Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) has revealed its vision for the future green vehicles with three new concept cars that will be unveiled at this month’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Toyota will also debut production versions of highly anticipated member of the Prius Family, the Prius C subcompact, the production version of its Prius Plug-in Hybrid for Japanese market and the production version of its Scion FR-S sporty car.
Toyota FCV-R fuel cell concept
Toyota FCV-R is a close-to-market vision of the hydrogen-powered, fuel cell sedan that Toyota plans to start selling in 2015.
This four-seat concept takes heavy styling cues from the Lexus HS-250h hybrid. With the fuel-cell unit located beneath the specially designed body, the vehicle can accommodate up to four passengers and boasts impressive luggage space. The fuel cell stack, consisting of a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, has been improved to provide a cruising distance of approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) on a single tank.
Toyota FT-EV III
The FT-EV III is an electric concept vehicle with an ultra-compact and lightweight package suitable for short-distance trips.
TMC is developing EVs with the aim of launching a vehicle suitable for short-distance travel in 2012. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the FT-EV III achieves an estimated cruising range of 105 km (65 miles) on a fully charged battery.
Toyota Fun-Vii
Toyota Fun-Vii is a concept vehicle that heralds a future where people, cars and society are linked.
Prius C
The Prius C, as it will be known in North America, makes its world premiere as the Toyota Aqua for the Japanese market.
As with other Prius models, Prius C is fitted with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive that combines a 1.5-liter engine with a high-output motor to create a low center of gravity for enjoyable operation and outstanding maneuverability, all while still offering interior comfort and ample luggage space.
Toyota says that the Prius C (Aqua) represents the future of compact vehicles with a fuel economy of approximately 35 km/L (2.86 L/100km, 82 mpg US) under the JC08 test cycle; 40 km/L (2.5 L/100km, 94.1 mpg US) under the 10-15 test cycle. The Prius C is expected to get an electric-only cruising range of 15 miles.
The car will be built by Toyota’s Kanto Auto Works Ltd. affiliate in Iwate prefecture in northern Japan.
Following the launch in Japan, scheduled for late December 2011, the Prius C/Aqua will be sequentially rolled out to other countries and regions worldwide. The U.S. debut of the Prius c will be next January at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
