Eco-concept cars from Toyota

10 October 2007

Eight concept cars at Tokyo motor show
Environmental sustainability a key theme
Some hybrids, others electric

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Toyota is to reveal eight concept cars at the Tokyo motor show.

Each one has a theme of environmental sustainability at its core, with Toyota saying that it wants cars that are 'fun to drive and a pleasure to use... but so that people can co-exist in harmony with the environment'.

1/X
The 1/X is supposed to 'redefine the idea of what it is to be environmentally considerate', according to Toyota.

It has as much interior space as a Prius, but aims to double its fuel economy, and is one third of its weight at 420kg.

It's powered by a bioethanol/electric hybrid powerplant, and uses a 500cc engine. Its batteries can be charged from an external power source to extend the range of its electric motors.

The motors are kept under the rear seat to keep dimensions compact.

Made of lightweight carbonfibre, it has an excellent field of vision thanks to narrow pillars.

RiN
Although also more environmentally friendly, the RiN is more focused the driver's environment.

It has seats that help maintain good back posture, an oxygen-level conditioning system, a humidifier and green glass that reduces ultraviolet and infrared light coming into the cabin.

i-REAL
The i-REAL is what Toyota calls a personal mobility vehicle. It's a three-wheeled machine, with a low-speed mode for manoeuvring around pedestrians and a high-speed mode that lengthens its wheelbase for added stability and performance.

It also has sensors allowing it to detect a collision with a person or object, and alerts the driver by emitting a noise and vibration. It also alerts pedestrians around it of its movements by light and sound.

iQ Concept
We saw this concept car at the Frankfurt motor show last month. It is meant to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by providing family transport in compact dimensions.

It will fit three adults and one child or luggage in a short yet wide body.

Hi-CT
Aimed firmly at the youth market, Hi-CT uses hybrid technology with a plug-in capability to extend the range of its electric motors.

It's intended to be fun to drive with 'lifestyle' practicality - inside, there's a 100V socket, which could be used for accessories such as laptops. There's also a removable rear trunk and a deck where surfboards, bikes or other equipment could be stored.

FT-MV
FT-MV is a minivan which features a luxurious second row of seats and soft, ambient lighting 'to create an elegant space', according to Toyota.

The exterior is bold and finished in vibrant colours.

Crown Hybrid Concept
The Crown Hybrid Concept is the concept behind a next-generation luxury saloon.

It's powered by a hybrid drive that features a two-stage motor-speed reduction device - in plain English, it makes acceleration smoother, while offering greater fuel economy and lower emissions.

It also has a special TFT (thin film transistor) display to give the driver information in a manner that's easy to see and understand.

Safety is also important, with no fewer than 10 airbags.

FT-HS
This won't be the first time we'll have seen the FT-HS - it made its debut in January at the Detroit motor show.

It could form the basis for a future Celica, and it's powered by a hybrid system, with the petrol part of the equation being a 3.5-litre V6 motor.

It also has carbonfibre wheels, and Toyota says the rear-wheel-drive car offers smooth cruising combined with high fuel economy, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, and a quiet cabin.

The Tokyo motor show begins at the end of this month.