Toyota Sera: review of the model, photos and reviews

Toyota Sera was produced for five years. This car is special in that it was on it that the designers and developers of the Toyota company experimented with the body and exterior forms. The so-called "biodesign" did not suit everyone's taste, but there was also a buyer for this product.

Production start

For the first time, the design was presented to the public in 1987 in Tokyo. This car was seen as a concept car AXV-II. So its original name was. In the series it was released with larger dimensions and a more powerful motor. To create this machine, the manufacturers adopted the best from its predecessors and added a few new technologies and originality. So, for example, from the model Toyota Tercel it was decided to take the engine and transmission. And the car, known as the Starlet, adopted the suspension.

During production, the model underwent some changes. They were exposed to the exterior, interior and design. In our time to find Toyota Sera in good condition is a rarity. A very modest number of cars has been produced, more than twenty years have passed since the end of production, plus the machines were not delivered to the Russian market. True, many fans bought these models in Japan and transported them to themselves. So in Russia you can sometimes see such a rarity.

Technologies used

Toyota Sera was good from a technical point of view. It could boast of hydraulic sheet punching, for example. Previously, it was used only in the process of manufacturing headlight reflectors and other details of complex shapes. But "Toyota" was the first company that decided to use this technology to create a bonnet, the tail of the body and its panels.

In the process of production, so-called multiplund stamping was used. And high-speed 3-axis cutting of the workpiece with a special carbon dioxide laser. According to the model, it can be judged that the experiments were a success. It should also be noted that the Toyota Sera is the first car released in the series, which was equipped with a dipped-beam optics with a shadow mask and a lens in the focal plane. And it was on this car that the SLSS acoustic system was first installed.

Doors

It is worth noting that the Toyota Sera, the photo of which is provided in the article, is often referred to as a serial car, in whose design the doors of the butterfly wings were first used. This could be considered true, if not for Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, released in the period from 1967 to 1969 in an amount of 18 copies. And yet, because the Japanese experimental model was published only in their homeland, the doors of this type became known only thanks to cars McLaren F1 and "Enzo Ferrari."

Other interesting facts

It is worth noting that the mechanics of opening doors was developed and improved by specialists of Toyota for three years. But the model Toyota Sera, shown below, could boast of complex forms of glazing. And not only on the side doors. It has also been applied on a frameless, completely glass back door. Most of the models were sold in 1990, when production began. Then registered 11 200 bought cars. The fewest cars bought in 1996 - only eight copies.

On the design and other features

So, this model was produced only in one body version. And under the hood was put only one engine - 5E-FHE (16-valve, 4-cylinder, 110-strong). The car was front-wheel drive. Motor developers decided not to equip with an acoustic intake manifold, and because of this the engine's power is not 115, but 110 horsepower. In the car because of the design in the back seat can easily fit two people, and three will be too crowded.

What can you tell us about other features of the Toyota Sera model ? Technical characteristics to some extent, potential buyers could choose. The versions were offered as with a 4-step "automatic", and with a 5-speed "mechanics". Front mounted disc ventilated brakes. And behind - drum. But it was possible for a surcharge to get disk, equipped with ABS. From the front stood the "McPherson" stands, and at the rear - a torsion beam semi-independent.

SLSS Audio System

This abbreviation stands for Super Live Surround Sound, and translates as follows: "Super live surround sound." And this audio system was radically different from the usual one. It is thanks to her model "Toyota", equipped with SLSS, identified as a separate configuration.

This system has ten sound sources. The speakers are located in the doors, in the corners and center of the panel, on the rear shelf and in the luggage compartment. It is also equipped with a 2DIN head unit with an integrated effector and CD, FM, AM and MD. Another audio system could boast of a 5-channel amplifier and mechanization. That is, the servos that turned the acoustics on the rear shelf to change the direction of the outgoing sound to the passenger. And SLSS has three modes of operation. "Normal", "Concert Hall" and "Stadium."

Interestingly, the presence of this audio system has made the car not only more desirable, but also more difficult. In weight she added 20 kilograms due to SLSS.

Tuning and Sports

This car could boast good dynamics. However, in motorsport he had no future. And not only because of the limited series. First, the body had a low stiffness for twisting. It is also virtually impossible to install a safety cage on the machine. And the volume of the engine compartment is too small. Because of this, the installation of another engine is also impossible. Although in Russia on this model some motorists performed in drag racing and rally sprints.

But in another sphere Toyota Sera found itself. Tuning completely transformed this car. On the basis of this model, many projects were created. Styling, tuning, building show cars - for which it was not used.

I especially liked to transform this car to amateurs. It was very popular to install a 4E-FTE turbocharged engine under its hood. Its volume is 1.3 liters, and the power is 135 hp. Many decided to improve this engine so that it produced 180 hp. And deep tuning allowed to make the incredible - to bring the power to 300-350 "horses". Many more put the turbine. With her factory 1.5 5E-FHE could produce power in 400 "horses". Quite often professionals put even four-wheel drive transmission and mechanical superchargers. There are also several cases when the Toyota was turned into an electric car.

What do the owners say?

About the car Toyota Sera reviews leave mostly positive. It must be said that the vast majority of modern owners bought this machine in order to remake it to their taste. Mainly it is external and internal styling.

Everyone who purchased this car, many things in it replaced. Flushing nozzles, replacing candles and filters, a new generator for Toyota Sera cars, body and engine restoration is just a small list of works. The car is old, because every person who wants to become its owner must be ready for the process of its recovery.

But when the repair ends, the result exceeds all expectations. So says everyone who owns this machine. Started a 20-year-old Toyota, as a new sports car. Fast, dynamic, attracting attention is an ideal option for people who consider car driving a lifestyle.

Now you can find this car in a good condition somewhere for 250 thousand rubles. There are also lower prices, but in this case you will have to prepare for investments. By the way, if you can find these cars on sale, it is better to buy a version with "mechanics". Owners say that the years give their knowledge, and the model on the "machine" is strongly twitching when the transmissions are switched.