Toyota showcases green concept vehicles

Toyota showcases green concept vehicles

Wheels

By: ROBINSON/BEINTEMA AUTOFILES

Auto enthusiasts in the Greater Toronto Area got a look at the future as Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) unveiled the Toyota Hybrid X and Toyota i-REAL concept vehicles at the 2008 Canadian International Auto Show.

“As a forward-thinking auto-maker, Toyota has always been keen to explore the future of personal transportation, and Toyota Canada is pleased to be able to present two concepts that will help us define the automobile’s evolution in the years to come,” explained Stephen Beatty, Managing Director of TCI. “From environmental technologies to new ways of thinking that address urban transportation issues, Toyota invests more than $1 million per hour, globally, in research and development activities to make things better for our customers, our communities and the planet.”

The Toyota Hybrid X is a concept for a future in which vehicles produce zero smog-forming emissions. This four-door, four-seat vehicle is the product of ED2, Toyota’s European styling centre. It features an open concept interior, a steeply raked windshield with wings covering the headlights to deliver maximum aerodynamic performance, and a roof made almost entirely of glass supported by unique U-shaped A and C pillars that gives the appearance of an X.  The affect is a blur of the boundaries between “inside” and “outside”. Rear doors are hinged at the back to create a welcoming entrance, while the independent rear seats swivel to encourage intimate conversation.

More than this, the Hybrid X is conceived as a multi-sensory experience, with LED interior lighting that can be varied to create different moods, an interactive navigation system, driving information system, comfort control… even a scent diffuser. The result is the ultimate environmentally-enhanced, sensory-rich driving experience.

The Toyota i-REAL is a single-person concept vehicle that explores the possibilities of personal mobility. This three-wheeled vehicle easily adapts to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, shortening its wheelbase and running upright to minimize its footprint on the sidewalk, then leaning back and stretching its legs for stability in traffic. Joysticks positioned on either side of the i-REAL allow the driver to easily maneuver, accelerate or apply braking.

The i-REAL features soft materials and driver awareness systems to make it safe around people, as well as technologies that alert other vehicles and pedestrians to its presence.

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