Monday 1st September 2003

Hybrid Sports car from Toyota

Never mind the nonsense sports car - what's this new holographic control system?

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The Frankfurt Motor Show will be the venue for the world premiere of the Toyota CS&S (Compact Sports & Specialty), a 2+2 open-top sports car which, in terms of size, falls between the current Celica and MR2 models.

The car is powered by Toyota’s advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system, combining a mid-mounted 1.5-litre petrol unit that drives the rear wheels with an electric motor to drive the front wheels resulting in this bizarre four wheel drive configuration.

At first glance, CS&S looks like a two-seater. In fact, removable rear canopies conceal a further two seats. In a further innovative touch that boosts security, the front passenger seat has been designed in such a way that it can be adapted to form a cover for the cockpit area.

The future is here when it comes to controlling the gizmos in the car. The CS&S incorporates a radical new IT concept – Toyota Space Touch. This is an integrated system is operated by means of a series of holographic projections that the driver ‘touches’ to make a selection.

Spheres appear to float in space, but when touched they allow the user to control the air conditioning, audio, satellite navigation or even browse the Gassing Station.

[danger mouse]

A very funky looking motor IMHO.


Not far off the Interchangable-Body Barchetta concept knocked out by Pinifarina about 6 six years ago based on the Fiat Brava, that was in white and red too.

The Interior interface sounds cool, but very difficult to use normal under drivng conditions where going around corners and over bumps make operation easier where there is something physical to grab a hold of...

...I'm sure one could get use to it though.

The concept should allow a very minimal design look, which is alway good in a sports car as it focusses attention where it should, driving.

Will be very easy to keep clean too, which is nice.

Intriguing.
I'd have one in any other colour.

Mouse

[Lotusacbc]

Very cool and innovative. But Scary as well. I feel like I am in Demolition man or something. This is it, the future is coming folks.

[danmangt40]

bitchin. I can just see the bumper sticker:
"put your balls away and drive!"

[Car Enthusiast 1]

Not being funny or anything. But the car loooks something that you'd see on space raiders!

[AbleArcher]

danmangt40 said:

bhin. I can just see the bumper sticker:
"put your balls away and drive!"

HA! This thing's about as hardcore as a butterfly tat. Maybe it's sold with a free pedicure?

[Stig]

errr... you do realise this thread is 7 years old!

[Negative Creep]

I thought something was wrong when I read "current MR2 and Celica models"!

[Ullevi]

Negative Creep said:

I thought something was wrong when I read "current MR2 and Celica models"!

Me too!

I find it hard to tell the back from the front. Seems to have thankfully died a death.

What I'm looking forward to seeing is the FT-86 from Toyota.