Toyota shows off concepts

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Fuel-cell technology on show
Fine-X can spin on the spot
bB is a combination of car and music player

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Toyota is rolling out plenty of concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show next week.

The Fine-X is the latest development in the company's fuel-cell strategy and features individual motors for each wheel. Each wheel can also be steered independently, which means the Fine-X can spin on the spot.

The Estima MPV also uses a hybrid engine and shows how the MPV, known as the Previa in the UK, is now shaping up in Japan.

It's the only Toyota unveiled at this year’s Tokyo show that is scheduled for production, but even this model won't reach the UK.

Toyota has decided to scrap the Previa, along with the Celica coupe and MR2 roadster, so it can concentrate on more mainstream models instead.

Flights of fancy on display include the i-swing, a one-person vehicle and development of the futuristic i-unit shown at the recent Frankfurt show. The i-swing can run around upright on two wheels in busy urban areas and then recline back onto three wheels when higher speeds are needed.

The company will also show the FSC, which somehow combines saloon car with MPV, and the bB, 'a music player in the shape of a car'. It must be Tokyo time.

• Come back to whatcar.com next Wednesday October 19 for a full report from the weird and wonderful Tokyo Motor Show.