2003 Toyota PM (Personal Mobility) Concept

Auto Car | 2003 Toyota PM (Personal Mobility) Concept | Toyota revealed its radical vision for the future of single-person transport at the Tokyo Motor Show. Drive-by-wire navigation, interactive communications via a holographic display and the ability to change shape according to speed or autonomously follow other vehicles are among the innovations showcased in the PM concept (short for Personal Mobility and visual communications system). The PM is part of an emerging class of vehicle that takes single-person transport - dominated by the motorcycle throughout the 20th century - in a radically new direction. The other notable vehicle in this category is the Hermes concept featured in Gizmo 4, which shares the PM's ability to shift posture during transit to best suit the function.

The PM features three driving modes - the "high-speed" mode sees the posture drop lower for a more aerodynamic profile, in "city" mode the posture of the vehicle is raised a better view at low speed and the "entry/exit mode" enables the left and right rear wheels to turn in opposite directions, creating an awesome turning circle for parking just about anywhere.

Drive-by-wire control also assists in tight and difficult manoeuvres in all modes.

Being a one-seat design, the focus on interactive communications is geared towards maintaining contact with the outside world and other PMs. Each PM has a profile and can identify other PMs through these visual labels and match profiles, alert you to information you might find relevant or detect "packets" of data left behind by others.

The information hub takes the form of a floating holographic display system or "space input display" (below) that also facilitates an instant messaging system similar to online chat. The PM changes colour when engaged in bi-directional communication (called resonance mode) - a feature that suggests the PM and similar vehicles could become the transportation device of choice for teenagers.

An extension of the enhanced communication functionality is the Automatic partner tracking drive. This enables PMs to follow each other automatically in "Platoon formation", blurring the notion of single-person transport by allowing groups of PMs can travel as one.

Designed to "meet, link and hang out," the PM is a "wearable" single-person vehicle that targets driver-vehicle unity and offers advanced vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

1. Driver-vehicle unity with ergonomic focus: Cabin and seat shape are designed to fit almost like a glove, while integrating the driver's intention with the car's capabilities.

2. Variable "lifelike" posture: The cabin and wheel-suspension structure are separated, allowing the PM to vary its posture according to speed and to facilitate entry and exit. Antennae-like headlamps contribute to the image of an exotic life form.

3. Space input display: A floating virtual display senses driver finger position and shows vehicle data, locations of other PMs and other information.

4. Vehicle-to-vehicle communication: PMs can share information as they travel, follow a leader in platoon formation and rendezvous automatically.

5. A further evolution of the PM concept called the "i-unit" will be featured at the Toyota Group Pavilion at EXPO 2005 AICHI, to be held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, beginning March 25, 2005

Source : www.gizmag.com

2003 Toyota CS&S Concept

Auto Car | 2003 Toyota CS&S Concept | Toyota understands very well that if you are presenting new or experimental technology you have to wrap it up spectacularly. Therefore, thankfully, we meet their latest hybrid drivetrain inside an attractive open four-seater and not in a Corolla or HiAce.

Here we have a 1.5 litre petrol-engine in the rear, driving the rear wheels mechanically. At the same time it produces electrical current, either for storage or for driving the front-wheel hub-mounted electric-motors. That means, supposedly, that this car can use the whole range, from pure rear-driven, via fourwheel-drive with variable front/rear split, to pure electric-powered, zero-emission front wheel drive.

All this in a compact, appearently, two seater barchetta. But lift the rear canopy and you have an open 2+2. Or use the front passenger seat as a Transformer and you have a tonneau cover when you park the car.

The CS&S was designed at the Toyota ED2 studio near Nice, France, and is reminiscent of some of the old Porsche Speedster language with lines from Ghia’s open Focus (Turin 1992) and combines it with unexpected straight lines for a unique design language. You may well expect parts of this design, especially the front, to morph into the coming mini-Toyota being developed together with Peugeot/Citroen.

The designers also want to demonstrate their latest interior tricks. A system called Space Touch uses hologram projections which the driver is to ”touch” to activate certain sub-systems like air condition or infotainment. We hope it works better than some of the other recent man-machine interfaces the motorcar industry has offered us lately. And in case you wondered: CS&S means Compact Sports and Speciality.

The Toyota CS&S, (CS&S meaning Compact Sports and Specialty) from the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show, is a 4 wheel drive, mid engine 2+2 sports car.
The CS&S is powered by Toyota's Synergy Drive, a hybrid drive system employing an electric motor to drive the front wheels, and a 1.5 litre petrol and an electric motor driving the rear wheels.

The CS&S is an attractive open top vehicle with the ability to carry four passengers in style (rare for a hybrid vehicle).

The small back seats of the CS&S are hidden by the rear canopy when not in use, and the front seats can be used as a tonneau cover when the car is parked to keep the rain off, and thieves out.

Source : archive.cardesignnews.com

2004 Toyota Alessandro Volta Concept

Auto Car | 2004 Toyota Alessandro Volta Concept | Giugiaro and Toyota have collaborated to produce a stunning new concept for the Geneva Motor Show. It features the new Lexus RX400h's hybrid powertrain, combined with a carbon fibre chassis and sports car body engineered and produced by the famous Italian style and development company.

With a top speed of 250 km/h, 0-100 km/h acceleration in a scorching 4.03 seconds, and a range of some 700 km, the Toyota Alessandro Volta concept car proves it is possible to offer high performance in a car whose green credentials are unimpeachable. The car is named after Alessandro Volta, the Italian scientist who discovered the battery.

The hybrid powetrain is mounted in a midship position, as the front wheels are powered by the second electric motor, generating 4-wheel traction without the need for a transmission shaft. Consequently, the vehicle's flat floor permitted Italdesign to house three passengers in a 4.3-metre long coupe which is slightly narrower than 2 meters.

The Toyota Alessandro Volta is a styling exercise aimed at exploring new applications of the Hybrid synergy Drive technology. Toyota is proud to have collaborated with the prestigious Italdesign-Giugiaro on a concept that further demonstates the potential and flexibility of the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.

Innovative layout

Toyota furnished to Italdesign-Giugiaro a derivative of its ultimate hybrid system, the one adopted on the Lexus RX 400. On the Volta, the 3.3 liter V6 petrol engine is fitted behind the rear axle and not connected directly to the wheels. Indeed, motion is ensured by two electrically powered engines, one per axle thereby securing all-wheel drive and enhanced safety .As such, this mechanical layout paves the way to eliminating the traditional transmission and gearbox longitudinal encumbrance.

Housed under the lightweight, carbon-fiber chassis are the batteries weighing 154 lbs (70 kg). ''Without doubt, 70 kg of batteries represent a significant increase in weight. However, it should be recalled that an all-wheel drive for a mid/upper range model caps 100/120 kgs. As such, resorting to the hybrid has paved the way towards creating a compact, light and socially responsible sports car with allwheel drive,'' says Fabrizio Giugiaro.

Interior

'As a rule, Fabrizio Giugiaro confirms, a sports car with a central engine expands lengthwise: engine, drivetrain and suspension push through significant weight and occupy significant space to the detriment of passenger legroom. With Alessandro Volta, we have confirmed the same performances attaining better weight distribution and more comfortable seating. Indeed, thanks to the flat floor, I set my mind to building a decidedly innovative interior geared towards the 3-seat offering and a flexible steering wheel and pedal board clamping.''

As a result of adopting the By Wire technology, the pedal board and steering wheel can slide along strips, whether to the right, center or left.

Conclusion

Also for the Volta, Italdesign-Giugiaro went beyond the shell, utilizing its testing and engineering department to design the carbon fiber chassis, the push-rods and the mechanisms regulating pedal/steering column block traslability, whilst its prototyping construction workshops to finailize the styling model and operational prototype.

''With the Volta - Fabrizio Giugiaro concludes - we have reconciled top performance with low gas emissions and noiseless operation. And when one drives through a historic town center, a supercar of this genre does not fret at low speed: at 20/30 km/h, the driver can switch to the absolutely silent electric engine. Sheer pleasure from the historic town center to the racetrack''

Source : www.supercars.net

2005 Toyota i-Unit Concept

Auto Car | 2005 Toyota i-Unit Concept | A further evolution of the Toyota Personal Mobility (PM-01) concept called the "i-unit" is being featured at the Toyota Group Pavilion at EXPO 2005 in Aichi, Japan. Toyota is launching the "i-unit" and other concept vehicles and helper robots with a "Mobility Performance Show" to dramatise the future of mobile technology and its potential role in society under the theme of "the dreams, pleasure and excitement of mobility in the 21st century."

The "i-unit" is a "personal mobility" concept vehicle based on the revolutionary PM-01 announced by Toyota in 2003 - a cross between a partially enclosed motorcycle, an open wheel racer and a speedy vehicular exoskeleton for single person transport. Specially created for the launch of EXPO 2005 to reflect the environmental theme, the open "i-unit" design is inspired by the leaf that "converts sunlight into life energy, seeks to express the power of the unknown, the logic of living things and the simple beauty of waste-free functionality." The body is built using environmentally friendly plant-based materials such as kenaf.

Like the PM-01, the "i-unit" offers personal mobility in an ultra-compact size with variable positioning, enabling the passenger to move among other people in an upright position in low speed mode, and a low center of gravity that ensures stable handling when the vehicles recline in high speed mode. Drive-by-wire technology and intuitive handling enable the passenger to manoeuvre on the-spot turns and drive at high speed at will. A driver support information system uses sound, light and vibration to facilitate interactive communication.

Like the PM-01, the one-seat design focuses on interactive communication and is geared towards maintaining contact with the outside world and other PMs. Each "i-unit" has a profile and can identify other "i-units" through these visual labels and match profiles, alert you to information you might find relevant or detect "packets" of data left behind by others.

The driver support system features Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology, which Toyota hopes to utilise for an accident-free society. The system permits efficient and safe autopilot driving in specially equipped lanes.

The "i-unit" also has a personalised recognition system can provide information and music, and body color can be customised according to the individual's preferences and emotions.

EXPO 2005

Twelve single passenger "i-unit" concept vehicles and a mountable, walking "i-foot" robot join with dancers in a performance that introduces the concepts of "The Wonders of Living and Moving Freely" and "The New Relationship Between People and Vehicles" at EXPO 2005 in Aichi.

Visitors are treated to choreographed automatic driving and formation driving executed by the "i-unit" vehicles and a performance by an "i-foot" robot. These performances will highlight "Harmony with Society" - a society free of traffic accidents and traffic jams, and in which the elderly and those with disabilities can achieve independent mobility - in addition to future technologies that meet individuals' particular needs, and possibilities for future vehicles.

Through the expanded development of the driving control technologies for automobiles, Toyota has also developed new stabilising technologies for robots. Small, lightweight and low-cost high-precision-sensors based upon automotive sensor technology are used as an attitude sensor that detects tilting with these new generation "partner robots" that are also part of the performance at EXPO 2005.

The helper robots will demonstrate advanced mobility, walking on two legs similar to a person and playing musical instruments including the trumpet. Toyota developed "artificial lips" that move with the same finesse as human lips, which, together with the robots` hands, enable the robots to play trumpets like humans do. The helper robots are designed to function as personal assistants for humans as the company continues its expansion into the robotics market.

Source : www.gizmag.com

2006 Toyota F3R Concept

Auto Car | 2006 Toyota F3R Concept | The essential Toyota values of roominess, style and environmentally advanced performance come together in a dynamic new way in the F3R, the latest concept vehicle from Toyota.

The surprising F3R, which makes its debut at the North American International Automobile Show in Detroit January 9, is an exercise in providing maximum space, efficiency and style from the combined concepts of box and wedge. It is a creative, sporty extension of a concept all but forgotten in today's automotive world - that of the minivan.

The decision to explore the possibilities of three-row seating made sense. ''It's the most practical package there is. It's useful and versatile. But it's most often associated with minivans, and there's a stigma associated with minivans,'' said Cartabiano, chief designer for the vehicle's exterior. ''I think that today's young drivers see the minivan as the vehicle they were carted around in when they were kids. It's their parents' car. They don't want anything to do with one.''

To create that extension, the design team came up with three very modern looking sets of seats. Each is unique, composed of modern, metal-edged bottoms and asymmetrical backs whose symmetry is completed by semi-integrated headrests. They can provide roomy, comfortable seating for eight adult passengers.

Up front, the driver's seat reclines and swivels, and the passenger seat reclines to form a comfortable chaise. In the middle, the right and center sections of the 40/20/40-percent second-row seats fold into the floor and the left-hand seat reclines fully to form, with the rearmost or third row, an avant-garde sofa built around the sort of conversation area you might find in an upscale home.

This is surrounded by a casual, wrap-around backrest formed by the continuous, flowing curve of the instrument panel, doors and rear seatback panels. These are accented by fiber-optic lighting panels in the seat sides, and in the F3R's right-center grand entry, that can be lit to provide illumination during lounge chat sessions.

Cartabiano's starting point for the F3R's exterior shape, meanwhile, featured a van that conveyed maximum volume, with a tall, wedged body shape that incorporated wide, dynamic shoulders, with its sporty 22-inch wheels and wide performance tires planted at the extreme boundaries of all four corners.

ith a dramatic, iconic shape that is as distinctive as that of the Toyota Prius and an interior that is more adaptable and more family friendly than anything previously seen, it's reasonable to suspect that the automotive world could soon be seeing styling elements from the F3R on future Toyota production vehicles.

Source : www.supercars.net

2006 Toyota AYGO Sport

Auto Car | 2006 Toyota AYGO Sport | AYGO for Sports takes the recently launched AYGO by Toyota and transforms it into a fun car; great for those action-packed days out with friends.

To create AYGO for Sports, start with a regular AYGO but lose none of its distinctive characteristics – just cut it open. Then replace the roofline with two elegant and solid hoops; like the lines of a modern sports stadium.

Integrated front and rear LED light clusters help create the sports-look, which is emphasised by massive 17-inch rims and 205/45 R17 sports tyres.

The two seats are trimmed in light blue neoprene with beige leather inserts and sculpted for comfort, like modern furniture.

Of course, AYGO for Sports stands out from the crowd. Finished in bright Ocean Blue; it sparkles in the sunlight. Blue neoprene pads on the steering wheel add an individual touch. Teak wood floor is quality; a reminder of a classic sports boat.

You can add your own sports equipment if you want: a surf board, some diving gear … the choice is yours. Just enjoy.

We have a Toyota Aygo Sport (2006) as our second car and while it was fantastic at first, once our son came along it became a real pain.

I cannot fit his travel system in the boot, despite it folding down extremely small, and the boot is not even big enough to hold a small suitcase. In all the time I have had the car (2.5 years) I have only used the boot a handful of times as it is too small to be of any use.

The 1 litre engine means it is very cheap to insure and run (only £35 road tax annually which is fantastic and about £30 for a full tank of fuel) but the vvti engine technology means it feels really nippy and is very quick off the mark. It drives comfortably in the city and on motorways and the Ipod connection is a great bonus. I get anything up to 600 miles out of a £30 tank of fuel which is great.

The stereo is not too good as if you turn it up very loud, the way I like it when I am driving on my own, it gets crackly above a certain volume.

There is loads of room for the driver and front seat passenger and even the back seats are pretty roomy but this is paid for by lack of boot space and the fact that it only seats 4 people (2 in the rear) rather than squashing 5 in like sardines.

For a young, single woman I think this car is ideal. It cost £8100 in June 2006 from a Toyota dealer, which included mats, fuel and a full tank of petrol.

Source : www.dooyoo.co.uk

2007 Toyota 2000 SR Concept by SURE Design

Auto Car | 2007 Toyota 2000 SR Concept by SURE Design | The TOYOTA 2000 SR concept is a tribute to the mythic TOYOTA 2000 GT, considered the first ’Japanese Supercar’ as it revolutionized the way that Japanese car manufacturers were viewed in regards to their skill. In its production, Toyota proved to be one of the Japanese most ambitious companies.

The SR shows an example of SURE DESIGN’s capabilities applied to a high performance sports car with an understated look, geared towards a future concept of sustainability and adaptation to its environment.

With a two-seater hybrid coupe in mind, light and sensible, the SR offers a solution that balances the exciting shape of a sports car with good taste, coherent aesthetics and advanced technology. Its characteristic expression, unique and unmistakable, comes from its pure form, with a delicate smoothness to its surfaces and lines of great character that results in a sophisticated automobile, with an athletic styling. Clean, agile and elegant.

The body, which is composed of a scarcity of pieces, highlights its uniquely styled doors which provide access to the passenger area and boot, glass surfaces are kept to a minimum with weight saving in mind.

The SR shows an example of SURE DESIGN's capabilities applied to a high performance sports car with an understated look, geared towards a future concept of sustainability and adaptation to its environment.

With a two-seater hybrid coupe in mind, light and sensible, the SR offers a solution that balances the exciting shape of a sports car with good taste, coherent aesthetics and advanced technology. Its characteristic expression, unique and unmistakable, comes from its pure form, with a delicate smoothness to its surfaces and lines of great character that results in a sophisticated automobile, with an athletic styling. Clean, agile and elegant.

The SR is propelled by a hybrid engine: A 3.5-liter V6 turbo front mid-engine position has been adopted, that boots up to 610 horsepower. It is designed to run on bio fuels with rear wheel transmission on circuits and race tracks, with the characteristics and behaviour that of a high-end super sports car. The second front-mounted electric motor would be capable of independently driving the front wheels which would move the SR around cities or countryside in pollution free mode, at moderate speeds and absolute silence.

Source : www.topspeed.com

2007 Toyota FT-HS Concept

Auto Car | 2007 Toyota FT-HS Concept | The 2007 FT-HS is a hybrid sports car that debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The vehicle features all the essential sports car elements with an impressive hybrid powertrain. The design is a result of the Toyota’s California-based Advanced Product Strategy Group answer to the question “What is a suitable sports car for the 21st Century?”

They have managed to create a mid-priced sports car that combines the best of both worlds; environmentalists will love the hybrid aspect and other eco-friendly features such as remarkable fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the speed and performance achieved by the high-output powertrain. This is one of the exotic sports cars that you may actually be able to afford.

Power Under The Hood

The 2007 FT-HS boasts impressive acceleration thanks to its powerful V6, 3.5-litre front engine. Drives can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in a remarkable 4 seconds flat. The result of pairing with a high-tech sports hybrid system is a target power output of approximately 400 hp.

Sleek Styling

The exterior design of the 2007 Toyota FT-HS Concept features taut, sleek surfaces, particularly in the body style and doors. The minimalist style of this model makes it appear as lightweight as it is. Designers have removed mass around the key functional components of the rear and front. Fluid surfaces are also integrated seamlessly with hard-edge Aero-Corners. The result – reduced turbulence and smoother airflow.

Distinctive Roof

The FT-HS features a very distinctive roof with a scooped-out section. This is not only for looks; this design provides more head room within the vehicle and reduces aerodynamic drag. The retractable roof is also constructed of carbon fiber Kevlar. The back window and roof panel are able to pivot easily in a downward motion and can be stowed in the seat space located in the rear.

Sexy Profile

The triangular profile of this model contains aero corners, an innovative open top, a full upper-body pan and a floating C pillar. The scalloped channel of the hood reveals the hybrid engine. The lighting is also aerospace-inspired with a tail lamp spanning the entire rear and an integrated spoiler that is retractable. The LED clusters in the wing and the headlamps are energy efficient and help to minimize heat loss. Drivers will also appreciate the improved traction and stability offered by the speed-activated wing.

Interior Designed For Drivers

The interior of the FT-HS is clearly dedicated to the driver with features such as a lightweight and functional delta wing driver pod and cross-car instrument panel structure. You’ll also feel like you’re in an enclosed pod thanks to the integrated instrument panel. The armrests blend right into the surrounding interior and door of the vehicle.

Drivers will be impressed with the touch-trace sensors that surround them. This innovative feature provides tactile guides to assist you when traveling at higher speeds. You’ll also enhance your focus with the help of the semi-automatic paddle shifters of the telescoping hub-less steering wheel.

Source : www.sport-cars.org