2004 Toyota Italdesign Volta Concept
Geneva Show-Goers Get Charge Out of New Volta
Could there be two more unlikely partners? Generally speaking the Japanese are known for methodical, meticulous, detail-oriented perfection in product development and execution, where the Italians build sexy, curvaceous cars that make grown men weak at the knees in unbridled passion - Fiats Multipla aside.
In reality such a union could be a marriage made in heaven. After all Italdesign, the design house behind the exotic Volta concept that debuted in Geneva last month, is well respected for its work with Korean brands Daewoo and Hyundai. Why not Toyota?
For the most part Toyota is not particularly known for breakthrough styling. It has become one of the worlds top selling carmakers primarily based on quality engineering. What would happen if the number one Japanese brand put as much energy into making its award-winning cars look as good as they go?
Thats a question recently answered by Italdesigns Fabrizio Giugiaro, son of famed automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Italian design house joined together with Toyota to launch the Volta in Geneva earlier this month, a car named in honor of physicist Alessandro Volta who invented the battery.
Fitting that Toyota has incorporated its latest hybrid powertrain into the new concept, a version of the RX400h that made its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January.
"The hybrid engine can provide great power and great performance, so I tried to pen a body that would express this dynamism," commented Fabrizio Giugiaro, head of Italdesigns styling and model division.
This second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system uses the 3.3-liter V6 common to a variety of Toyota/Lexus products, plus two powerful electric motors to produce a phenomenal 408 horsepower. Needless to say the lightweight sports car is quick, shooting forward from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a sizzling 4.03 seconds before reaching a terminal velocity of 155 mph.
Lightweight? The chassis is comprised of carbon fiber for extreme rigidity and reduced mass, combined with a racing-type front and rear suspension and midship layout for enhanced balance during high-speed maneuvers.
Stopping power is equally up to the task, due to ceramic composite-material brakes supplied by renowned brake specialist Brembo.
How does the sophisticated powertrain work? The rear wheels get power from the combustion engine as well as one of the electric motors, while the front wheels offer four-wheel traction via the second electric motor. The innovative layout reduces weight and the need for a space hogging driveshaft to the front axle.
The resultant flat floor and wide beam (just under 6.6 feet) allowed Toyota to sit three adult passengers side-by-side, with a single smaller seat in the rear. The unorthodox configuration caused its builders to designate it a 3+1 coupe.
Of course, it wouldnt be a Toyota hybrid without being economical. If driven moderately a single 13.7 gallon tank of gasoline should result in approximately 435 miles.
Toyota once again has bent the rules of performance, developing a powerful supercar that wont offend Mother Nature or her minions. Ironic, but the one company that would have no financial challenges building a car this daring, probably wont. Enthusiasts with socially conscious hearts can only hope.