For decades, Toyota has set the pace for the automotive industry by continually introducing innovative vehicles that deliver superior performance. So, the introduction of the hydrogen powered Mirai pace car came as no surprise to the friendly professionals that work at our wildly successful dealership.
The Mirai Sets another Toyota Trend
On April 25, 2015, the hydrogen fuel cell electric 2016 Toyota Mirai made its pace car debut at the Richmond International Raceway. Instead of the roar of V8 engines, NASCAR fans found themselves entranced by the first hydrogen-powered car to set the pace for a NASCAR event. Leading the 43-car field towards the green flag, the 2016 Mirai only emitted water vapor out of the tailpipe.
Toyota designed the 2016 Mirai to include a light bar and special livery. After numerous tests, Toyota engineers gave the hydrogen-powered Mirai the thumbs up to lead the NASCAR field at Richmond. “Bringing the Mirai to Richmond to pace this important race is another way for Toyota to showcase our innovation and environmental leadership,” said Ed Laukes, Toyota vice president of marketing, performance, and guest experience. “Having a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle pace the Toyota Owners 400 is a historic moment for both Toyota and NASCAR and we’re proud it’s the Toyota Mirai.” Laukes went on to tout the 2016 Mirai as another Toyota innovation that shapes the automotive landscape.
An Overview of the 2016 Toyota Mirai
The four-door, mid size Mirai sedan operates on hydrogen that converts into water vapor. For years, Toyota engineers have work to perfect a powertrain that does not require gasoline, which helps conserve the world’s rapidly dwindling oil supply. The Mirai takes five minutes to refuel and the sedan can travel over 300 miles on a full tank. Toyota offers the 2016 Mirai to include an eight-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty to assuage concerns that early adopters have for the all-hydrogen powered sedan. Consumers in California have the first chance to purchase the 2016 Mirai later in 2015. The success of the Mirai in California determines how Toyota plans to release the sedan nationwide.
How the Hydrogen Powered Mirai Works
The 2016 Toyota Mirai includes fuel cells that produce electricity derived from an electrochemical reaction that occurs between air and hydrogen. High-pressure tanks store compressed hydrogen atoms and under the hood of the 2016 Mirai, two tanks contain 11 pounds of hydrogen. With 10,000 psi applied, the hydrogen atoms moves through a platinum-coated divider that separates electrons and protons. The separated electrons generate the electrical current required to power the motor. Protons mix with water to exit the tailpipe as vapor. The 2016 Mirai includes a four-phase booster that creates 650 volts, which makes the booster compatible with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system patented by Toyota.
Toyota Sets Precedents for Groundbreaking Technology
Toyota of Cool Springs proudly partners with Toyota to introduce ground breaking precedents in performance, safety, and design features. For example, Toyota unveiled the Camry Hybrid to pace the field before the 2009 Coca Cola 600. In 2014, Toyota introduced the Mirai forerunner FVC Concept to check the roads for the Shinshiro Rally in Japan. Toyota remains the leader in developing new technologies that bolster environmental sustainability. With over two million hybrid vehicles on American roads, Toyota sets the pace for introducing breakthrough plug-in, hybrid, electric, and hydrogen powered vehicles.
Expect the automotive experts at Toyota of Cool Springs to stay abreast of the reception the 2016 Mirai receives in the California market. You can follow 2016 Mirai news by accessing our comprehensive website or stopping by our Nashville dealership to learn more about the hydrogen-powered vehicle. While you’re here, check out the latest Toyota models that include the 2016 Camry Special Edition.
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