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CHICAGO, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toyota 1/X concept vehicle made its
North American debut today at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Developed by
Toyota Motor Corporation, the Toyota 1/X compact hybrid offers a glimpse
into the next era of automotive technological design. The Toyota 1/X
redefines from its very roots the idea of what it means to be
environmentally considerate. Pronounced 1/Xth, the name is derived from its
vehicle mass, fuel consumption and emissions output, each totaling a
fraction of that of other vehicles in its class.

The 1/X features an aerodynamic ultra-lightweight design that maintains
the interior space of the Toyota Prius hybrid and is approximately
one-third the weight of the Prius. Its low 926-pound curb weight is
partially achieved through the use of a light but very strong carbon fiber
reinforced plastic (CFRP) throughout the body frame.

The aerodynamic shape of the 1/X and unique cabin design result in
smaller pillars, allowing passengers more visibility and helping to create
a greater sense of openness and freedom with its outer surroundings for
driver and passengers. The CFRP material is lighter and stronger than
traditional metals, creating a shock-absorbing like structure with
cross-sections that help absorb energy during an impact.

The 1/X roof is produced from a bio-plastic made from
environmentally-responsible material derived from kenaf and ramie plants.
The result is a roof that improves heat insulation, emits less carbon
dioxide, increases the amount of light entering the cabin, and reducing
noise.

On the inside, the 1/X employs four ultra-lightweight seats made of
polyester fiber that is knitted three-dimensionally for added comfort. The
material functions like a spring or damper that helps create a cushion-like
feel for all occupants.

The ultra-lightweight stature of the 1/X also helps contribute to a
fuel efficiency target that would double that of the Prius and allow the
1/X to operate with an ultra-small hybrid powertrain located under the rear
seat. The system combines a home rechargeable plug-in hybrid unit with a
small 500cc 0.5-liter flexible-fuel engine that is 1/4th of the total
weight of the Prius powertrain. The hybrid plug-in concept is designed to
accommodate a lithium-ion battery that would be rechargeable at home. The
result is a vehicle with the possibility of traveling over 600 miles on a
small four-gallon tank of fuel and achieving the acceleration performance
that is equivalent to the Prius.

In consideration of pedestrians and oncoming traffic, the 1/X is
equipped with non-glare headlights. The front of the 1/X is dominated by an
LED lighting system that sweeps under and across its large front
windshield. The LED system helps eliminate glare emanating from the
headlights. At sunset, the entire surface of the LED system softly
illuminates the entire front surface. With the headlights on, the LED
system surrounds the headlights with a soft light, helping to prevent glare
from striking oncoming cars and nearby pedestrians.

The light weight of the Toyota 1/X allowed designers to equip the
vehicle with smaller and thinner wheels that help reduce splashing while
driving in wet conditions. The tires are designed with central grooves that
further help prevent water from splashing in the direction of pedestrians.

The 1/X concept is one more example of Toyota's commitment to designing
clean, safe and innovative vehicles. The Toyota 1/X concept made its world
debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.





TOYOTA 1/X CONCEPT AND PRIUS SPECIFICATION COMPARISON

1/X Concept Prius
Exterior Dimensions (inches)
Total Length 153.5 175.0
Total Width 63.8 67.9
Total Height 55.5 58.1
Wheelbase 102.4 106.3

Weights and Capacities
Curb Weight (lbs) 926 2,890
Seating Capacity 4 5

Powertrain
Gas Engine 0.5 liter 500 cc 1.5 liter 1,497 cc
Hybrid Battery Type Lithium ion Nickel Metal Hydride

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO )

 

theres like no privacy...

 

didn't fomoco do some thing like that with the front of their lights back in late 80's early 90's?

 

Ideas good n stuff, but again it's still sweeping the problem under the carpet. I'd rather opt for an Aptera vehicle(s).

Keep working on your hydrohybrid efficient vehicles if you truly want a clean platform.

 

i don't care if water splashes pedestrians... not really something i look for when car shopping. does that make me a bad person?

 

just remember its a concept car 99% sure they will not make it look like that

 

I think it looks cool but, is it just me, or does anyone else think that a " plug-in" car is NOT a positive thing? It requires you to plug in to your home electricity.. causing more fossil fuels to be burned at the source..

 

MAN!...why do they have to make Concept Cars look SO hidious!!...lol..Its cool about it being light, and using plastics etc...etc....At least make them look "cool" or something!...lol

 

i really hope this concept car stays a concept car. its just not pretty.

i say rehire the guys who designed the last gen supra, circular headlight light celicas, and the sw20 body mr2 to design their concepts. lol

 

Looks like a see through roller skate. Advanced technology is great but if you want to sell it people will want to LOOK at it!

 

^ I agree, in terms of styling it looks hideous.

 

We striving more and more to be just like the Jetson's every day...

 

Oh my God, 926 pounds?

Someone should supercharge and autocross that thing!

 

i want one!!!

 

Yeah Great Idea I want to be driving that 900 pound car when a semi comes and launches my butt 100 feet in the air. There's no way you could survive an accident in that thing.

 

Back in early 04 I was involed in a Toyota meeting along with other Toyota owners and we all talked about our cars and what we would like to see in new cars. Drawings were shown to us and our comments were suggested. Just so happens this looks like one of the cars that were shown to us. I can't rememeber all the details of this car but I do recall that the inside was pretty cool. I can't say much for the outside thou.

 

It weighs more than my smart car! And I thought IT was light @ 1600 lbs!

 

I wonder what would happen if a stiff breeze hit that thing

 

900 pounds is still pretty heavy, i think the breeze wouldn't hurt :p

 

yea as soon as a 40+mph wind comes around that thing will drift sideways like 5 feet