S6E71 – Toyota at SEMA 2025: Power of Possibilities
About this episode
Toyota showcased its innovative builds at SEMA 2025, emphasizing a multi-pathway approach to powertrains, including internal combustion, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Notable builds included a battery electric race car, a sporty Camry GTS concept, and a modernized FJ60 Land Cruiser with a crate motor option. The episode features insights from Dan Gardner of Toyota North America, discussing how these builds reflect customer desires for personalization and performance. Listeners will appreciate the blend of creativity and engineering that Toyota is exploring for future models.
In this episode, we’re reporting from Las Vegas at the 2025 SEMA Show, where Toyota unveiled its Power of Possibilities exhibit—seven innovative concept vehicles powered by gas, electricity, hydrogen, and the brand’s legendary hybrid technology. The best part? Toyota is letting customers help decide which of these concepts should go into production. Tune in to explore each model, the tech behind them, and what this bold approach means for the future of automotive design.
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SEMA show
"...in the preview for the SEMA show, which is this crazy show that everything can you imagine about a car? Aftermarket, it's here, right?"
The SEMA show is a big event in Las Vegas where companies show off cool car parts and custom cars. It's a place for car lovers to see the latest trends.
The SEMA show is an annual trade event in Las Vegas that showcases aftermarket automotive products and custom vehicles, attracting industry professionals and enthusiasts.
multi-pathway approach
"So we have a build for every powertrain. At Toyota, we call it our multi-pathway approach. So whether that's internal combustion only, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, or hydrogen fuel cell, we're supporting a vast array of different technologies..."
The multi-pathway approach means Toyota is making different types of cars that run on different kinds of fuel, like gas, electricity, or hydrogen. This way, they can offer choices for everyone.
Toyota's multi-pathway approach refers to their strategy of developing various types of powertrains, including internal combustion engines, hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cells. This allows them to cater to different market needs and consumer preferences.
battery electric
"...hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, or hydrogen fuel cell, we're supporting a vast array of different technologies..."
Battery electric cars run only on electricity from batteries, not gas. They don't create any pollution from the exhaust, making them better for the planet.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, with no internal combustion engine. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and are considered environmentally friendly.
hydrogen fuel cell
"...hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, or hydrogen fuel cell, we're supporting a vast array of different technologies..."
Hydrogen fuel cell cars use hydrogen gas to make electricity, and the only waste they produce is water. This makes them very clean and eco-friendly.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen gas to power an electric motor. The only byproduct is water vapor, making them a clean alternative to traditional vehicles.
hybrid
"...hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, or hydrogen fuel cell, we're supporting a vast array of different technologies..."
A hybrid car uses two types of power: a regular engine that burns fuel and an electric motor. This helps the car use less gas and be better for the environment.
A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This combination allows for better performance and lower fuel consumption.
internal combustion
"...internal combustion only, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, or hydrogen fuel cell, we're supporting a vast array of different technologies..."
Internal combustion means engines that work by burning fuel, like gasoline, to make the car go. It's how most cars used to run before electric cars became popular.
Internal combustion refers to engines that burn fuel to create power. This is the traditional engine type used in most cars before the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles.
hill climb
"...this one is definitely the race car. So this is a hill climb or a time attack car."
Hill climb racing is when cars race up a steep hill on a winding road. It's a test of how fast the car can go and how well the driver can handle it.
Hill climb racing is a motorsport event where drivers race against the clock on a steep, winding course. It tests both the car's performance and the driver's skill.
time attack
"...this one is definitely the race car. So this is a hill climb or a time attack car."
Time attack is a type of racing where drivers try to complete a lap as fast as possible. They don't race against each other but just try to beat the clock.
Time attack is a motorsport format where drivers aim to set the fastest lap time on a circuit, often with modifications to enhance performance. It's focused on speed rather than racing against other competitors directly.
diffuser
"Two element, fully adjustable, giant diffuser, side streaks. You see the air dam and the giant splitter."
A diffuser is a part at the back of a car that helps it stay stable and stick to the ground by controlling the air that flows under it.
A diffuser is an aerodynamic component located at the rear of a vehicle that helps to manage airflow and increase downforce. It works by accelerating the air underneath the car, reducing pressure and enhancing stability.
horsepower
"...trying to continue to take the twin motor setup that we have here and find the next hundred horsepower and the next hundred horsepower."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster the car can go and the quicker it can accelerate.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
modified cars
"...you have over what 30 cars here understand about 30 every and every car is modified in some way."
Modified cars are cars that have been changed from how they were originally made. People often do this to make them faster or look cooler.
Modified cars are vehicles that have been altered from their original factory specifications. This can include performance upgrades, aesthetic changes, or both, often to enhance speed, handling, or appearance.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
"...ories on them or it's our race car build like our GT4 Super or a GR Cup 86 or we have a touring car, G..."
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a fancy sports car that is really fast and fun to drive. It's designed for people who love racing and want a car that feels exciting on the road while still being comfortable enough for daily use.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a high-performance sports car that combines luxury with track-ready capabilities. It features a powerful engine and precise handling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and those who appreciate motorsport. This model is significant for its balance of everyday usability and exhilarating performance on the racetrack.
Toyota GR86
"But for the most part, there's either either accessories on them or it's our race car build like our GT4 Super or a GR Cup 86..."
The Toyota GR86 is a small sports car made for fun driving. It's designed to be quick and enjoyable on the road.
The Toyota GR86 is a compact sports car that emphasizes driving enjoyment and performance. It is part of Toyota's Gazoo Racing lineup, which focuses on enhancing the performance of standard models.
Toyota Corolla
"...uper or a GR Cup 86 or we have a touring car, GR Corolla or just let's say our trucks that have rooftop te..."
Toyota GR Corolla
"or a GR Cup 86 or we have a touring car, GR Corolla or just let's say our trucks that have rooftop tents..."
The Toyota GR Corolla is a special, sporty version of the regular Corolla. It's designed to be more powerful and fun to drive.
The Toyota GR Corolla is a performance-oriented version of the Corolla, developed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division. It features enhanced power, handling, and sporty design elements.
Toyota Camry
"Okay, let's walk to the next one because I think that's Camry, right? Camry is the next one. And that car in an orange, bright orange color."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that many people drive. The GTS concept is a sportier version of the Camry that Toyota is showcasing.
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan known for its reliability and comfort. The GTS concept mentioned refers to a sportier variant of the Camry, showcasing Toyota's performance-oriented designs.
brakes
"Well, then you put all sorts of other cool things on it. So this one has the bigger brakes."
Bigger brakes help a car stop faster and handle better, especially during hard driving.
Upgrading to bigger brakes improves stopping power and heat dissipation, which is crucial for performance driving.
coilovers
"and then it has a version of coilovers with a rear ride height adjust system in the rear... because we don't sell the Camry with a coilover in the back."
Coilovers are special parts of a car's suspension that help control how the car rides and handles. They can be adjusted to change how high or low the car sits.
Coilovers are a type of suspension system that combines a coil spring and shock absorber into a single unit. They allow for adjustable ride height and can improve handling and performance.
Calty
"Yeah, I mean, I know this is built by our friends at Calty. Calty is our design studio. They make our cars look the way that they look, at least the ones for sale in North America."
Calty is a design studio for Toyota that helps create the look of their cars sold in North America. They work on making cars look stylish and modern.
Calty is Toyota's design studio based in California, responsible for designing many of the brand's vehicles sold in North America. They focus on creating innovative and appealing designs.
Toyota Rav4
"...the next one there, which is, I believe, the RAV4 GR, that's just about to go on sale, the new generation. So obviously this is a GR Sport you're going to be able to buy."
The Toyota RAV4 GR is a new sporty version of the RAV4, which is a popular SUV. It has features that make it more fun to drive, thanks to Toyota's racing team, Gazoo Racing.
The Toyota RAV4 GR is a sportier version of the popular RAV4 SUV, designed to enhance performance and driving dynamics. The 'GR' stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota's performance division, which aims to bring motorsport-inspired features to their production vehicles.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"I think my favorite car is the next one, which is the All Land Cruiser. I know, tell me about that one. What model is this? It's like 80's? It's an FJ60, yeah, like 85 or thereabouts."
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 is an older model of a tough SUV that was made in the 1980s. It's popular for its ability to handle rough terrains and is loved by many car fans.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 is a classic SUV known for its ruggedness and off-road capability. Produced in the mid-1980s, it features a boxy design and is highly regarded among enthusiasts for its durability and reliability.
Toyota Tundra
"...o our 3.4 liter twin turbo. Goes in right in the tundra? Tundra and Sequoia."
The Toyota Tundra is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and drive on rough roads. It's known for being tough and lasting a long time, which makes it a favorite for people who need a reliable vehicle for work or outdoor adventures.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and capability, making it a popular choice for both work and leisure. With features like a powerful engine lineup, including a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, it offers impressive towing capacity and off-road performance. Its significance lies in its reputation for reliability and versatility in various driving conditions.
Toyota Sequoia
"Goes in right in the tundra? Tundra and Sequoia."
The Toyota Sequoia is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and things, making it great for families and trips.
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that offers spacious seating and strong towing capabilities. It shares many components with the Tundra, making it a versatile choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
ECU
"...with a wiring harness, with an ECU, with an engine that gave them modern performance and refinement too."
An ECU is like the brain of the car's engine. It helps control how the engine runs, making sure it uses fuel efficiently and runs smoothly.
An ECU, or Engine Control Unit, is a crucial component in modern vehicles that manages engine performance by controlling various functions such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions. It plays a vital role in optimizing the engine's efficiency and performance.
wiring harness
"...with a wiring harness, with an ECU, with an engine that gave them modern performance and refinement too."
A wiring harness is like a bundle of wires that connects different parts of the car, allowing them to communicate and work together. It helps power things like lights and the engine's computer.
A wiring harness is a collection of wires, connectors, and terminals that transmit electrical power and signals throughout a vehicle. It is essential for connecting various electrical components, including the ECU, sensors, and other systems.
Toyota FJ60
"...We're using the FJ60 as our canvas to get people to consider, what would it be like if Toyota had a crate motor for them?"
The Toyota FJ60 is an older model of the Land Cruiser, which is a tough SUV built for off-roading. Many people like to restore and modify these vehicles for adventure driving.
The Toyota FJ60 is a part of the Land Cruiser series, known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities. It's a classic SUV that has a strong following among off-road enthusiasts and collectors.
UTVs
"...this segment of UTVs is really popular right now."
UTVs are vehicles that can be used for fun or work, often driven off-road. They can carry passengers and cargo and are great for outdoor adventures.
UTVs, or Utility Task Vehicles, are off-road vehicles designed for a variety of tasks, including recreation and work. They are popular for their versatility and capability in rugged terrains.
2.4 liter engine
"But what if we could take our automotive know-how, our 2.4 liter Tacoma engine, and put it in here. It's really powerful."
A 2.4 liter engine is a way to describe how big the engine is. Bigger engines usually produce more power, which helps the vehicle go faster or carry more weight.
A 2.4 liter engine refers to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. This measurement can give an idea of the engine's power and efficiency.
Toyota Tacoma
"But what if we could take our automotive know-how, our 2.4 liter Tacoma engine, and put it in here. It's really powerful."
The Toyota Tacoma is a type of pickup truck that is strong and can be used for many different tasks, including off-roading. It's well-liked for its reliability.
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It has been popular among truck enthusiasts for its versatility and performance.
Scion tC
"But the Scion is just obviously just like an homage to the brand that went away. By the way, I love that car. The TC was it called? The TC was."
The Scion tC is a small car that was made by Toyota. It was known for being stylish and fun to drive, especially popular with younger people who liked to customize their cars.
The Scion tC was a compact car produced by Toyota under the Scion brand, known for its sporty design and affordability. It was popular among younger buyers for its customization options and fun driving experience.
Scion
"...the idea was if you think about the car brand Scion, it was our experimental laboratory. We could try things outside of what we would normally do at Toyota."
Scion was a car brand from Toyota that made cars for younger buyers. They had cool designs and let people customize their cars easily.
Scion was a brand created by Toyota aimed at younger consumers, featuring unique and experimental vehicles. It was known for its distinct designs and customizable options, making it popular among a younger demographic.
Toyota TRD Pro
"It's started as a TRD Pro. Just a stock TRD Pro."
The TRD Pro is a special version of Toyota's trucks and SUVs that is made for off-road driving and has better features for tough terrain.
The Toyota TRD Pro is a performance-oriented trim of Toyota's trucks and SUVs, designed for off-road capability and rugged use.
Gen 2 Mirai fuel cell
"And we installed a Gen 2 Mirai fuel cell staff along with a giant battery."
The Gen 2 Mirai fuel cell is a part of a car that uses hydrogen to create electricity, allowing the car to run without producing harmful emissions.
The Gen 2 Mirai fuel cell is part of Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell technology, which converts hydrogen into electricity to power the vehicle, producing only water as a byproduct.
Toyota Mirai
"Oh. And we installed a Gen 2 Mirai fuel cell staff along with a giant battery. So b..."
The Toyota Mirai is a special car that runs on hydrogen instead of gasoline, which means it doesn't pollute the air. It’s like a science experiment on wheels, helping to show how cars can be cleaner for the environment.
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that represents a significant step towards sustainable transportation. It uses hydrogen to generate electricity, producing only water vapor as a byproduct, making it an environmentally friendly option. The Mirai is noteworthy for its innovative technology and commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the automotive industry.
Toyota Corolla Cross
"another cool thing. But this is the Corolla Cross Hybrid NASU edition and NASU is a mountain in Jap..."
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a small SUV that has more space than a regular car, making it great for families or people who need to carry more stuff. It's easy to drive and has lots of safety features, which makes it a good choice for everyday use.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV that blends the practicality of the popular Corolla sedan with the versatility of an SUV. It offers ample cargo space, a comfortable interior, and advanced safety features, making it an appealing choice for families and urban drivers alike. Its significance lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of consumers looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle.
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