Toyota announced that they will work with the Japanese space agency JAXA to produce a lunar rover.
Toyota has come to an agreement with JAXA to begin research & development into this new moon rover, set to launch in 2029. Due to the extremely limited development timeframe, they will use the chassis platform from a 1997 Hi-Ace. Interior volume will be 13 cubic meters, capable of housing two astronauts, with another 27 standing.
For some unknown reason, Toyota have stated categorically that this pressurized craft won’t adopt the door rubbers from their current GD-6 range. Furthermore, the astronauts piloting the Rover will do so with their space helmets on, thus diminishing the need for Takata airbags, that could potentially explode in their faces & kill them far quicker than the harsh environment of space.
The payload of any spacecraft that would be transporting this rover to the moon would be limited due to the massive thrust required to leave the Earth's atmosphere and launch into space. In order to save weight, Toyota will commission special compulsory ARB bumpers off an 80 Cruiser, because they are known for their inherent lightweight construction. These bumpers will also be unnecessarily cluttered with an array of LED spotlights. Further weight considerations will include the optional Frontrunner roofrack, with loads of things packed onto it.
JAXA's president, Hiroshi Yamakawa, stated that they would like to harness the manufactures technological abilities and prowess, which is why they’ll be using the wiring harness & fuse box out of a 1984 Corolla 1.6 GLE, as well as the tapedeck out of a 1997 Previa.
The proposed rover will be roughly equivalent in size to a Fortuna illegally towing a full sized Conqueror Caravan, and will measure more than 10 meters in length.
Notably, the concept will have 6 wheels in order to alleviate the inevitable stability concerns. But the spokesperson was quick to point out how incredibly easy it is to roll any vehicle back into its wheels in space, otherwise they wouldn’t have selected Toyota in the first place.
Although the Rover will have 3 axles, only 2 will be driven, simply because Land Rover haven’t yet developed such a system that can be replicated & coupled to the drivetrain of a Stallion. All 3 axles will be coil-sprung, like a Navara.
Engine power for the Rover will be courtesy of the fabled D4D engine. Reasons cited for this decision was mainly due to parts availability because the D4D will invariably still be around in 2029. Furthermore, rumours suggest that D4D parts can be found on the moon.
Toyota have high market expectations for their Moon Rover & expect unit sales should easily exceed sales of the Avensis.
Prospective customers will be pleased to learn that the Rover will only be available in appliance-white with faux leather upper seat trim.
Toyota predicts that the first recalls will also occur in 2029.
