The 2024 Crown Sedan FCEV production model certainly garnered the most attention at the recent Super Taikyu Fuji 24 Hours race in Japan. However, positioned alongside it at the Toyota Gazoo Racing stand was another intriguing vehicle. The Toyota Mirai Sport Concept quietly made its world premiere at the racing event, presenting itself as a performance-focused iteration of the Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).
Toyota introduced the first generation of the Mirai in 2014, and it underwent a significant redesign in 2020, resulting in a more stylish and modern second-generation model. The latter served as a base for the Sport Concept which doesn’t bear any Gazoo Racing emblems but could easily pass for a GR-Sport variant of the Mirai.
While Toyota has maintained a level of secrecy around the Mirai Sport Concept, a video from the Japanese YouTube channel ‘Ride Now‘ offers a glimpse into its exterior design. The Sport Concept stands out with a sporty bodykit that aligns it more closely with Toyota’s contemporary styling language.
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The front of the Mirai Sport Concept showcases a redesigned bumper that departs from the standard Mirai’s large chrome-infused grille. Instead, it features a lower intake reminiscent of the Prius, along with three slits positioned above the license plate. Additionally, a black trim piece is inserted between the headlights. The rear bumper has also received updates, including a diffuser-style trim finished in glossy black, complemented by a subtle rear spoiler.
The concept is coated in a Matte Steel exterior shade sourced from the GR Corolla, with certain body panels adorned in a carbon-style weave wrap. To further highlight its sporty nature, the concept proudly displays “Mirai Sport” lettering and branding.
The Mirai Sport Concept also features a fresh set of wheels. The BBS-style 21-inch alloy rims are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport S tires measuring 245/40R21. The suspension is lowered by 20 mm (0.8 inches) which doesn’t sound like a lot but has a noticeable effect on the stance of the Mirai. This sportier setup is expected to contribute to improved handling dynamics.
There is no mention of other mechanical upgrades, although it would be nice for those looks to be combined with a power increase. The standard FCEV powertrain produces 182 hp (136 kW / 185 PS) and 300 Nm (220 lb-ft) of torque, allowing a driving range of 647 (402 miles) between refueling stops. Note that the Mirai shares its TNGA-L platform with the upcoming Toyota Crown Sedan and the Lexus LS flagship.
The Toyota Mirai‘s existing price range in Japan is between ¥7,106,000 ($50,639) and ¥8,600,000 ($61,285), indicating that a potential sportier variant would likely surpass these figures. Whether the Mirai Sport Concept will transition into a production model is yet to be determined. While there is a current emphasis on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), it is noteworthy that Toyota has made a commitment to continue developing hydrogen powertrains.