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    Toyota Innova Hycross Electric Version Reportedly In The Works

    After electrification of Crysta, it is the turn of electric Innova Hycross prototype and it looks sharp in a renderToyota Innova HyCross Electric – RenderInnova Hycross is the one vehicle that is constantly generating a lot of interest among car buyers in India. It made its debut just a few days ago, with an official launch scheduled for next month. New Innova HyCross ditches diesel for clean burning petrol and strong hybrid powertrain options.Toyota reckons that hybrids are better bets than going full electric. That said, the company has full electric vehicles in its lineup under BZ series. Toyota had showcased an electric Innova Crysta prototype that was later spotted testing on public roads. There is a high possibility that Toyota is testing the feasibility of electrifying vehicles with ladder-frame chassis.Toyota Innova Hycross Electric PrototypeNew reports suggest that Toyota is looking into electrifying Innova Hycross. This info was revealed in one of the threads in a forum by Muhammad Joned. But there is a catch. This is likely to be only offered to fleet owners. Unlike Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross is based on a modern monocoque chassis that has a front wheel drive architecture. The former came with a ladder-frame chassis and had rear wheel drive architecture. This was revered as a robust vehicle and came with a diesel engine which was much sought-after.Hycross is almost opposite to Crysta in terms of its construction. The thread on this forum reveals that, apart from the Innova Crysta electric prototype that was showcased at Indonesia International Motor Show in Jakarta, there are two more such prototypes in Indonesia and two more in Thailand.Toyota Innova Crysta Electric Concept PrototypeAmong the ones in Indonesia, one is at TAM (Toyota Astra Motors), Jakarta, and the other is brought around for exhibitions and shows. The ones in Thailand are at the regional R&D base of Asia Pacific via Toyota Daihatsu Engineering Manufacturing. One was dismantled for Hycross (Zenix) as the plan was to make an electric version of Hycross (Zenix).The report further states that this prototype being built, is not aimed at private buyers. Instead, it is aimed at government and private fleet operators. Along with that, GSO and companies that want to go green, are intended customers. One such company is said to be a mining firm that has safety risks from using ICE cars.Innova Hycross Electric  – RenderDamanik’s Studio has created a tasty render of the upcoming prototype of Innova Hycross. It inculcates design philosophies that Toyota used while creating Innova Crysta electric prototype. Electric Innova Hycross prototype gets a new front fascia with a closed-off grille. Toyota logo gets a blue surround and there are blue colour splashes in the side profile.It is not yet officially revealed whether Toyota is making an electric prototype based on Innova Hycross. Even if there is one, there is no news as to when it will be showcased and where. One can expect it to have a battery big enough to cover 300 km of real-world use on a single charge.Render, Source More

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    Toyota Innova Electric Spied On Public Road For First Time

    Innova Crysta electric concept prototype resembles its ICE-powered sibling with a closed-off grille at the front and blue accentsToyota Innova Crysta Electric Concept PrototypeWe have seen Toyota going full regalia with hybrid tech. Innova Hycross was recently launched in Indonesia as Innova Kejing Zenix. In India, it might bear the name Innova Crysta Hycross. That said, Toyota is also investing sizeable chunks of its R&D budget in pure EVs and PHEVs as well.Earlier this year, Toyota showcased an all-electric Innova concept prototype at Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta. It managed to grab a lot of eyeballs across the world, especially in South Asian markets and India where Innova is popular.Innova Crysta Electric SpiedInnova Crysta Electric concept prototype is a good example of Toyota electrifying its existing ICE vehicles along the way. Recently, this prototype is spotted undergoing testing on roads. Is Toyota considering utilising the older platform to make pure EVs? It is a stretch. But there is a good possibility of that happening. Let’s take a look.This is an interesting development because Anton Jimmi Suwandy, marketing director, Toyota Astra Motor, Indonesia, revealed that “Kijang Innova Electric will not go on sale and has been built as a concept for the purpose of engineering development only. Suwandy further added that the Innova EV concept is being used for research and development of future EVs that are being readied for the region”.Innova Crysta ElectricHenry Tanoto, Vice President Director at Toyota Astra Motor Indonesia, also confirmed that the Innova EV concept is ‘merely a study’. The concept is said to have raised the popularity of EVs in the community. Outgoing Innova Crysta is underpinned by IMV2 ladder-on-frame architecture which is designed to accommodate petrol and diesel powertrains.Incorporating battery packs and motors in this platform is a major packaging challenge. Thanks to old-school construction that restricts space for batteries. Toyota might be investing in electrification of its current ladder-frame old-school vehicles like MPVs, SUVs and pickup trucks and more. There are segments like pickup trucks where robustness of ladder-frame chassis and electrification are equally important.What To Expect?If everything that Toyota is testing with the Innova Crysta electric concept prototype checks out, we can witness electrification or even hybridisation of workhorses like SUVs and pickup trucks from the Japanese giant in the future. In North American markets, GM, Ford and even Rivian are offering electric vehicles that are based on ladder-frame chassis.Innova Crysta ElectricEven though Innova Crysta electric concept prototype is spotted testing on road, Toyota is not likely to launch an electric version of its MPV. Innova Hycross is already out of the bag and features a modern monocoque chassis with an FWD layout and a hybrid powertrain as an option.Source More

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    New Toyota bZ3 Electric Sedan Spied In Production Ready Guise

    Toyota bZ3 seems to borrow its design inspirations from its elder sibling bZ4X and also Hydrogen-powered MiraiNew Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanbZ series is Toyota’s electric vehicle family that means “beyond Zero”. Toyota has even announced that it will launch fifteen EVs in its global lineup. Out of these fifteen, seven will be launched under this bZ family. Toyota has big ambitions with this new bZ series of EVs.First of the bunch is called bZ4X which could be generalized as an electrified RAV4. It was not a bad thing given RAV4’s immense popularity in North American, South American, European, Middle-Eastern and even Asian countries. Since the crossover part is covered, it was time for a sedan under bZ series.In that regard, we now get the first ever pictures of bZ3 from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Toyota bZ3 electric sedan is based on bZ SDN concept that was showcased last year. The vehicle in the pictures looks production ready and is largely similar to bZ SDN concept. Let’s take a closer look.Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanWhile bZ4X was developed in collaboration with Subaru and sourced its battery from GAC, Toyota has collaborated with BYD for bZ3 electric sedan. For starters, Toyota bZ3 electric sedan can be generalised as an electric version of company’s Corolla sedan like RAV4 was to bZ4X. bZ3’s headlights and LED light bar are somewhat similar to bZ4X. bZ3 also gets large side windows for a spacious and airy feel.New Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanComing to the side, bZ3 gets an interesting window line that rises near its C-pillar. It doesn’t look as neat as a German sedan would. But, okay. bZ3 also gets a lot of design cues from Toyota’s Hydrogen-powered Mirai too, especially with side profile. Highlights include flush door handles and aerodynamic wheels both of which contribute to a low drag coefficient.At the rear, things spruce up quite a bit. Toyota bZ3 electric sedan gets a wide LED bar working as its taillights that runs across the width and ends in a Y pattern at both ends. Some pictures also show a white and black dual-tone paint scheme that looks decent. For now, bZ3 is set to be China exclusive and it is not yet known as to which markets get it apart from China.Powertrain By BYDToyota bZ3 electric sedan sits on the company’s e-TNGA platform. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries for this vehicle are sourced by BYD and its subsidiary Fudi Industrial. This company pioneers the blade-style cells for BYD products. The size of this is not yet known, though. bZ3 is likely to be offered only in RWD configuration. It will be made available with either a 181 bhp motor in lower-spec trims or a 240 bhp motor in top-spec trims.New Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanAlong with battery, interiors are also not known yet. But it is speculated that Toyota bZ3 electric sedan will get a similar portrait-styled touchscreen, a digital instrument console and an optional steering yoke as bZ4X gets. More details will be unraveled when bZ3 will be officially revealed at Guangzhou Auto Show in November. More

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    Toyota Innova Electric 7 Seater MPV Will Not Enter Production

    While Toyota Innova Electric Concept has passed the stage of quality and safety assurance internal checks, it won’t go into series productionToyota Innova Electric ConceptA few days ago Toyota showcased a concept prototype of an all-electric Innova at the recently concluded Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta. It managed to grab a lot of eyeballs across the world, especially in South Asian markets where Innova is a very well-known brand.While the Japanese carmaker is investing heavily in future electrified powertrains, a fully electric Innova isn’t part of the plan. This has been confirmed by the Indonesian arm of Toyota despite showcasing a full-fledged battery-powered prototype of the MPV which looked so close to being production-ready.Toyota Innova ElectricSpeaking to a local automotive publication, Anton Jimmi Suwandy, marketing director, Toyota Astra Motor, Indonesia, revealed that Kijang Innova Electric will not go on sale and has been built as a concept for the purpose of engineering development only. Suwandy further added that the Innova EV concept is being used for research and development of future EVs that are being readied for the region.It should be noted that Toyota has established a new engineering and development department for Asia-Pacific markets which will work for both Toyota and its subsidiary brand Daihatsu. Henry Tanoto, Vice President Director at Toyota Astra Motor Indonesia, also confirmed that the Innova EV concept is merely a study. The concept is said to have raised the popularity of EVs in the community.[embedded content][embedded content]EV Platform ChallengesThe IC engine-powered Innova Crysta is underpinned by the IMV2 ladder-on-frame architecture which is designed to accommodate petrol and diesel powertrains. Incorporating battery packs and an electric motor in this platform is a major packaging challenge thanks to the long members and horizontal arms of the chassis that restrict space for battery.Further, additional weight of frame will increase the vehicle’s overall weight by a huge margin which will not be feasible for performance as well as range. Although it has not been built for mass production, the Toyota Innova EV Concept has passed the stage of quality and safety assurance internal checks.Toyota Innova Electric 7 Seater MPV previewed a few days earlier was almost identical to its IC engine sibling barring a sealed-off front nose which is typical of all EVs. To further highlight its EV nature, Innova Electric featured blue highlights all over its exterior body. The fuel-filler lid now serves as the EV charging bay.New-Gen Innova CrystaWhile the current Innova Crysta is still a strong seller in India, the company has already started developing a new-generation model of the MPV. Camouflaged test units of the upcoming Innova have been spotted on Indian roads on a couple of occasions. The new-gen Innova is expected to come with a wide range of updates including a new platform which is expected to be a monocoque chassis underpinning Toyota Avanza.Source More

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    Toyota Innova Crysta Electric Concept Debuts At IIMS 2022

    From the first glimpse, Toyota Innova Electric appears to be based on the existing Innova Crysta with a similar exterior and interior designToyota Innova Electric ConceptToyota has been tight-lipped about its electric vehicle (EV) programme but media reports have suggested that the Japanese brand is investing a big chunk of its resources into development of EVs. While the company is developing a new dedicated platform for upcoming future EVs, it is also producing electrified versions of existing models.The Japanese auto giant has now taken the covers off from a fully electric Innova Crysta at the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show in Jakarta. The battery-powered MPV has been previewed via a video presented to media personnel attending the event.Toyota Innova Electric PreviewedFirst glimpse of the electric Innova reveals that its design is very much similar to the current Innova Crysta on sale across many South Asian markets including India. The only major difference in its exterior styling is a sealed-off front nose which is typical of all EVs.To further distinguish itself from its IC engine counterpart, Innova Electric features blue highlights all over its exterior body. These blue highlights are even present in LED elements inside headlamps and taillamps as well as the Toyota logo taking centre stage upfront.[embedded content][embedded content]There is also a distinct blue stripe running across the side profile parallel to its shoulder line. It stands on silver-coloured six-spoke alloy wheels which are different from the ones seen in the current Innova. The fuel-filler lid now serves as the EV charging bay.Interiors & FeaturesInteriors of the electric Innova are identical to its IC engine sibling, at least from first glimpses shown. It gets a similar dashboard layout with a floating top and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display taking centre stage. Interiors are more or less likely to be similar with contrasting dark and light upholstery. Blue accents on upholstery further amplify its EV nature.Visible features on offer include a multifunction steering wheel, a digital instrument console, a touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and auto climate control. Other expected features on offer include an air purifier, a 360-degree camera, cruise control, etc.Toyota Innova Electric ConceptWhen will it launch?Toyota hasn’t yet shared any official details regarding its specifications or architecture. It is unclear if the company intends to take this model into production stage or is it just a concept.The company is already developing a new generation model of Innova which off late has been spied testing on overseas as well Indian roads. The new-gen Innova is expected to make its global debut at the end of this year. Launch is likely to take place by Jan 2023. More

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    Maruti YY8 Electric SUV Launch Plan 2024 – 1.5 Lakh Production Target (Scoop)

    Render for reference. Credit – Mightyseed DesignsMaruti YY8 will be made at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and will also spawn a Toyota derivativeMaruti has been running several test mules of Japan-spec WagonR electric all over the country for a while now. It was initially expected that the country’s leading automaker will foray into EV space with its popular econo-hatchback, however, we have learnt that Maruti’s debut electric vehicle is going to be a mass market mini SUV.Maruti YY8 Electric SUVMaruti has green lighted a new electric SUV project, codenamed YY8. Information about the upcoming Maruti YY8 (codename) is scarce as of now but it will adopt an SUV-ish body with compact footprints. We expect it to compete with the future EV variant of the brisk selling Tata Punch.While technical specifications are still under wraps, the Maruti YY8 electric crossover will benefit from Suzuki’s partnership with Toyota. This would mean, the vehicle in question will also be sold with Toyota branding both in India and in select overseas markets.Touted to be ready for the market sometime in 2024 (with a possible debut at the Auto Expo), the electric mini SUV from Maruti will be manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant. It looks like both Maruti and Toyota have aggressive sales targets for this vehicle, as the expected production target per year is 1.5 lakh units.Render for reference, by Rajshekhar DassClearly, the OEMs are betting on accelerated EV adoption in the country, facilitated by current and future incentives from state and central governments. The charging infrastructure across the country is also expected to grow at a strong pace in the coming years.Maruti Electric SUV ArchitectureWith Suzuki’s lightweight Heartect and Toyota’s DNGA at disposal, it is unclear which architecture will the Maruti YY8 adopt. Both platforms are versatile and EV compatible. The Heartect is already heavily localized in India with a well established supply chain apparatus, making for a short time-to-market.On the other hand, Toyota’s DNGA has a better benefit due to economies of scale on a global level. This architecture is likely to be the basis of upcoming Toyota / Maruti SUV to rival Hyundai Creta. If that is the case, it implies that Toyota has already managed to localize this architecture to meet mass-market price targets in India.We expect the electric mini SUV to be priced under INR 10 lakhs. Drive range of around 250-350 kms should be a good place to start for an entry-level EV in India. The lithium-ion battery is most likely to be sourced locally from the Toshiba facility which is also located in Gujarat. All major OEMs are working intensely on their respective mass-market electric vehicles for India and we expect to see an avalanche of new launches as we approach the middle part of this decade. More

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    Maruti WagonR Electric Car To Be Sold As Rebadged Toyota Hyryder ?

    Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder SpiedToyota is expected to launch a hatchback based on Maruti WagonR which will be battery-powered
    Maruti Suzuki has been contemplating on bringing an electric vehicle to India for a very long time. The most likely possibility is an entry-level battery-powered car based on WagonR. However, since reports of the car’s development began, there has been no concrete evidence of an eventual launch.
    The Indo-Japanese carmaker is still susceptible to the fact that EVs are still at a very nascent stage in the Indian automotive market and have not reached a stage where they could penetrate into a mass market. In fact, a few months ago, reports surfaced on the internet that Maruti has altogether scrapped the plans of launching an electric derivative of Wagon R.
    Until a few days ago, there were no new developments regarding an electric version of the tallboy hatch when a test mule of the same appeared out of nowhere.
    However, the most interesting attribute noticed about the prototype was that it was wearing a Toyota logo on its face and wheel caps. This could mean that Maruti Suzuki will likely share WagonR EV with its alliance partner in India. Another set of spy shots have surfaced on the internet giving us a peek into the electric hatch.
    Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
    Exterior Design
    Like the previous spy video, this unit also resembled the regular petrol-driven WagonR with the same overall design. However, it comes with subtle variations to its exterior styling including new bumpers, a revised side profile, and a completely redesigned front face. The prototype receives all-LED lighting with a sharp-looking split headlamp design at the front.
    Other exterior styling highlights include black claddings on front and rear bumpers, black pillars and a blacked-out front grille. Another interesting visual is the larger 15-inch alloy wheels which look similar to the ones seen in Maruti Ignis. The current petrol-powered WagonR rides on 14-inch steel rims with wheel caps. Rest of the car looks identical to its regular sibling.
    Maruti Rebadged models as Toyota
    If such a vehicle is indeed being planned to be launched as a Toyota, it does not make sense for Maruti to develop the car and not release it under its own brand name. Hence, it is expected to launch as a Toyota only after it has been launched under its home brand. Toyota has recently registered a new name – HYRYDER, likely to be pronounced as hi-rider. Could this Maruti WagonR Electric version’s rebadge variant be named Toyota Hyryder?
    Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
    Currently, there is a lot of ambiguity regarding the development of this product and an official word from Maruti or Toyota will only clear the air. As of now, Toyota retails two models namely Glanza and Urban Cruiser which are rebadged Maruti models Baleno and Vitara Brezza respectively. The Japanese company will also launch a rebadged Maruti Ciaz under its own brand name Belta. There is also speculation of Toyota’s MPV which is said to be based on Ertiga.

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    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept Debuts – Name Trademarked In India

    Toyota bZ4X Electric ConceptToyota has already filed trademarks for other bZ models such as bZ1X up to bZ5X in India
    Slowdown in the global automotive industry hasn’t impacted the process of automakers transitioning to electrified powertrains. Toyota has announced that it will be adding as many fifteen fully electric vehicles (EVs) in its global lineup out of which seven will wear the branding of bZ which stands for ‘Beyond Zero’.
    The first of the bZ lineup has now been revealed in a pre-production concept form called bZ4X which is loosely based on Toyota’s mid-size SUV RAV4. Given RAV4’s popularity in international markets, it was a no-brainer for the Japanese carmaker. The crossover has been built on e-TNGA platform in partnership with Subaru.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    Exterior Design
    As expected, the bZ4X Concept takes a number of styling inspirations from its IC engine-powered cousin. It is similar in shape and size to RAV4 but sits a little lower and is slightly longer than the latter.
    At front, it gets a small hexagonal grille in the lower section of the face with small vertical inlets in the corners. Otherwise, the front end has no openings with a trapezoidal nose. The headlight clusters have four projector LED beams and a strip of LED DRLs at top of each.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    Moving to its side profile, it gets swift character lines flowing backward giving it the impression of a scooped-out section. Lower part of the door kinks upward at the rear fenders while a rear spoiler and high beltline add a sporty element to its design. Like RAV4, the C-pillar has a steep coupe-like rake while glossy black wheel arches and multi-spoke tubeless alloy wheels accentuate the crossover’s sporty appeal.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    At rear, LED illumination comprising boomerang-shaped taillights and a full-width strip across the tailgate gives it a premium appeal. Overall, the bZX4 concept grabs the attention by its bold and futuristic looks. Its interior, though premium and modern, fails to complement the exterior.
    Interior Layout & Features
    The cabin features a bulky steering column with a digital instrument cluster almost stuck to the windscreen glass. The dashboard flaunts a wide touchscreen infotainment unit extending up to the centre console finished in piano with rotary dials for toggling assistance systems and drive modes.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    It also receives a touchpad with a blue glow that can be used to operate the infotainment screen. Other highlights include multi-zone climate control, USB charging ports and a dual-tone interior theme.
    The rear seat seems fairly spacious thanks to the lack of a drivetrain hump and a wide cabin which should accommodate three adults abreast. Toyota hasn’t yet revealed the exact powertrain specs. The e-TNGA platform is suited for both single motor and dual motor setups.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    The former can be opted in either front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive layouts while the latter comes with all-wheel-drive capabilities. A single-motor variant called bZ4 should also be included in the lineup. Basically, the ‘X’ in the model name refers to all-wheel-drive vehicles.
    Toyota has trademarked BZ, BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4 and BZ5 in India
    A rebadged crossover under Subaru branding shall also be developed. Expect production version of bZ4X to start reaching markets by mid-2022. Toyota intends to launch all seven bZ models by 2025 which will also include an electric pickup truck. Production of the electric crossover is expected to be carried out in Japan and China. More