Tag Archives: Toyota

NEW CARS

2027 Toyota Corolla Could Become a Liftback With Hybrid, PHEV, EV and GR Performance Versions

Toyota appears to be preparing a major transformation for one of its most important nameplates. The next-generation Toyota Corolla is reportedly set to move beyond the conventional sedan and hatchback formulas, potentially adopting a liftback body style while expanding its powertrain lineup to include hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fully electric and high-performance GR variants.

The Corolla remains one of Toyota’s strongest sellers in the United States despite its age. Toyota dealers delivered 131,403 Corolla models during the first six months of the year, representing a 9.5 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier. That growth is particularly notable considering the current-generation Corolla has been on the market for almost a decade.

However, a replacement is reportedly on the way.

Next-Generation Toyota Corolla Could Become a Liftback

Toyota has already hinted at the design direction of the next Corolla. A teaser released over the summer appeared to preview the upcoming model, with styling cues reportedly influenced by the Toyota Corolla Concept shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

According to a report from Car and Driver, Toyota could make a significant change to the Corolla lineup by replacing the traditional sedan with a liftback.

Such a move would allow Toyota to effectively combine the characteristics of the existing Corolla sedan and hatchback into a single model. A liftback could retain the practicality of a hatchback while offering a more streamlined silhouette closer to that of a conventional sedan.

The strategy would also fit with Toyota CEO Koji Sato’s broader push to reduce the number of vehicle variants offered by the company. Simplifying the lineup could help Toyota reduce complexity and improve profitability.

That raises an obvious question: does Toyota really need separate Corolla sedan and hatchback models when the company already offers the Corolla Cross?

For now, Toyota has not confirmed whether the next Corolla will adopt the liftback configuration.

Updated TNGA-C Platform Expected

The next-generation Corolla is reportedly expected to continue using Toyota’s TNGA-C architecture, albeit in an updated form.

That would allow Toyota to retain an established platform while incorporating new powertrain technologies and potentially improving efficiency, packaging and driving dynamics.

One of the most interesting aspects of the new Corolla could be the sheer number of propulsion options. Reports suggest Toyota could offer as many as four distinct powertrain configurations.

That would give the Corolla one of the broadest powertrain strategies in its segment.

New Toyota Corolla Hybrid Could Focus on Efficiency

The hybrid version is expected to remain a core part of the Corolla lineup.

According to current reports, the next Corolla Hybrid could use a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with Toyota’s hybrid technology. Total system output is reportedly expected to be around 134 hp (100 kW/136 PS).

That figure would be broadly similar to the output of the current Corolla Hybrid, meaning Toyota may prioritize efficiency rather than outright performance.

And that could be the more important upgrade.

Fuel economy is reportedly expected to improve by approximately 10 to 20 percent. If that estimate materializes, the next Corolla Hybrid could become significantly more competitive in a market where fuel efficiency remains one of the model’s defining advantages.

An all-wheel-drive option could also remain available, following the formula used by the current Corolla Hybrid.

Plug-In Hybrid Corolla Could Offer More Electric Driving

Toyota is also reportedly preparing a plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Corolla.

The Corolla PHEV would presumably use a larger battery pack than the standard hybrid, allowing it to travel considerably farther on electric power alone.

A more powerful electric motor is also expected.

Toyota has been expanding its plug-in hybrid strategy across several markets, and introducing the technology to the Corolla could give the compact car another way to bridge the gap between conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

For buyers who want lower fuel consumption without committing entirely to an EV, a Corolla Plug-In Hybrid could become an important addition to the lineup.

Fully Electric Toyota Corolla Also Expected

Perhaps the biggest change could be the arrival of a fully electric Corolla.

Reports indicate that the next-generation Corolla EV could offer at least 250 miles (402 km) of range. An optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive system is also reportedly under consideration.

If those specifications become reality, the electric Corolla would occupy a very different position from today’s gasoline and hybrid models, effectively turning the Corolla nameplate into a broader electrified family.

The dual-motor configuration could also give the EV considerably more performance than the efficiency-focused hybrid versions.

Toyota has historically taken a multi-path approach to electrification rather than relying exclusively on battery-electric vehicles, and a Corolla lineup featuring hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV models would fit directly into that strategy.

Gasoline Corolla Could Get a Turbocharged Engine

Despite the expansion of electrified powertrains, Toyota reportedly isn’t abandoning the internal-combustion Corolla.

The conventional gasoline-powered model could receive either a turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine.

That would represent a significant change from the naturally aspirated engines used in many versions of the current Corolla and could provide a stronger combination of performance and efficiency.

The exact engine configuration remains unclear, but turbocharging could give the next Corolla more low-end torque while allowing Toyota to maintain relatively modest engine displacement.

GR Corolla Could Become a 400-PS Hot Hatch

At the top of the performance range, the GR Corolla is expected to continue with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

However, the next-generation model could become considerably more powerful.

Reports suggest Toyota could target as much as 395 hp (295 kW/400 PS) for the next GR Corolla. That would push the compact performance car toward the 400-hp threshold and represent a substantial increase over the current model.

The GR Corolla’s existing formula—compact dimensions, turbocharged power and all-wheel drive—has already made it one of the most distinctive performance cars in Toyota’s lineup. More power could take the next-generation version into an even more serious performance category.

Whether the reported 395-hp figure becomes production reality remains to be seen.

One Corolla, Four Powertrain Strategies

If the reports prove accurate, Toyota could transform the Corolla from a relatively conventional compact car into a comprehensive family of electrified and performance-oriented models.

The expected lineup could look something like this:

  • Corolla Hybrid: 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid, around 134 hp, with potential AWD
  • Corolla Plug-In Hybrid: Larger battery and more powerful electric motor
  • Corolla EV: At least 250 miles of estimated range, with optional dual-motor AWD
  • Corolla Gasoline: Turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine
  • GR Corolla: 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with potentially up to 395 hp

That would give Toyota a way to cover everything from maximum fuel efficiency to near-400-hp performance under a single globally recognized nameplate.

Source: Toyota

NEW CARS

Toyota Hilux FCEV Hydrogen Pickup Confirmed for 2028 With Over 400 km Range

Toyota is preparing a production version of the Hilux FCEV hydrogen pickup for 2028, combining fuel cell technology with the practicality of its iconic mid-size truck. The European-market model is expected to offer more than 400 km of WLTP range, five-minute refueling and towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg.

Toyota is taking another step toward a multi-powertrain future with the upcoming Hilux FCEV, a hydrogen fuel cell pickup scheduled to enter production in 2028. Designed for the European market, the new model will join the existing diesel and mild-hybrid electric Hilux variants, giving customers another option in a segment where range, payload capability and refueling convenience remain important considerations.

The announcement follows several years of development and testing, including prototypes equipped with hydrogen fuel cell technology derived from the Toyota Mirai sedan. The Japanese automaker has now released the first teaser image of the production-oriented Hilux FCEV, offering a dark but revealing glimpse of the upcoming pickup.

Toyota Hilux FCEV Teaser Reveals Distinctive Lighting

The teaser image shows a Hilux with a distinctive lighting signature featuring segmented LED daytime running lights. However, the limited visibility makes it difficult to determine how extensively the hydrogen model will differ from the conventional Hilux.

It is also unclear whether the Hilux FCEV will adopt design elements associated with the battery-electric Hilux, such as a revised bumper or a blanked-off grille. Toyota has not yet revealed the complete exterior design or confirmed the final production specifications.

For now, the teaser confirms that the hydrogen-powered Hilux is moving beyond the prototype stage and toward a production model intended for European customers.

More Than 400 km of Range and 2,500 kg Towing Capacity

Toyota is keeping most technical details under wraps, but it has announced two important targets for the Hilux FCEV:

  • WLTP range: More than 400 km
  • Towing capacity: Up to 2,500 kg
  • Hydrogen refueling time: Approximately five minutes

Those figures would make the Hilux FCEV considerably more practical for longer-distance use than many battery-electric pickups, particularly when towing or operating in areas where charging infrastructure is limited.

For comparison, the battery-electric Hilux offers a WLTP range of 257 km and a towing capacity ranging from 1,600 to 2,000 kg, depending on configuration and applicable regulations. Toyota’s hydrogen model is therefore being positioned as a different solution rather than simply another electric version of the same pickup.

The key advantage of hydrogen is refueling speed. Toyota says the Hilux FCEV can be refueled in around five minutes, significantly reducing the downtime associated with charging a large battery. That benefit, however, depends entirely on access to suitable hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen Infrastructure Remains a Major Challenge

Hydrogen’s fast refueling capability is appealing, but the availability of hydrogen stations remains a serious limitation for passenger and commercial vehicles alike.

According to data from the European Hydrogen Observatory, there are currently 179 active hydrogen refueling stations across Europe and the UK. That is a relatively small network for a vehicle intended to serve a broad European market.

As a result, the Hilux FCEV is unlikely to be a universal solution when it launches. Fleet operators and commercial users with access to hydrogen infrastructure may find its combination of range and rapid refueling particularly attractive, while private buyers in regions without nearby stations could face significant practical limitations.

Price is another unresolved issue. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are typically more expensive than comparable internal-combustion and battery-electric models, and Toyota has not yet announced pricing for the production Hilux FCEV.

From Mirai Technology to Production Pickup

Toyota’s hydrogen Hilux development program began in 2022, when the company unveiled its first Hilux H2 prototype using a fuel cell powertrain borrowed from the Mirai.

In 2024, Toyota produced 10 fuel cell pickup prototypes for testing in the UK. These vehicles featured three hydrogen tanks integrated into the ladder-frame chassis, along with a lithium-ion battery positioned beneath the cargo bed.

The prototype configuration reportedly delivered an impressive range of 600 km. Its rear-axle-mounted electric motor produced 182 hp and 300 Nm of torque, providing the necessary performance for a practical pickup application.

The production Hilux FCEV is expected to build on that development work, although Toyota has not confirmed whether the final vehicle will retain the same tank layout, battery capacity or motor specifications.

Toyota Expands Its European Commercial Vehicle Strategy

Toyota announced the Hilux FCEV production plans while showcasing its European light commercial vehicle lineup at the IAA Transportation trade fair in Hannover, Germany.

The company says its European LCV sales have more than doubled over the past five years. Toyota projects sales of more than 165,000 light commercial vehicles in Europe during 2026, with a market share exceeding 7 percent.

By 2030, Toyota aims to reach annual European LCV sales of 200,000 vehicles and increase its market share to 8 percent.

The Hilux, developed in-house, is joined by compact, mid-size and large Proace vans sourced from Stellantis. This partnership allows Toyota to offer battery-electric versions across its entire European LCV lineup.

According to Toyota, zero-emission models already account for 22 percent of its European LCV sales, twice the market average of 11 percent.

Diesel Still Has a Role in Toyota’s Multi-Powertrain Strategy

Despite expanding its electric and hydrogen offerings, Toyota is not abandoning conventional powertrains. The company says it recognizes that a single technology cannot meet the business requirements, mobility needs or operating conditions of every customer.

That is why diesel engines remain part of Toyota’s European commercial vehicle lineup. The company also highlights the ability of some diesel models to run on renewable fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which can reduce carbon emissions compared with conventional fossil diesel.

The Hilux FCEV is therefore part of a broader strategy that includes battery-electric, hybrid, hydrogen and combustion-powered vehicles, rather than a complete shift toward one technology.

Toyota Hilux FCEV: What to Expect

The production Toyota Hilux FCEV is scheduled for 2028, with European sales expected to focus on customers who need a practical pickup with longer range and faster refueling than a battery-electric alternative can currently provide.

Its targeted range of more than 400 km, five-minute hydrogen refueling and towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg could make it an interesting option for commercial fleets and professional users. However, the limited hydrogen station network and likely premium pricing will remain important factors in determining how widely the model can be used.

Toyota’s latest announcement confirms that the Hilux FCEV is moving toward production, but the final design, powertrain specifications and pricing will have to wait for a later reveal.

Source: Toyota

NEW CARS, Uncategorized

Toyota GR KART Brings Affordable, Family-Friendly Karting to Japan

Toyota Gazoo Racing is taking a different approach to growing motorsports. Rather than starting with a faster road car or a more powerful race machine, the Japanese automaker is focusing on something much smaller: a kart designed to make getting into racing easier for children, parents and newcomers.

The Toyota GR KART has officially launched nationwide in Japan, with availability through kart tracks and GR Garage locations. Developed as an entry-level racing kart, it is intended to remove some of the practical barriers that often discourage people from taking up karting, including purchase costs, transportation, storage and maintenance.

The result is a machine that puts accessibility ahead of complexity, while retaining the hands-on driving experience that makes karting such an important first step into motorsports.

Toyota GR KART: Making Motorsports More Accessible

Karting has long been one of the most direct ways to experience the fundamentals of driving. There is no power steering, no electronic safety net and very little separating the driver from the track. For many professional racing drivers, it is also where their competitive careers begin.

Toyota Gazoo Racing sees that experience as something that should be available to more people. The GR KART is part of the company’s broader effort to expand the grassroots motorsports community and encourage the next generation of drivers.

The philosophy also reflects a long-standing ambition of Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda, who competes in motorsports under the name Morizo. His vision is for motorsports to become an activity that families can take up as naturally as baseball or soccer.

The GR KART is Toyota‘s answer to that challenge: a kart that is easier to buy, transport, store and maintain, while allowing drivers to experience the satisfaction of controlling a vehicle themselves.

A Carmaker-Made Kart Built in Japan

Toyota describes the GR KART as a “carmaker-made kart,” and its development reflects the company’s manufacturing experience. Production takes place at the Gamagori GR KART Workshop in Aichi Prefecture, a deliberately small-scale facility designed to make it easier to test ideas, solve problems and introduce improvements quickly.

The workshop follows principles associated with the Toyota Production System (TPS), with an emphasis on quality, efficiency and continuous improvement. That approach is intended to help reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining the durability and consistency expected from a Toyota-developed product.

For customers, the objective is straightforward: a kart that is not only accessible when purchased, but also practical to keep and use over time.

Designed to Fit Into a Family Minivan

One of the most significant obstacles to karting is not necessarily the track itself. It is getting the kart there.

The GR KART has been designed to fit inside everyday family vehicles, including the Toyota Noah and Toyota Voxy, without requiring disassembly. That means owners can transport it using a conventional minivan rather than investing in a large trailer or dedicated race transporter.

The same practical thinking extends to storage. Toyota has designed the GR KART to support upright storage without first draining its gasoline and engine oil.

Several details make that possible:

  • An engine oil catch tank designed for upright storage.
  • A diaphragm carburetor without a float chamber.
  • A fuel filler opening orientation intended to minimize fuel leakage when the kart is stored vertically.

For families with limited garage space, those details could make the difference between a kart that is used regularly and one that becomes difficult to live with.

One Kart for Children and Adults

The GR KART is designed to accommodate a broad range of drivers. Its sliding pedals and tiltable steering wheel can each be adjusted with a single touch, allowing the kart to fit users between 135 and 185 centimeters tall.

That gives children and adults the opportunity to share the same machine rather than requiring separate equipment as a child grows. It also makes the GR KART a more practical proposition for families who want to experience karting together.

A dedicated weight box can hold up to 15 kilograms of ballast, allowing the kart’s weight to be adjusted for racing. The box also includes a location for installing a transponder, keeping race-day equipment integrated into the design.

Simple Maintenance Is Part of the Appeal

Toyota has paid particular attention to the systems that owners will need to live with after the initial purchase.

The GR KART uses a belt-drive system instead of a chain drive. That eliminates the need to deal with chain oil and includes an automatic tensioner, removing the requirement for periodic belt-tension adjustments.

The engine also features a built-in, self-charging battery, so owners do not need to install a separate battery or deal with the inconvenience of charging one independently.

Another notable feature is the newly developed diaphragm carburetor for the four-stroke engine. Because it does not use a float chamber, it is designed to reduce the effects of fuel-level fluctuations caused by lateral g-forces.

A primer pump draws fuel into the carburetor before starting, making engine preparation simpler for beginners.

Durability has also been considered throughout the design. The rear axle shaft is made from rust-resistant stainless steel, while internal metal fuel lines inside the fuel tank are intended to reduce degradation caused by gasoline.

Beginner-Focused Safety Features

The GR KART is designed to make newcomers feel more comfortable behind the wheel, with several safety features aimed at preventing common problems and reducing the consequences of incidents.

Among them are:

  • Rear bumper design: Shaped to help prevent another kart from riding up onto a rear tire during a collision.
  • Rear-hub stopper pins: Designed to prevent the unlikely event of a rear hub detaching.
  • Protective seat design: The upper portion of the seat provides a designated surface for resting hands when getting in or out, while its shape helps shield hands from the hot muffler.
  • Throttle cable mounting: Designed to help prevent the throttle from sticking in the open position.

These features do not turn karting into a risk-free activity, but they demonstrate Toyota’s intention to make the GR KART approachable for people who may have little or no previous racing experience.

Toyota GR KART Price and Availability

Toyota Gazoo Racing has launched the GR KART nationwide in Japan through kart tracks and GR Garage locations. The company describes its pricing as beginner-accessible, although the supplied announcement does not specify an exact purchase price.

The kart’s broader ownership concept is just as important as its initial cost. By simplifying maintenance, making transport easier and allowing upright storage, Toyota is attempting to reduce the ongoing expenses and practical difficulties that can make karting difficult to sustain.

More Than a Kart: A Gateway to Motorsports

The GR KART is not intended to replace the excitement of a serious competition kart. Its purpose is more fundamental: to make the first step into motorsports less intimidating and more realistic for ordinary families.

That makes it an interesting extension of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s philosophy. The GR brand is known for performance cars developed from motorsports experience, but the GR KART takes that relationship in the opposite direction. Instead of bringing racing technology to the road, it brings the experience of racing closer to everyday life.

If Toyota’s approach succeeds, the GR KART could help more children discover the joy of driving, more families spend time at kart tracks and more aspiring racers find their way into motorsports.

And for a company that has long talked about making ever-better cars, there is something fitting about starting with a machine whose entire purpose is to teach people why driving is so much fun in the first place.

Source: Toyota