Toyota turns a classic sports car into an electric and hydrogen model in Tokyo

The presence of brands at major shows is not limited to presenting their new models, but also serves to signal the trends that are coming. Or to demonstrate their technological capabilities to anticipate important changes that could become interesting in a short time. At the Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota wanted to showcase the possibilities of its electric and hydrogen drivetrains in classic vehicles from the brand.

The star of this case was a Toyota AE86, a classic sports car from the brand that has received two modifications. One of them, called Toyota AE86 H2 Concept, has been modified to run on hydrogen. The 1.6-litre engine that the car uses has received the changes needed to run on hydrogen.

This four-cylinder engine has been reworked to be fed by the hydrogen stored in two tanks that originate from the Mirai. The company has not released any data on the power of the modified model, but it has confirmed several changes from Endless and 14-inch Watanabe wheels. These are fitted with Bridgestone Potenza RE71RS F tyres.

As for the electric version of the classic model, called Toyota AE86 BEV Concept, it uses the same battery pack as the Toyota Prius PHEV. It is propelled by the motor of a Tundra EV. This delivers a power of 68.4 kW, equivalent to 91.5 CV, and a maximum torque of 190 Nm. Curiously, it uses a six-speed manual gearbox.

Other available upgrades are Bilstein dampers, Endless brakes, a Nardi steering wheel, Bride seats and 14-inch wheels, the same as on the hydrogen version.

These two models will be one-off units, with no commercial release. This means owners of an Toyota AE86 will not be able to carry out these modifications. With them, they want to show the potential of these technologies, offering a possibility that owners of these models can take advantage of at external workshops.