HiLux BEV concept leads Toyota showcase

TOYOTA Australia has presented a range of new models to media, staff, and dealers in Melbourne this week, highlighting a bevy of forthcoming vehicles with a diverse range of electrified and traditional powertrains.

While the Japanese importer has yet to retail a full battery electric vehicle Down Under – a situation it will rectify when the bZ4X goes on sale in February next year – it presented several electrified vehicles alongside traditional petrol- and diesel-powered models in what it says is a multifaceted approach to reducing CO2 emissions.

“The vehicles displayed at our showcase include a diverse range of electrified vehicle technologies, showing Toyota’s commitment to leaving no motorist behind,” explained Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.

“Whether  it’s battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric or hybrid electric, Toyota is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of powertrain options on the journey towards carbon reduction.”

Toyota HiLux Revo BEV concept, and an FCEV ute future...?

Taking centre stage at the Toyota Showcase was a HiLux Revo BEV concept in the country for evaluation purposes. Powered by a similar driveline to that found in the bZ4X, the battery electric utility offers two-wheel drive and is designed for short-range, inter-urban use.

Mr Hanley told media gathered for the event that the all-electric HiLux hints at what is possible for the future of the strong-selling model, and that the Thai-sourced concept will assist local engineers in helping to “further the development of alternative powertrain technologies in Australia’s favourite vehicle”.

“This is a hugely important vehicle for Toyota, and for Australia,” he said of the HiLux Revo BEV concept.

“It looks good enough to be a production car, but it is definitely a concept … and a clear demonstration of how advanced we are in relation to BEVs. What I can’t tell you is when or even if this car will make it to Australia as a production model. But I can tell you that we’re optimistic.

“We will definitely pursue the opportunity to bring such a vehicle to our market in the future, should one become available.”

However, Mr Hanley said that the lack of four-wheel drive, towing capabilities and range would limit such a model to duties currently held by the two-wheel drive, petrol-powered HiLux Workmate (the current segment leader with YTD sales of 7178 units), saying more work was needed to create a model with the capabilities agricultural, trade and recreational HiLux buyers expect.

“There’s a swag of Toyota-owned technologies under the skin (of the HiLux Revo BEV) that we’re not ready to reveal today. Given the enormous challenges we face in electrifying commercial vehicles, it seems to make sense that we start with a vehicle for the on-road market,” he said.

“(But), I can imagine a day, perhaps a few years from now, when such a vehicle could help transform the e-mobility landscape in many countries. What I am really hanging out for is the same thing that everyone is asking the question about, and that is a load-carrying, trailer towing, remote area, off-road HiLux four-wheel drive with zero tailpipe emissions.

“It is possible … and rest assured Toyota is working on it (and) of course our breakthrough work on solid state batteries might come to the fore (in bringing such a model to market), and maybe there is another solution – perhaps this is where hydrogen fuel cells would come into their own.

“In the UK, we’re in the process of developing a hydrogen powered HiLux prototype using our latest, second-generation fuel cell technology. It wouldn’t surprise me if it became the vehicle that bridges the gap between today’s realities and tomorrow’s technological requirements.

“The first prototype vehicles are being produced this year with a view to preparing a small series production – and it’s made possible by the willingness of Toyota to invest in more than one technology.”

The UK-developed HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric concept combines a 330-cell solid polymer fuel cell stack, three high-pressure hydrogen tanks, a large lithium-ion battery, electric motor, and rear transaxle.

While Toyota has not unveiled specifications for the concept model, it notes a 134kW/300Nm output for a similar system in its rear-wheel drive Mirai. That model features a 5.6kg hydrogen tank capacity to offer a driving range of 650km (WLTP).

Toyota says the hydrogen HiLux concept is being developed in partnership with the UK government at a facility in Burnaston, England.

Along with FCEV hydrogen powertrains, the company is also developing internal combustion engines powered by liquid hydrogen, as demonstrated in its Corolla H2 race car earlier this year.

HiLux GR Sport flagship joins MHEV HiLux and Prado

Alongside the HiLux Revo BEV concept, Toyota Australia presented the first of its 48-volt mild hybrid HiLux dual-cab 4WD models, a next-generation 48-volt mild hybrid LandCruiser Prado, and the soon-to-be-released HiLux GR Sport flagship models at its national showcase.

The pre-production MHEV-equipped HiLux and Prado aimed to showcase the technology ahead of the vehicles’ respective launches in February/March 2024 and mid-2024, the latter joining the showcase fresh from “extensive testing across the Australian landscape”.

The transmission-mounted 48-volt electric motor-generator found in the HiLux and Prado combines with the carryover 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic to provide smoother take-off acceleration and improved fuel economy.

“This technology is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. This 48-volt system coming soon to HiLux and LandCruiser Prado,” said Mr Hanley.

“This system really does hit the sweet spot by assisting the diesel engine. It can power the car’s steering, pumps, and fans, and it supports the fuel-saving idle-stop system’s operation. It also keeps all the electrics firing and handles the load of the climate control.

“The system recharges while you’re driving, recovering and storing kinetic energy from braking – and it facilitates smoother and quicker start-up and take-off once the brake pedal is released.”

Mr Hanley went on to explain that Australian engineers had worked to finesse the MHEV system in Australian conditions, ensuring the technology is up to meeting the many and varied demands of HiLux and LandCruiser Prado owners.

He said the HiLux with 48-volt technology shown at the Toyota Showcase offers improved performance in off-road conditions and a swathe of upgrades while retaining the model’s strong 3500kg braked towing capacity.

“Our Australian engineers have done an incredible three years of local development, testing and evaluation of the 48-volt system.

“They have confirmed that it is 100 per cent ready and suited to Australia’s harsh conditions and customer demands, including those from dust, mud, water, heat, heavy towing, and the high-power loads drawn by accessories.

 “This is the same team that is recognised by our parent company as a global centre of excellence, and we’ll have more to say about their contribution when we launch the HiLux (MHEV) in February or March, and the LandCruiser Prado in mid-2024.”

Before then, a new “apex off-road grade” of HiLux will arrive in local showrooms, the HiLux GR Sport due to arrive in local showrooms from September 12.

More than a set of visual enhancements, the HiLux GR Sport offers a wider wheel track (as per Rogue) with enhanced suspension and tyres, and improved performance from the tried and tested 2.8-litre engine.

“We’re continuing to meet the demands of today’s HiLux customers, which is why we’re launching the new GR Sport. It is equipped with the most powerful HiLux diesel engine ever, developed by our friends at Gazoo Racing for the toughest off-road driving,” he said.

“Some locally developed parts have been fitted as standard, including the front skid plate, rock rails, tow bar, rated recovery points, and tub liner. Plus, there’s a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes.”

Toyota’s strong-selling four-wheel drive HiLux range currently places second behind the Ford Ranger with year-to-date sales of 25,585 and 28,448 units respectively.

C-HR goes all hybrid, bZ4X all electric

Another important element of the Toyota Showcase was its presentation of the incoming all-hybrid C-HR light SUV and all-electric bZ4X, both due in local showrooms around March or April of 2024.

Part of a “technologically agnostic” approach, Toyota Australia says the duo will strengthen its commitment to providing customers with a “broad range of vehicles on its pathway to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050”.

Ensuring no customer is left behind, irrespective of their geographical location or motoring needs, Mr Hanley said Toyota customers will be able to purchase or lease the company’s first production battery electric vehicle.

Toyota’s new, full-service lease program (see separate story here) will launch in conjunction with the bZ4X, a highly specified model Mr Hanley says will enter production for Australia from November.

“I can confirm that we have negotiated with our parent company to receive a substantially higher share of production than we originally planned,” he explained.

“We expect to be able to deliver several thousand cars in 2024 and that they will have an uprated spec’ over what is currently available. To make this possible, and taking into account global demand and supply realities, production of Australian spec’ cars is being pushed back a few weeks into November.

“So, rather than rush to market this year with a handful of cars, we’ve decided to ensure our dealers have a reasonable level of launch stock with the first cars rolling out of showrooms in February 2024.”

While that number pales when viewed against the juggernaut that is the Tesla Model Y (with YTD sales of 17,332) – not to mention an increasing number of cheaper, Chinese-built contenders – Mr Hanley said the bZ4X is one of three battery-electric models Toyota will introduce Down Under over the next three years, with volume to ramp-up over time.

“We expect approximately 60 per cent of sales to be front-wheel drive and 40 per cent all-wheel drive, which includes an off-road mode. From launch, as part of our commitment to being the leader in mobility services, we will offer flexible options for bZ4X customers,” he said.

“As usual, they will have the ability to purchase outright, but we also intend to shake things up by offering full-service lease options through Toyota Finance Australia … and full details and pricing will be announced closer to launch.”

The similarly sized second-generation C-HR was also on show in Melbourne this week, the first time the new model had made an appearance in Australia.

The petrol-electric hybrid duo will arrive locally with the choice of 1.8- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder power, and is said to have made “significant strides” over the outgoing model in terms of styling, technology, and refinement – while doubling the content of recycled plastic used in the vehicle when compared with the current generation C-HR.

Shown in Koba front-wheel drive and GR Sport all-wheel drive guise, the C-HR is due to go on sale in early 2024.

“The new (C-HR) range is hybrid only, which goes to show just how far we’ve come in the evolution of hybrid technology and in our visionary approach to product development,” said Mr Hanley.

“While most of the range will be powered by a 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain, the top-of-the-line GR Sport will adopt the more powerful 2.0-litre hybrid with intelligent all-wheel drive.

“This is yet another example of Toyota’s diverse options that give customers access to affordable and practical vehicles that will accelerate the pace of CO2 reduction.

“Importantly, the new model introduces greater use of recycled and animal-free materials, while weight saving measures and new production processes help to reduce overall carbon emissions.”

Tundra hybrid may join four-cylinder LandCruiser 70 Series

While the reduction of carbon emissions may not be the first thing that comes to mind when looking at the full-size Tundra and LandCruiser 70 Series utilities, the move to hybrid and four-cylinder power respectively marks an important step in Toyota’s holistic approach to electrification and CO2 emissions reductions.

In a Toyota first, 300 examples of the Tundra will be converted to right-hand drive locally by Toyota partner Walkinshaw Automotive Group and leased to selected potential customers for a real-world evaluation and validation program.

“We are continuing to develop hybrid-electric vehicles, and the big news around that right now is Tundra,” said Mr Hanley.

“The next stage of our right-hand drive reengineering project is ready to go. Local production is underway with our partner Walkinshaw Automotive Group, and 300 prototype vehicles will be delivered progressively between December this year and April 2024.

“To help us choose the most appropriate drivers, our dealers will contact potential customers and provide us with a shortlist for final selection based on location, occupation, and planned usage.

“These customers will benefit from an attractive, full-service lease – also through Toyota Finance Australia – that recognises our requirement for customers to provide feedback through the regular dealer check-ins.

“I stress, this is a test and a trial. This vehicle has not been marked for launch in Australia at this point. I want to also stress that this is a real-world evaluation and validation program and an essential stage before full-scale production.

“It is something very different. We have never done this before,” he added.

In continuing the something-for-everyone approach, Mr Hanley also took time to discuss the importance of the recently updated LandCruiser 70 Series within the local market.

He said that by continuing to offer the aged model – albeit with an updated four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission combination – Toyota Australia demonstrated its commitment to providing the right vehicle for all customers.

“Our engineers’ involvement in this new vehicle goes back five years to when they hosted their engineering colleagues from Japan,” he detailed.

“They were here to see for themselves where and how this vehicle was used, and to truly and deeply understand why it is so important to continue production of the 70 Series for the Australian market.

“Seeing how real customers use this vehicle – driving in extreme terrain and in super-remote areas – they saw that 70 Series is not just a vehicle of choice for miners and farmers. It is often a vehicle that is relied upon by those working well off the beaten track.

“These customers expressed strong demand for an automatic transmission … and with a solid business case approved, our local engineers began testing, modifying and evaluating prototypes of this car since 2019.”

Mr Hanley stressed that the HiLux-sourced engine found under the bonnet of the four-pot LC70 is not merely a transplant, but one that is uniquely adapted to the application.

“We have made a raft of changes to ensure this powertrain lives up to the high expectations of 70 Series customers, including modifications to the gearing and cooling (of the unit),” he said.

“We’ll provide more details on this great vehicle at our launch in November of this year.”

H2O to help cut CO2?

Perhaps as a signal of intent for future hydrogen-powered models, Toyota further demonstrated its multifaceted approach to reducing carbon emissions by showing its hydrogen fuel cell generator – which was charging a bZ4X at the entry to the venue – and with a cut-away Mirai sedan.

Toyota has been leasing a small number of Mirai FCEVs to what it calls “progressive organisations” for the past two years and says its long-term investment in hydrogen fuel-cell electric technology may also offer an appropriate solution for zero-tailpipe-CO2-emission commercial vehicles.

Whatever the ultimate solution becomes, it is evident Toyota is trying any means to get there. And we look forward to seeing what comes next.