Toyota and Mazda have signed an agreement to work together and share technologies, and besides Toyota reportedly providing fuel-cell and hybrid tech in return for Mazda’s SkyActiv engine tech, a new report by motoring.com.au indicates some of the wheeled fruits of their labour.
Specifically, what is suggested is a Toyota Prius-based SUV with a 1.5 litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine. According to the report, Toyota wants the Mazda motor in its SUVs and MPVs, as the SkyActiv engine’s low- to mid-range torque is currently wanting in Toyota hybrids.
A source told motoring.com.au that this SUV, like Toyota hybrids, could have a range well in excess of 800 km, but offer “a far better driving experience.” The 2014 Paris show’s Toyota C-HR concept (pictured) is as good a crystal ball as any here – will it be hybridised as well?
The SkyActiv-D motor would help Toyota make strides on the Continent – despite reports of the EU planning to discourage diesel in favour of electric power, the Japanese giant is likely to drop Mazda’s diesel engine into everything from the Aygo to the Lexus LS, reports motoring.com.au. The Toyota Verso and Avensis already use BMW-derived diesel engines.
Meanwhile, Zoom Zoom wants to go Zap Zap – Mazda apparently wants to use Toyota’s fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid tech for its first electric vehicle (EV), which will allow it to satisfy the tough Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) regulations coming into force in California in 2018. Of course, there should be a Toyota-badged version as well.
The front-wheel drive EV, which will be BMW i3-sized, will target the US and Japanese markets, have a range of around 200 km and aim to be priced at about US$30,000 (RM112,800). motoring.com.au also doesn’t rule out that it could simply end up as a reskinned Mirai, although the Mirai is a fuel-cell electric vehicle as opposed to a battery-electric vehicle.
Such a joint project is expected to save on R&D for both companies and stimulate the fuel-cell industry – with regards to building more hydrogen refuelling stations – while also meeting ZEV regulations. The publication speculates that the joint-venture could also help Mazda with its much-delayed rotary revival – possibly involving dual-fuel petrol/hydrogen capability.
Toyota’s other collabs include the 86/BRZ with Subaru, a new Supra/Z4 with BMW and a new Yaris/Mazda 2 to be built in Mexico for the US.
Toyota C-HR concept at 2014 Paris Motor Show
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Exciting times ahead…I can’t wait to see what wonder they would churn out.
Please just let Mazda do the design, both exterior and interior.
Then soon you’ll find Toyota with Kodo design if Mazda do the styling. This agreement is only for car engine, not exterior or interior designs. Catfish Scion iA is the example. It has keen look design but with SkyActiv engine and transmission.
i dislike how they design the new roadster, it just so plain and silly.. i’d expect it would be curvy like rx-7 FD, but something similar to a giant mekong catfish instead..
i would more prefer toyota handling the design, then give the power plant to mazda to configure.. toyota did with yamaha in the past to produce the cult AE86 & 2000GT, so why not..
Toyota legendary higj pricing together with Mazda equally legendary technology harakiri will ensure very low RV. Malaysian Toyota lovers and lingerie salesmen better stay away from these.
How about SkyActiv-engineered rotary engine? I hope soon there’s a rotary powered Toyota S-FR/FT-1, with Atkinson cycle (hybrid) and twin turbocharger. Sounds weird but legit eh?
Do not buy new cars from Toyota, Honda or Mazda.
Get a Sonata, Elantra or K5 instead.
Need to have the used car market primed. As new kimchi sales are so low now, the used car market for kimchi may dwindle 12 months later