Using hydrogen fuel cell technology, the Mirai converts hydrogen to electricity, which is then used to power an electric motor. The motor is connected to the front wheels, where it sends its 182 horsepower to the ground. Like other cars powered by electric motors, the Mirai is extremely torquey, with 221 foot-pounds available from a dead stop. While 182 horsepower is adequate for a car of this size, all that torque makes it feel quite sporty off the line.
The Mirai has less interior volume than Toyota's midsize Camry, but it's got plenty of upscale features. The front seats are 8-way power adjustable and heated units, while the stereo is made by JBL. Navigation is included and displayed through a large LCD screen housed in the dashboard. A smaller screen sits below, housing the controls for the climate control. Other features include a SofTex leatherette, leather steering wheel, LED headlamps with an auto high beam feature, LED daytime running lights, dynamic radar-guided cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, touch sensors on the door handles, 19-inch wheels and heated outside power mirrors.
Toyota is taking safety seriously in the Mirai, particularly because of its relatively new and seldom-utilized fuel source. More common safety features, such as airbags, traction control, stability control and anti-lock brakes are all present. However, Toyota has gone the extra mile by including a blind spot monitoring system, a Pre-Collision System, a lane departure alert and Safety Connect, which will automatically call for help in an emergency. The hydrogen tanks are specially reinforced with carbon fiber and polymer linings built in a 3-layer structure. The tanks also include leak detection sensors and safety shutoff valves for an extra dose of safety.
