Toyota Concepts Show Future Mobility

Toyota debuted a number of concept vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show beginning with the i-REAL personal mobility vehicle, described by Toyota as the next step toward commercialization in the near future of a vehicle for personal transport that is not much bigger than the person it carries.

With two wheels at the front and one wheel in the rear, i-REAL adjusts to different conditions to be safer for both the driver and pedestrians. At low speeds, the wheelbase of the i-REAL is shortened for improved maneuverability around pedestrians who are about the same height as the driver. At higher speed the wheelbase lengthens and lowers the center of gravity for better stability.

To help prevent collisions with persons or objects, the perimeter monitoring system detects when a collision is about to occur and alerts the driver by emitting a noise and vibrating. Persons around i-REAL are alerted to movements by what Toyota refers to as the pleasant use of light and sound.

Other Concepts
The iQ CONCEPT focuses on ultra-efficiency while retaining interior space and reducing C02 emissions. With an overall length of less than three meters, the creative interior maintains room for three adults plus one child or luggage.

Another notable concept is the 1/X. With a weight that is about one third of a Prius, it has the same interior space as the hybrid and is described by Toyota as "a concept vehicle that redefines from its very roots [and] the idea of what it means to be environmentally considerate." Pronounced "one-Xth," the 1/X is designed to harmoniously coexist with people and society. The 1/X has weighs only "1/Xth" the weight of other vehicle in its class with a target of doubling the fuel economy of the Prius.

Located beneath the rear seat, the powertrain combines flexible-fuel technology and a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a displacement of only 500cc that can be charged from an external power source. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic is used throughout the body for lighter weight with high rigidity for superior collision safety.

Healthy living is the focus of the RiN concept with features such as seats that help maintain good back posture; heated seats; an oxygen-level conditioner and pinpoint humidifier; and green glass to reduced ultraviolet and infrared light for a brighter and more comfortable interior. Within the instrument cluster of the "mood-training" steering wheel, images are displayed to reflect the driver's psychological stat.

To create a feeling of harmony with the surrounding environment, RiN uses sliding doors with a low window that allows the driver to view nature at the ground level, while the headlights have light distribution control that takes pedestrians and other vehicles into consideration.

The beige interior with contrasting deep green is used to evoke a healthy mental and physical feeling. Exterior and interior design use the motif of the tall, deep-rooted Yakusugi tree to express "harmony with nature" and "healthy mind and body."

Four other Toyota concepts offer other types of vehicles: Hi-CT (high ride city truck) is a concept of an edgy, urban vehicle; FT-MV (future Toyota minivan) is Toyota's idea of the first-class next-generation minivan; CROWN HYBRID CONCEPT is a hybrid luxury sedan; and FT-HS (future Toyota hybrid sports) is a hybrid sports car concept.