Discover Toyota’s Hidden Electric Gem: The 2000 GT at Their Tech Museum

50 Toyota engineers collaborated on this project.

In 1994, Toyota introduced a dedicated museum, officially recognized as the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. The center showcases prototypes and developmental vehicles and has become a well-liked stop for admirers of the car brand. Larry Chen, a prominent automotive vlogger, recently visited the museum and documented his tour in a video, unveiling some remarkable finds such as an all-electric version of the classic 2000GT sports car.

The video displays a 2000GT coated in white, which may not appear to be in pristine condition, but that is not the crucial aspect of this car. Beneath its polished exterior lies a fully electric engine, and although the footage lacks details about it, we are certain that this is the revolutionary 2000GT Solar Electric Vehicle prototype crafted by a group of 50 talented Toyota engineers. How can we verify this? The emerald accents inside the car serve as a clear indication.

Nerding Out at The Toyota Technical Museum in Nagoya

The car’s initial design featured a unique exterior displaying the logos of various companies who contributed to its construction, such as Panasonic, Denso, and Gentex. While the interior retains mostly standard features with black leather seats, there are specific elements that are specific to this electric version – for instance, the rearview mirror functions as a video camera and the dashboard’s seven gauges now provide data on the battery’s charge and performance.

The most apparent transformation can be seen inside the vehicle. The previous 2.0-liter inline-six engine has been substituted with a single electric motor that delivers 161 horsepower to the rear wheels. This power is generated by a 35-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Referred to as the Unconventional Automobile Initiative, the electric 2000GT was equipped with a unique audio system that alerts pedestrians of its presence and gives the driver a feeling of velocity. It remains uncertain which of these components are currently functional.

In the footage above, there are numerous other automobiles on display, such as one of Toyota’s prototype safety cars, the Toyota Soarer, a luxurious Lexus LFA, and other notable classics.

Source: Larry Chen on YouTube via CarBuzz