRC-style decals. To further aid Kunisawa, Toyota Germany provided a mobile hydrogen refuelling unit, which fills the plastic and carbon fibre tank in just three minutes.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite these modifications, the 152bhp, 335Nm fuel cell powertrain remains unchanged. It fuses together hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack to produce electricity – powering an electric motor connected to the front wheels. It’s good for 0-62 mph in 9.6 seconds and can hit 111mph flat out.

Yoshikazu Tanaka, the Mirai’s Chief Engineer, said that his dream is that one day we will see fuel cell vehicles competing in World Rally Championship events. Although spectators will need to familiarise themselves with the “noiseless premiere”, the prospect of an “almost pollution-free future” is enticing.

The Toyota Mirai has been on sale in Japan since December, but European sales won’t kick off until October 2015, with prices in mainland Europe starting at €66,000. UK prices kick off at £63,104, with standard equipment including a heated steering wheel and heated seats.

With a 371-litre boot, zero emissions and a range of up to 300 miles, it’ll rival models like the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, as well as all-electric models like the Nissan Leaf and plug-in Hybrids such as Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV.

Now read our first drive review of the Toyota Mirai.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Toyota’s hydrogen car plan: why there should be alternatives to battery electric cars
Hydrogen fuel-cell Toyota Hilux pick-up truck

Toyota’s hydrogen car plan: why there should be alternatives to battery electric cars

We take a deep dive into Toyota’s ‘multi-path’ strategy, which focuses on making hydrogen fuel-cell technology a viable alternative to battery EVs
Features
7 Sep 2024

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025