Ready for the roads in 2015, the Mirai by Toyota is the
latest in a long line of innovatory models from the Japanese manufacturer.
Poised to “do for fuel cell vehicles what the Prius did for hybrid”, the Mirai,
or “future” in Japanese, is expected
to launch hydrogen powered cars into the attainable mainstream and establish them
as a regular sight on roads globally.
How Does It Work?
Using an electricity generator that harnesses power from hydrogen
gas, the sedan styled car is powered by a 153 bhp fuel cell stack that emits
only water from the exhaust. Capable of travelling an incredible 300 miles on a
single tank of hydrogen, it takes a mere 3 minutes to refuel, meeting the
demands of a modern lifestyle. By forcing the tank-stored hydrogen to react
with oxygen channelled through the front grille, green power is obtained. Through
combining the output of the fuel cell with the hybrid battery, the practical
foundation of the world renowned Prius is enhanced, with the hydrogen fuel cell
replacing the traditional combustion engine as the primary power source. The
outcome is a chemical reaction between the oxygen and hydrogen that powers this
revolutionary model to the forefront of pioneering green technology.
Blending Style and
Performance
When measured against the industry benchmark of 0-62mph, the
Mirai is incredible, accelerating to a sprint in under 10 seconds. With a top
speed of 111mph, the sedan shaped exterior exudes confidence with a wide sporty
grille that maximises air intake and subsequent fuel efficiency. Taking front
styling tips from the Touring Sports Hybrid, the sweeping headlamps and aerodynamic
lines present the car in a powerful stance. Standard spec safety equipment
includes blind spot monitoring, a pre-collision system, lane departure alerts
and drive start control, the later limiting sudden starts or acceleration when
making gear shifts, resulting in a smother transmission. For comfort, there’s plenty of
features that mean the Mirai isn't just about eco-friendly revelation. A heated steering
wheel, heated front seats, air conditioning and a high-definition
multi-information display mean that when driving you’re not only respecting the environment
but your own driving experience.
Set for
initial release in Japan this coming December, Toyota have indicated expected
release on European roads for September 2015 to ever mounting anticipation, indicated
by initial reviews
already scoring the Mirai an era defining design.