Toyota recently confirmed that the second-generation Mirai fuel cell electric would make its world debut in December in production form. That would be 14 months after the Toyota Mirai Concept had its world premiere at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. Exactly one year after, in October 2020, the Toyota Mirai has made its first appearance as a test prototype.
Carscoops photographers caught a
lightly-camouflaged 2021 Mirai tester that proves the production model will
stay true to the elegant, sleek styling of the Mirai Concept unveiled a year
ago. Only the front and rear ends are covered by black tape, albeit not
entirely. The second-generation Mirai leaves behind the awkward styling of the
first generation model, looking more similar to newer sedans like the Toyota
Avalon and Lexus ES.
It’s easy to see the production model will
look virtually identical with the concept, and the same thing is expected to
happen inside. Expect the cabin to feature a digital instrument cluster, a
large central touchscreen, soft surfaces clad in leather, a wireless smartphone
charger, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. The 2021 Mirai will be longer,
wider and lower than its predecessor, with these changes dictated not only by
the new styling direction, but also by the switch to Toyota’s premium
rear-wheel-drive TNGA platform. More importantly, the 2021 Mirai will debut
Toyota’s latest hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric drivetrain enabling a
targeted 30 percent greater range than the current model.
More specifically, the second-generation
Toyota Mirai could be capable of covering more than 643 km on a
single tank. In addition, the new powertrain is expected to give the new Mirai
improved acceleration and performance. The switch to the modular RWD platform
with a 140-mm longer wheelbase will also result in a superior driving
experience and improved passenger comfort. The 2021 Toyota Mirai will go on
sale in late 2020, initially in Japan, North America and Europe.
