The Tokyo Motor Show, rebranded as the Japan Mobility Show for 2023, is gearing up to be one of the most significant events in recent automotive history. Domestic automakers, including Toyota, are taking center stage with a diverse range of offerings, from electric Land Cruisers to small pickup trucks poised to rival the likes of the Ford Maverick. However, amidst all the road-bound concepts, there’s a standout—the Toyota Space Mobility, an experimental off-roader designed for the outer reaches of space.
Toyota’s Space Mobility is far from your average terrestrial vehicle. It’s a two-seater electric prototype with all-wheel steering and a dedicated electric motor for each wheel. This compact marvel can conquer boulders nearly 20 inches (50 centimeters) tall and handle daunting 25-degree slopes. While it may seem like a concept that’s simply for show, Toyota affirms its status as a prototype, and real-world testing is on the horizon. The insights gained from this venture will pave the way for the development of other vehicles engineered for lunar missions, such as the Lunar Cruiser.