Toyota at Tokyo: Six Radical New Concepts
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Toyota Teases with Future Products?
Its Tokyo time! Every other year, Japans biggest city becomes host to what might be the worlds biggest and best car show. An eclectic mix of super-radical concept cars, international debuts and dozens upon dozens of other important vehicles are shown here, and this years event will be as big and glamorous as ever. Toyota, Japans number one carmaker will be in the spotlight with six concepts all working under the design theme “Ecology & Emotion”.
If theres only one vehicle to report on from Toyota, its the Fine-X; it sums up Toyotas entire efforts on the aforementioned theme in an unusually creative package. No larger than the recently announced Yaris in its exterior dimensions, the Fine-X uses the monobox frame layout to maximize space, wrapped in Toyotas “Vibrant Clarity” design language. Minimal front and rear overhangs, organically curvy fender flares, and futuristic head and tail lights characterize the exterior, with two gigantic gullwing doors which span the length of the cabin providing entry and exit.
High on the list of priorities for the Fine-X is its complete carbon neutrality. Surely, it helps that the concept is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, emitting zero tailpipe emissions. Each wheel is driven by individual electric motors powered by the fuel cell; in addition, each wheel is capable of independently steering, allowing the Fine-X to rotate about its axis, similar to the Jeep Hurricane concept. Because of its carbon neutrality, Toyota claims at the end of its life, even if the vehicle is disposed of, the plant-based materials in its construction would keep CO2 emissions even.
Toyota will also be showing two MPV-minivan style concept vehicles; the full-size Estima Hybrid concept, and the smaller FSC MPV concept. Though no longer sold in North America, the Estima is the Japanese equivalent to the Previa van. An evolution of the current Estima in its exterior styling, the concept showcases what the next large Toyota van might look like - a sleeker shape with swept-back grille and lamps gives it a sophisticated style that Toyota describes as “one-motion form”. The vans Hybrid title gives a better clue as to whats in store - the all-new THS II hybrid driveline system.
From a technical standpoint, THS II takes all the advancements initially made with the HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) and moves them a step forward. One key upgrade to the system is an exhaust heat recovery system which aids in conserving driveline energy, in combination with better batteries and more powerful, efficient motors. So advanced is the THS II system in power management, that its able to power electrical appliances that run on a 1,500 watt power supply system in the concepts interior. Mechanically, the THS II system works in conjunction with E-Four (electric four wheel drive), combining electric motors with the gasoline engine to provide performance and economy through all kinds of driving situations.
The FSC on the other hand is crossover vehicle which blends the characteristics of a luxury sedan with the practicality of a minivan. The FSC concept puts focus on passenger comfort with soft ambience lighting, intuitive controls and an electronically adjustable interior layout. At the touch of a button, the four-seater FSC conforms to different settings depending on the needs of the driver, ranging from cargo-maximization to lounge-like seating arrangements. An electronically operated rear hatch makes the FSC an open and shut case of putting a buyers comfort-related needs first - in concept form.
The Toyota bB (Black Box), known to us North Americans as the Scion xB, was a remarkable success. Who would have thought that this ultimately anti-styled subcompact box on wheels would have been a hit? Nevertheless, Toyota has been experimenting with its replacement, first previewed earlier in 2005 with the Scion t2B concept. The bB concept summates their latest efforts. The bB still sticks to its roots, based off Toyotas Yaris subcompact with very basic, very boxy styling. Unlike the Scion concept, the bB features four regular opening doors, and thinner pillars for better visibility.
As with the t2B and the Scion xB DJ concepts, Toyotas boxiest vehicle is associated with popular trends and the nightlife. The most shocking thing about this car, aside from the fact that its exterior now features curves, is its vivid yellow-green pearl paint scheme, with bright blue LED and neon under-lighting. Inside, an extraordinary 9-speaker ICE stereo system provides the beats, managed by an intelligent DSP stereo program. Adding to the way-cool factor of this stereo system on wheels are the exterior lights, which pulsate to the beat of the music, and oversized chrome-plated wheels.
Its almost a tradition for every Japanese carmaker to produce a token wacky vehicle for the Tokyo motor show. For Toyota, this is the i-Swing Concept. To be honest, were not quite sure whether to qualify this as a car or not - its more wearable personal transportation than anything. This is the third personal transportation device Toyota has created, following the i-foot and i-unit concepts. The i-Swing can operate in two or three-wheeled mode, depending on the desired speed and location, and is controlled through two joysticks, pedals and sensors which detect the riders weight, like a set of skis. Should Toyota commit to this market, Segway will have some serious competition on its hands.
The final vehicle on the list is the RAV-4 Concept. Despite the fact that Toyota has already announced and confirmed the second-generation compact SUV for production at its Frankfurt debut last month, Toyota will show up at Tokyo with a concept variant. As far as we can tell from the photos, the purpose of the concept is to act as a teaser, with few actual mechanical or visual changes made. For more information on these concepts, stay tuned in the weeks to come.
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