Toyota’s Hydrogen-Powered Sports Cars: A Glimpse into the Future of Combustion Engines

Toyota has presented a promising solution for petrolheads concerned about the future of sports cars powered by internal combustion engines. The company’s FT-Se concept not only offers a glimpse into Toyota’s electric performance future but also signifies that the venerable internal combustion engine is not yet on its way out.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hope for Combustion Engines: Toyota’s FT-Se concept showcases a potential future where internal combustion engines can thrive, thanks to hydrogen power.
2. Challenges Remain: Toyota’s GR manager, Watanabe, acknowledges the current inadequacy of hydrogen fuel cell car charging infrastructure, hindering the immediate adoption of hydrogen-fueled combustion cars.
3. Optimism for the Future: Despite current challenges, Toyota remains optimistic about the possibility of hydrogen gaining traction in Europe, the United States, and Japan in the coming years.

Watanabe, the GR manager at Toyota, candidly admitted the significant obstacle in their path, stating, “The existing charging infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cell cars, like the Mirai, is inadequate.”

This acknowledgment reflects the practical challenges that hydrogen-powered combustion cars face at the moment. However, his optimism about the future of hydrogen in major automotive markets is unwavering.

As per Masahito Watanabe, Gazoo Racing manager, the ultimate goal isn’t limited to an all-battery lineup, as achieving zero emissions can also be realized through Hydrogen technology. Notably, the GR Yaris and GR Corolla have already undergone conversions into hydrogen-fueled race cars, all while preserving their turbocharged three-cylinder engines. Watanabe stated:

“We still think the internal combustion engine has some potential and, as we do so, we will of course be trying to comply with all the applicable rules according to the regions in each country. But we don’t want to give up. It’s not over just yet, because if you look at the internal combustion engine, there’s still hydrogen combustion that can be a part of that zero-emission lineup, so I think that’s going to continue.”

While the FT-Se concept does offer hope for sports cars with internal combustion engines, it also serves as a reminder that the automotive industry continues to explore alternative power sources. Hydrogen is one such option, and Toyota’s commitment to it suggests that the internal combustion engine may not fade away as quickly as some had feared.