LA LIVE: 2016 Toyota Mirai

The term Mirai translates to \'future\' in Japanese.

Toyota has debuted the Mirai fuel-cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The nameplate is based on a Japanese word that translates to 'future,' and Toyota is promising that fuel-cell technology represents a turning-point for the automotive industry.

"This is a car that lets you have it all with no compromises," says Toyota chief Akio Toyoda. "As a test driver, I knew this new fuel cell vehicle had to be truly fun to drive - and believe me, it is. It has a low centre of gravity, which gives it very dynamic handling."

Drivers can expect the hydrogen-powered system to provide 153 horsepower, good for a zero-to-60 mph sprint in nine seconds flat.

Toyota will initially launch the Mirai in Japan before bringing the model to California by fall 2015, but the first batch of US-bound vehicle will be limited to just 200 units. Each will carry a price tag of $57,500, or a three-year lease for $499/month with $3,649 down.

"With combined state and federal incentives of $13,000 available to many customers, the purchase price could potentially fall to under $45,000," the company notes.

Photos by Ronan Glon.