These three JDM Toyotas you've by no means heard of will allow you to reside out your Y2K fantasy

[

flip of the twenty first century Was thrilling instancesBecause the world was thrust into futuristic-sound 12 months 2000, toyota wished to make Splash With this within the new millennium cowardice Will automobile. Don't let your self be discouraged for those who don't acknowledge these unusual little automobiles; They had been solely offered in small numbers Japan For a number of years, however I keep in mind seeing them on the Barnes and Noble journal rack in Japanese automobile magazines as a child, and I ultimately turned curious to take a look at their story.

Developed because of a three way partnership between Toyota and several other different Japanese firms, YLL was meant to be a household of merchandise for the elusive and classy millennials who wished merchandise that expressed their individuality. Different firms producing YLL-branded merchandise embody Asahi Brewery which produced YLL beer, and Matsushita Electrical Industrial Firm which produced YLL PCs and fridges. Toyota's contribution was three specifically designed small automobiles aimed primarily at girls over the age of 20 Will V.IThe names YLL Cypha, and YLL VS, Vi and Vs are pronounced as syllables like “Vee-i” and “Vee-ess”.

An immaculate lilac colored WiLL Vi from behind

Readers may also keep in mind Toyota's try to lure younger consumers into its showrooms within the US market with what is named a unusual sub-brand. descendant, Much like the Scion recipe, Toyota dreamed up JDM YLL automobiles based mostly on pre-existing Toyota platforms, so each the Vi and Cypha had been based mostly on the JDM Toyota Vitz which was mainly our Toyota Echo on the time, and the VS was based mostly on the Toyota Vitz. On the Corolla platform. YLL-brand automobiles had been based mostly on Toyotas however by no means had exterior Toyota badges.

A photo of the silver Toyota WiLL Vi at the 1999 Tokyo Auto Show

thirty third Motor Present in Tokyo, Japan on October 20, 1999 – Toyota – Will VI automobile.
image, Kurita Kaku/Gamma-Rapho ,getty photographs,

I've all the time been a fan funky automobiles Those that take styling and design dangers, and the YLL trio is not any exception. They might all have been based mostly on boring Toyota platforms, however not less than they appeared distinctive and thrilling, one thing that couldn't be mentioned about customary Toyotas on the time. This video reveals extra of each WiLL Vi and Cypha, though it's not in English and there are not any English subtitles out there, however it's nonetheless cool to observe!

Study extra about Toyota WiLL Vi and Cypha and Echo Find out about WiLL Vi and Cypha Flat Out Assessment

The WiLL Vi has essentially the most massively excellent design of all of the WiLL automobiles, trying all of sudden cute, neo-retro, funky, and in some methods, ugly. In a really perfect world, I’d like to see Sypha's entrance slapped onto Vi's physique to create essentially the most awkward Y2K matrix-esque futuristic compact automobile is feasible, however the YLL trio comes collectively as a unusual and distinctive trio. The rear of the Vi shows a number of the strangest design ideas I've seen in manufacturing, with the inverted rear window that curves inward simply behind the rear headrests. This design forces a wierd trunk design with exterior hinges, one thing from a a lot earlier time.

Image for the article titled These three JDM Toyotas you've never heard of will let you live out your Y2K fantasy

On the inside, the WiLL Vi flaunts a cushty house with a column-mounted shifter for the usual automated transmission that frees up house for a sofa-like entrance bench seat. The colours and supplies used within the inside are additionally out of Toyota's customary, with earthy particulars, discreet materials and funky corridors. I like that many JDM automobiles go full tilt lounge environment Abandoning any pretense of sportiness. I in all probability wouldn't purchase it as a result of I discover pleasure in driving, however I actually respect the dedication to crafting the automobile's inside as a cushty place to hang around.

A bright yellow WiLL Cypha from the front

Toyota's Will Cypha displayed at a press convention in Tokyo, Japan on October 21, 2002.
image, Junko Kimura ,getty photographs,

The Cypha is a barely extra conventional tackle the identical platform because the Vi, with an ordinary hatchback design as a substitute of the Vi's awkwardly flared again. Whereas the Vi's quirky options are seen from the rear, the Cypha's entrance finish catches the attention. With 4 giant vertically oriented smoked entrance lights that reach from beneath the entrance bumper to the burned wheel arches, it has a face like npc automobile from gta, and I like it. The inside was much less groundbreaking than the Vi, with extra conventional colours and supplies, entrance bucket seats, and a floor-mounted shifter.

White WiLL VS rear end

WiLL was based mostly on VS Corolla, and it leaned towards the sporty facet of life. With sharp styling that features aggressive angles and a particular rear finish, the outside appears fairly aggressive, particularly when considered from the rear. The rear of the VS has an aggressive ahead lean that makes the automobile appear to be a scorching hatch regardless of its pedestrian powertrain. The inside appears very completely different from any Toyota inside I've ever seen, and nearly appears prefer it ought to put on a Pontiac badge with all of the aggressive touches and sharp angles.

Sadly, the YLL model and Toyota's automotive contribution to it didn’t final lengthy. The WiLL Vi was produced solely in 2000 and 2001, the WiLL VS was produced solely from 2001 to 2004, and the WiLL Cypha was produced solely from 2002 to 2005. I don't suppose Toyota wants shiny new sub-brands to launch nice automobiles; Toyota would do nicely to launch a ton of wacky however dependable little runabouts, maybe much more so than beginning a brand new model. Launching a New Model to Appeal to Younger Consumers really feel cramps For me. Simply embrace your weirdness and launch the thrilling and trivial automobiles for bizarre folks – I problem you.

Leave a Comment