Toyota Gazoo Racing is demonstrating what might be possible with classic cars by debuting a pair of iconic AE86 Corollas that have received a restomod touch-up in order to bring them into the 21st Century at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon.
The first AE86 Corolla has been converted to run using a hydrogen engine – the AE86 H2 Concept has been converted to run using a hydrogen engine while the AE86 BEV Concept has had a battery electric conversion.
It has used the knowledge it has gained through its running of a hydrogen-powered race car in Japan’s Super Taikyu series to create the AE86 H2 Concept, a vehicle that provides the noise and feel sensations of an internal combustion engine. The conversion uses high-pressure hydrogen fuel tanks (like those in the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car). Other modifications have been kept to a minimum, preserving the look and character of the AE86.
The AE86 BEV Concept maintains as far as possible the AE86’s lightweight and front-rear weight balance while gaining the strong drive force characteristics of a BEV, together with a manual transmission in a vehicle that has the potential to deliver even greater driving pleasure than the original. Elements have been used from a wide range of Toyota electrified sources, including a motor from the hybrid electric Tundra pick-up and a battery unit that’s also used in the Prius Plug-in.
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