Following a couple of announcements that it plans to increase production of the upcoming 2016 Toyota Mirai due to unexpected demand, Toyota->ke88 has finally begun taking orders for the hydrogen-fueled->ke4485 family car. Starting today, California drivers who want to switch to alternative fuel can request a Mirai->ke4985 using Toyota's dedicated Web page here.

However, the process is a bit different than placing an order for conventional cars, as production of the Mirai is limited. Specifically, vehicles will be placed with "select, eligible customers" which will be contacted directly by a Toyota representative to discuss ownership.

The first examples of the Mirai are set to arrive in October 2015, when selected customers will take delivery from one of the eight authorized Toyota dealers across California. Each Mirai will cost $57,500 plus an $835 destination fee.

A group of lucky customers will also benefit from the Mirai Trailblazer support program, which includes three choices: APR Support of 0% for 60 months + $7,500, Purchase Support of $7,500, or Lease of $499 per month for 36 months and $3,649 due at signing.

As a brief reminder, all Mirais come with three years' of complimentary fuel, Safety Connect and Entune with hydrogen station finder app, and 24/7 customer call support. Other benefits include no-cost scheduled maintenance for three years or 35,000 miles, no-cost enhanced roadside assistance for three years, regardless of mileage, and eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on key fuel cell->ke4483 vehicle components.

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Why it matters

On paper, the Toyota Mirai is a revolutionary car. It has the highest EPA estimated driving range of any zero-emission EV->ke1030 at 312 miles and it is said to return 67 mpge combined. On top of that, it comes with three year of free hydrogen and seating for up to five, which pretty much makes it the perfect family.

But there are a few questions waiting to be answered here. First, is the Mirai as reliable as a gasoline car? Second, will it be a feasible project for Toyota given it's only available in California and costs nearly $50K? And third, will there be a proper network of hydrogen refueling stations to make driving a Mirai across the U.S. easier in the future?

I guess we'll find out more about that and if the Mirai is indeed one of the most overrated cars sold in the U.S. soon enough.

2016 Toyota Mirai

Find out more about the Toyota Mirai in our review here.