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.
Crafted to thrive in the harshest of extraterrestrial environments, the Space Mobility adheres to a predictably compact form. With a length of only 136 inches (3460 millimeters), it’s just a hair longer than a kei car. This otherworldly electric vehicle features an open cockpit and robust tires, measuring 85.6 inches (2175 mm) in width and 73.4 inches (1865 mm) in height.
The Lunar Cruiser and Space Mobility are not isolated projects in Toyota’s cosmic vision. Recently, the Baby Lunar Cruiser was unveiled, drawing inspiration from the iconic FJ40 design cues and sporting airless tires. It, too, boasts in-wheel motors and a mission to conquer rugged terrains, both on Earth and beyond.
Toyota’s ambition for outer space exploration is evident, and they’re not alone in this cosmic endeavor. Hyundai, for instance, is engineering its lunar rover, which will incorporate components derived from their conventional Hyundai and Kia models.
The Japan Mobility Show is indeed a stage for innovation, where automotive boundaries are continually pushed, and vehicles designed for otherworldly exploration are becoming more than just dreams of the future.
