The main question of the current forum, which will be held for the fifth time and has already become one of the most important automotive events in Europe, is how exactly Toyota responds to global electrification.
Will the number of brand models that use hydrogen for propulsion increase? Will popular models with internal combustion engines and, above all, Toyota hybrids, which are rightfully considered the most advanced in the world, remain in car dealerships? And without exaggeration, can Japanese automaker Lexus’ luxury brand find something to impress consumers?
You will be pleasantly surprised, but the answer to all these questions is immediately “yes”!
First, let’s acknowledge the obvious: not all countries are equally ready for radical changes in electricity. Therefore, the presence of non-electric Toyota models at the forum confirms the company’s multi-vector approach to its future and greatly pleases fans among those who are not yet ready to get behind the wheel of an electric car. So we don’t have to worry: most of our favorite models will still remain on the market with the engines we are familiar with. And it perfectly fits the company’s strategy – to provide mobility for everyone, regardless of social and financial status or physical condition.
A notable example is the new generation of the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser (Prado) J250 model, presented at the forum. This LC Prado is based on the same GA-F platform as the Land Cruiser 300 and has a similar wheelbase of 2850mm instead of the J150’s 2790mm.
From an architectural point of view, everything remains the same: the frame, spring suspension with a solid axle at the rear and an independent double wishbone at the front. At the same time, the J250 will receive the first electric power steering in the history of the model.
For our region, a 1GD-FTV turbodiesel (2800 cc, 204 hp, 500 Nm) will be provided. And in two years, Prado will have a hybrid version Hybrid 48V based on the same 2.8-liter diesel unit.
Toyota Motor Europe not only confidently talks about significant growth in the electrified vehicle segment, but also continues to rely on the development of technologies based on hydrogen fuel cells. In fact, Toyota has been integrating them into heavy-duty vehicles for years in collaboration with other companies. For example, this is proven by the appearance in Europe of hydrogen trucks from the French manufacturer Hyliko and the Dutch VDL Groep. It is these that the Japanese will use to decarbonize their logistics operations.
But Toyota’s hydrogen plans aren’t just for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
Check out the Hilux FCEV Prototype concept, the first pickup truck to run on hydrogen fuel. From a purely technical point of view, this is an adaptation of the power plant from the Mirai sedan to the needs of light commercial vehicles. Let’s remember that we are talking about a 180-horsepower electric motor on the rear axle, a 175-horsepower electrochemical generator that converts hydrogen into electricity, and three cylinders with a total of 5.6 kg of hydrogen. The range of this Hilux is 587 km on one refueling.
Toyota has announced a pure electric lineup even earlier, and now it has announced the appearance of six battery-powered BEV models under the bZ sub-brand in 2026.
A start has already been made with the release of bZ4X. It is based on the global eTNGA architecture, as with the company’s other future electric vehicles. It has a 204 hp electric motor. and a 71.4 kWh battery, which provides a range of 450 km (WLTP) with all-wheel drive. Heirs will fill other sectors of the model line.
For example, the FT-3e concept shows what the long-awaited urban EV crossover from Toyota will look like. Judging by the concept, it’s quite extraordinary. With dimensions quite familiar to SUVs (4860x1955x1595 mm), thanks to its very small overhangs, it has a three-meter wheelbase. On the body panels there are external digital displays a la “moving line”. When the driver approaches the car, depending on the selected settings, they can display information about the state of battery charge, interior temperature, ambient air quality, etc.
What about the Lexus? The brand that Ukrainians love has launched a real expansion into the Old World! Over the past two years, the model range (new generations NX, RX, LX) has been updated in our popular crossover segments D, E and F and the electric Lexus RZ has been released. And this year it is the turn of the models aimed at completely new audiences for the brand.
For example, the Lexus LBX, the brand’s first subcompact, showed that familiar Lexus characteristics can be implemented even in small sizes. The brand’s first model, designed in Europe, shows us the brand’s new corporate identity, Resolute Look.
Inside are all the signs of the brand’s DNA: semi-aniline leather, Mark Levinson acoustics, all-round camera. Under the hood is a Yaris hybrid power plant with no recharging function from an external source. The only, but fundamentally important difference is a wider lithium-metal hydride battery. With this, the maximum output of the 1.5-liter gasoline engine increases to 136 hp. and 185 Nm.
And the Lexus LM proves that the minivan format, rare for the premium segment, can be an alternative to limousines and executive sedans. And this is no longer a redesigned Toyota Alphard – we are talking about a completely original development, and its global development: Lexus will sell the minivan in 60 countries around the world.
To increase comfort, the developers used the TNGA architecture, which made it possible, with a comprehensive increase in dimensions, to reduce the center of gravity and double the torsional rigidity of the body. The revised suspension received adaptive and amplitude-dependent shock absorbers.
The customer can choose one of two interior layout options: the standard seating formula 2+2+3, that is, three rows of seats for seven seats, or a four-seater version – a real limousine! Here a partition appears, dividing the interior into driver and passenger compartments. The upper part is equipped with a lowerable electrochromic glass with adjustable transparency, and the lower part is equipped with a 48-inch wide-format HD monitor, a refrigerator and many boxes.
In Europe, the minivan is available exclusively in the 350h hybrid version. Petrol “four” (2500 cc), an electromechanical variator and an additional electric motor on the rear axle (E-Four) produce 250 hp. and 239 Nm, which accelerates the LM to 190 km/h.
In addition to future models, at the forum, top managers of Lexus announced several new technologies and design principles that will change the future of the automotive industry.
First, the vehicles will be built using Gigacasting technology, which allows almost the entire body to be stamped, giving more freedom in design.
Second, Lexus will pioneer the use of a new lithium-ion battery that provides a range of 800 km (in the WLTP cycle), and charging time from 10 to 80% will take 20 minutes.
Third, the Arene operating system will appear, creating an intelligent connection between the driver and the car, personalizing the character and driving experience. Using AI for voice recognition, it will provide a quick response to commands and make personalized and flexible suggestions.
As you can see, we can safely say that Lexus will be the most dynamic premium brand of the Old World, and parent Toyota will be a source of interesting ideas that will delight car owners throughout world. And the Ukrainians, of course, too!
Source: korrespondent
I’m Liza Grey, an experienced news writer and author at the Buna Times. I specialize in writing about economic issues, with a focus on uncovering stories that have a positive impact on society. With over seven years of experience in the news industry, I am highly knowledgeable about current events and the ways in which they affect our daily lives.