Toyota's new research and development (R&D) facility, the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, is officially up and running after six years of construction. This $2 billion behemoth promises to be a breeding ground for future vehicles, with a heavy focus on performance and a surprising design element.
Breaking Cars to Make Them Better
The centerpiece of Shimoyama is the new vehicle development building. Forget sterile labs – this building is designed to look and feel like a pit stop at the legendary Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. This unique workspace fosters collaboration between all aspects of car development, from planning and design to engineering and testing.
The philosophy here is simple: build it, drive it hard, find weaknesses, and improve. Chairman Akio Toyoda himself is a driving enthusiast, and he emphasizes this “break it to make it better” approach. This bodes well for fans of Toyota's performance-oriented GR brand, as future GR models will undoubtedly be rigorously tested and refined at Shimoyama.
A Glimpse of the Future: Gas, Electric, and Maybe Even an MR2 Revival?
Toyota isn't giving away secrets about specific vehicles being developed at Shimoyama, but they have hinted at exciting possibilities. While Toyoda himself is skeptical about electric vehicles (EVs) dominating the market, a new generation of internal combustion engines (ICEs) is on the horizon. There's even talk of hydrogen-powered ICEs being explored.
Electrification isn't entirely off the table though. Toyota is considering an electric sports car, potentially a revival of the MR2 with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive layout, inspired by the FT-Se concept. Additionally, the potential return of a beloved classic, the Celica, was teased by Toyoda in October 2023.
Shimoyama: A Place for Innovation and Environmental Responsibility
The new facility isn't just about pushing the boundaries of car performance. Sustainability is a major focus, with over 60% of the site dedicated to preserved greenery and newly developed green spaces. The Environmental Learning Center is a hub for community engagement in environmental conservation efforts.
This commitment to coexistence with the local community extends beyond the environment. Shimoyama is expected to bring roughly 3,000 jobs, and Toyota is actively collaborating with local governments and residents to ensure the facility benefits the surrounding area.
The Future of Toyota Driven at Shimoyama
The Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama is a significant investment in Toyota's future. This state-of-the-art facility, with its emphasis on collaboration, rigorous testing, and environmental responsibility, positions Toyota to develop even better cars – including some exciting performance models for GR enthusiasts – for the roads of tomorrow.
Outline of Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama
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