
Gearing up for the 2023 Japanese Mobility Show that will kick off later this week, Toyota has unveiled two new concept vehicles that will be on display at the event, namely the battery-powered Land Cruiser Se and a new electric bakkie that is simply called the EPU.
While not yet production-ready, these battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) give us our first insights into what’s to come from the world’s largest car manufacturer’s most popular products in the shift to an emissions-free tomorrow.
Alongside the futuristic-looking double cab and SUV, Toyota has also revealed the new Neo Steer cockpit concept that integrates functions of the accelerator and brake into the steering wheel, offering numerous advantages over the more conventional setup.
Land Cruiser Se
The Land Cruiser Se provides a more elegant and stylish design than its internal-combustion siblings, and thanks to the quietness of its battery-powered underpinnings, cabin comfort is improved in urban areas and other on-road situations, said Toyota.
It will also be available in a seven-seater layout that aims to cater to the diverse needs of all Toyota’s main markets.
Perhaps more importantly, the SUV “offers the high-torque driving performance unique to BEVs” and it features a monocoque body that provides highly-responsive handling and confidence in rough terrain.
The Se’s body measurements come in at 5,150mm long, 1,990mm wide, and 1,705mm tall – making it 170mm longer and 10mm wider, but 240mm lower than the current Land Cruiser 300 flagship.
EPU
The EPU double cab affords a sneak peek into the design language of Toyota’s next-generation mid-size bakkies, potentially offering hints as to what the new Hilux may look like, the latter of which is expected to be revealed in 2025.
Built with a monocoque body like the Land Cruiser Se, the EPU simultaneously delivers higher durability and practicality as well as a more stylish design than the models that are currently on the market.
At just over five metres long with a double-cab design, the structure allows for a versatile loading space that caters to a broader range of user applications, and the rear of the cabin links with the deck “to accommodate diverse user preferences, supporting a wide range of mobility lifestyles, including outdoor activities,” said Toyota.
The bakkie also shows off a new tailgate design that allows owners to store items that exceed the load box’s dimensions without having to leave the tailgate open.
The large battery pack further results in a low center of gravity and subsequently superior handling stability and ride comfort.
Neo Steer
Neo Steer is a new cockpit concept based on motorcycle handlebars, which move the functions of the accelerator and brake pedals into the steering wheel.
The yoke-style steering wheel profile ensures a wider field of vision, and the pedal-free floor space enables an unrestricted driving position along with smoother entry and exit.
“The Neo Steer will help foster greater love for cars and deliver the joy and excitement of mobility for all. It also offers safe, intuitive hand-operated driving for users with lower limb impairments,” said Toyota.
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