Toyota reveals iQ-based FT-EV Concept

Toyota has announced that it will display its new FT-EV concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, while also confirming that it will launch an urban commuter ‘battery-electric vehicle’ (BEV) by 2012. The carmaker also revealed that it will start consumer trials of a fleet of 150 plug-in hybrids towards the end of this year and launch as many as ten new petrol-electric hybrid vehicles next year.

This announcement, coupled with its compressed natural gas powered Camry Hybrid concept display at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, signal Toyota's intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development.

The all-electric FT-EV concept shares its platform with the iQ urban commuter vehicle, and can drive up to 50 miles on a single charge.

Although BEVs and new smaller vehicles like the iQ will be a key component of Toyota's sustainable mobility strategy, the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, also set for this month’s Detroit event, is considered Toyota's long-term core powertrain technology. Additionally, Toyota plans to showcase a brand new Lexus dedicated hybrid called the HS250h.

Towards the end of the year, Toyota will start global delivery of 500 Prius plug-in hybrids powered by lithium-ion batteries. Of these initial vehicles, 150 will be placed with U.S. lease-fleet customers. The cars will be used for market and engineering analysis. Lease–fleet customers will monitor the performance and durability of the first-generation lithium-ion battery, while offering real world feedback on how future customers might respond to the plug-in process.

Toyota reveals iQ-based FT-EV Concept

Toyota has announced that it will display its new FT-EV concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, while also confirming that it will launch an urban commuter ‘battery-electric vehicle’ (BEV) by 2012. The carmaker also revealed that it will start consumer trials of a fleet of 150 plug-in hybrids towards the end of this year and launch as many as ten new petrol-electric hybrid vehicles next year.

This announcement, coupled with its compressed natural gas powered Camry Hybrid concept display at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, signal Toyota's intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development.

The all-electric FT-EV concept shares its platform with the iQ urban commuter vehicle, and can drive up to 50 miles on a single charge.

Although BEVs and new smaller vehicles like the iQ will be a key component of Toyota's sustainable mobility strategy, the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, also set for this month’s Detroit event, is considered Toyota's long-term core powertrain technology. Additionally, Toyota plans to showcase a brand new Lexus dedicated hybrid called the HS250h.

Towards the end of the year, Toyota will start global delivery of 500 Prius plug-in hybrids powered by lithium-ion batteries. Of these initial vehicles, 150 will be placed with U.S. lease-fleet customers. The cars will be used for market and engineering analysis. Lease–fleet customers will monitor the performance and durability of the first-generation lithium-ion battery, while offering real world feedback on how future customers might respond to the plug-in process.

10 Cool Cars We Want Now

Like everyone, we've got a Christmas wish-list of stuff we'd love to find under the tree but don't expect to.

We've been lusting after Audi's R8 V12 diesel since it rolled out of the fog-machine smoke at the Detroit auto show 11 months ago. But so far, Audi has no plans to build it.

That's typical. Automakers are famous for seducing us with sweet concept cars that get amazing fuel economy, offer insane performance or just plain look cool. We fall in love and the automakers tease us with suggestions that one day we might possess the object of our desire. Sometimes we do. Often we don't. And occasionally our hearts break when they are sold only in Europe or Japan.

We're tired of being teased. Here are 10 cars we want now.

Audi R8 V12 TDI concept - This diesel demon gets 24 mpg and meets the ultra-stringent EU emissions rules coming in 2014. But the best thing about the R8 TDI is it does zero to 60 in 4 seconds, hits 186 mph and produces glorious quantities of tire-shredding, neck-snapping torque when you stomp it. Photo by Audi.

BMW M1 Hommage - BMW marked the 30th anniversary of the legendary M1 with a sexy prototype that masterfully updates Giorgetto Giugiaro's original design. The Hommage doesn't actually run (hence the Photoshop job above) and some say it looks like the new Camaro, but at least it doesn't have a Bangle butt. Photo by BMW.

Citroen C-Metisse concept - Maybe it's the absinthe, but no one designs cars quite like the French. Take the C-Metisse that appeared at the Paris Auto Show in 2006. It's a diesel. It's a hybrid. And it's got four scissor doors. The only thing that could make it any cooler is hydropneumatic suspension. Photo by Citroen.

Ferrari Millechili - Millechili is Italian for 1,000 kilos, which is what the next pavement-peeler from Maranello will weigh. That's less than a Mazda Miata, and it shows Ferrari is serious about improving fuel economy by reducing weight. The next-gen Enzo won't be named Millechili, but with 600 horsepower, it will again mean Ferrari is Italian for awesome. Photo by Ferrari.

Fiat 500 - This beautiful update of the iconic microcar isn't a concept, but it may as well be because we can't get it here in America. Too bad, because the 500 is everything you want in a city car -- stylish, efficient (how's 45 mpg sound?) and a blast to drive. We hear it's even reliable, so Fiat no longer means "Fix it again, Tony." Photo by Fiat.

Ford Verve Concept - Ford builds some great fuel-sippers that are sold only in Europe, and the company raided its European stable to design the Verve. The sedan arrives in 2010, but we really want the hatchback concept (shown here at the Detroit auto show) because it's a small car that doesn't look cute or cheap or both. Besides, the world needs more purple cars. Photo by Ford.

Honda CR-Z concept - Someone has finally designed a sexy, affordable hybrid. Honda says it absolutely, positively will build the sweet gas-electric sports car it's been showing off for about a year now, but so far it hasn't said when. No matter -- the fact it's coming is enough to make us finally forgive Honda for killing the CRX. Photo by Honda.

Mini-E - The all-electric runabout that debuted at the L.A. Auto Show is the ultimate city car, and we wish BMW would build more than 500 of them. BMW says the limited run is a field-test for the new technology, but we suspect the company discovered only 500 people can meet the leasing requirements and afford the $850 monthly lease. Photo by Jim Merithew / wired.com

Tesla Motors Model S - Yes, Tesla is laying off employees and cutting expenses and its plans for the Model S aren't going anywhere without $350 million from Uncle Sam. But that doesn't make the idea of a $58,000 all-electric sedan any less seductive, even if the company ought to be focusing its attention on ramping up production of the Roadster. Photo by Tesla Motors.

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid - A growing cottage industry is busy converting Prius hybrids to plug-ins capable of 100 mpg. Heck -- three ecogeeks did the job in the L.A. Convention Center parking lot. Yet an automaker synonymous with hybrids says it won't have a plug-in Prius until 2010 and even then will offer them only to fleets. What gives? Hurry up already! Photo by Toyota.

10 Cool Cars We Want Now

Like everyone, we've got a Christmas wish-list of stuff we'd love to find under the tree but don't expect to.

We've been lusting after Audi's R8 V12 diesel since it rolled out of the fog-machine smoke at the Detroit auto show 11 months ago. But so far, Audi has no plans to build it.

That's typical. Automakers are famous for seducing us with sweet concept cars that get amazing fuel economy, offer insane performance or just plain look cool. We fall in love and the automakers tease us with suggestions that one day we might possess the object of our desire. Sometimes we do. Often we don't. And occasionally our hearts break when they are sold only in Europe or Japan.

We're tired of being teased. Here are 10 cars we want now.

Audi R8 V12 TDI concept - This diesel demon gets 24 mpg and meets the ultra-stringent EU emissions rules coming in 2014. But the best thing about the R8 TDI is it does zero to 60 in 4 seconds, hits 186 mph and produces glorious quantities of tire-shredding, neck-snapping torque when you stomp it. Photo by Audi.

BMW M1 Hommage - BMW marked the 30th anniversary of the legendary M1 with a sexy prototype that masterfully updates Giorgetto Giugiaro's original design. The Hommage doesn't actually run (hence the Photoshop job above) and some say it looks like the new Camaro, but at least it doesn't have a Bangle butt. Photo by BMW.

Citroen C-Metisse concept - Maybe it's the absinthe, but no one designs cars quite like the French. Take the C-Metisse that appeared at the Paris Auto Show in 2006. It's a diesel. It's a hybrid. And it's got four scissor doors. The only thing that could make it any cooler is hydropneumatic suspension. Photo by Citroen.

Ferrari Millechili - Millechili is Italian for 1,000 kilos, which is what the next pavement-peeler from Maranello will weigh. That's less than a Mazda Miata, and it shows Ferrari is serious about improving fuel economy by reducing weight. The next-gen Enzo won't be named Millechili, but with 600 horsepower, it will again mean Ferrari is Italian for awesome. Photo by Ferrari.

Fiat 500 - This beautiful update of the iconic microcar isn't a concept, but it may as well be because we can't get it here in America. Too bad, because the 500 is everything you want in a city car -- stylish, efficient (how's 45 mpg sound?) and a blast to drive. We hear it's even reliable, so Fiat no longer means "Fix it again, Tony." Photo by Fiat.

Ford Verve Concept - Ford builds some great fuel-sippers that are sold only in Europe, and the company raided its European stable to design the Verve. The sedan arrives in 2010, but we really want the hatchback concept (shown here at the Detroit auto show) because it's a small car that doesn't look cute or cheap or both. Besides, the world needs more purple cars. Photo by Ford.

Honda CR-Z concept - Someone has finally designed a sexy, affordable hybrid. Honda says it absolutely, positively will build the sweet gas-electric sports car it's been showing off for about a year now, but so far it hasn't said when. No matter -- the fact it's coming is enough to make us finally forgive Honda for killing the CRX. Photo by Honda.

Mini-E - The all-electric runabout that debuted at the L.A. Auto Show is the ultimate city car, and we wish BMW would build more than 500 of them. BMW says the limited run is a field-test for the new technology, but we suspect the company discovered only 500 people can meet the leasing requirements and afford the $850 monthly lease. Photo by Jim Merithew / wired.com

Tesla Motors Model S - Yes, Tesla is laying off employees and cutting expenses and its plans for the Model S aren't going anywhere without $350 million from Uncle Sam. But that doesn't make the idea of a $58,000 all-electric sedan any less seductive, even if the company ought to be focusing its attention on ramping up production of the Roadster. Photo by Tesla Motors.

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid - A growing cottage industry is busy converting Prius hybrids to plug-ins capable of 100 mpg. Heck -- three ecogeeks did the job in the L.A. Convention Center parking lot. Yet an automaker synonymous with hybrids says it won't have a plug-in Prius until 2010 and even then will offer them only to fleets. What gives? Hurry up already! Photo by Toyota.

The Clean and Safe : Honda PUYO

PUYO is eco friendly design car from Honda, this car is “clean, “safe” and “fun”. Puyo also has great functionality, environmentally responsible and people friendly. Honda PUYO fuel-cell vehicle is intended to create a gentle, friendly impression and entertain the passenger and the people around it.

The exterior of this cool car has "seamless soft box" design and PUYO's "gel body" made from soft material. It has minimalist design featuring an ultra high efficiency. PUYO a spacious interior design because of the seamless exterior design. PUYO has the charm of a cute car that begs to be touched. This eco-friendly car was designed to improve safety, while embedded headlight and other illumination shines through the soft, translucent skin.

Honda PUYO was first introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motorshow and supposed to be the hope of a more tender relationship between human and machine.

The Clean and Safe : Honda PUYO

PUYO is eco friendly design car from Honda, this car is “clean, “safe” and “fun”. Puyo also has great functionality, environmentally responsible and people friendly. Honda PUYO fuel-cell vehicle is intended to create a gentle, friendly impression and entertain the passenger and the people around it.

The exterior of this cool car has "seamless soft box" design and PUYO's "gel body" made from soft material. It has minimalist design featuring an ultra high efficiency. PUYO a spacious interior design because of the seamless exterior design. PUYO has the charm of a cute car that begs to be touched. This eco-friendly car was designed to improve safety, while embedded headlight and other illumination shines through the soft, translucent skin.

Honda PUYO was first introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motorshow and supposed to be the hope of a more tender relationship between human and machine.

Eco Cars: Peugeot OMNI – Sporty, aerodynamic car gets powered by the sun

In 1973, a Swedish automobile designer, Bengt Ilon dreamt of a car that could move sideways on “Omni-wheels”, which could speed up transport and take it to a whole new level. The concept was not obviously picked up or developed through the decades. Now, finally we have a model that has been designed for Peugeot – OMNI.

The car which is perfect for future megalopolis has a sporty, aerodynamic body that represents evolution of the new age. The small city car has been made for just two occupants, keeping in mind that in 95% cases a car just has one occupant at a time. The exterior body is intended to be developed with carbon fiber, which should guarantee strength without adding much to the body of the car.

Solar cells are placed on the body of the car to refuel the lithium batteries sitting beneath the hood of the car. Traditional side cameras in this car are replaced by cameras, which enable the driver to see all objects in sides on the dashboard mounted display.

The most stunning feature of the car still remains its ability to move sideways at a speed of 5 km/h, which would ease parking and will make sure that the car does not always get stuck in traffic jams.

 

The Dark Side:
Apart from high cost fears, the “Omni-wheels” technology still seems a couple of decades away from realism. However, if the technology is made then it could truly refine the way we drive.

Via: ProductDesignForums

Eco Cars: Peugeot OMNI – Sporty, aerodynamic car gets powered by the sun

In 1973, a Swedish automobile designer, Bengt Ilon dreamt of a car that could move sideways on “Omni-wheels”, which could speed up transport and take it to a whole new level. The concept was not obviously picked up or developed through the decades. Now, finally we have a model that has been designed for Peugeot – OMNI.

The car which is perfect for future megalopolis has a sporty, aerodynamic body that represents evolution of the new age. The small city car has been made for just two occupants, keeping in mind that in 95% cases a car just has one occupant at a time. The exterior body is intended to be developed with carbon fiber, which should guarantee strength without adding much to the body of the car.

Solar cells are placed on the body of the car to refuel the lithium batteries sitting beneath the hood of the car. Traditional side cameras in this car are replaced by cameras, which enable the driver to see all objects in sides on the dashboard mounted display.

The most stunning feature of the car still remains its ability to move sideways at a speed of 5 km/h, which would ease parking and will make sure that the car does not always get stuck in traffic jams.

 

The Dark Side:
Apart from high cost fears, the “Omni-wheels” technology still seems a couple of decades away from realism. However, if the technology is made then it could truly refine the way we drive.

Via: ProductDesignForums

Eco Cars: Scarab electric concept can impress James Bond

Some concepts vehicles look weird, some lack the basic safety features, some are just too futuristic, but Scarab is safe, developed using current technology and is one hot machine that could just be great for the next James Bond flick. Developed by David Miguel Moreira Gonçalves, Scarab is powered by a permanent battery plus three options for the main energy pack – battery, fuel cell or biofuel.

 Eco Factor: Concept vehicle powered by electric in-wheel motors.

 
Not only environmentally safe, the vehicle packs a big enough technical punch with multiple driving modes, perfect park mode, embedded sensors, Lidar, radar, transponders, GPS, Drive by Wire, tactile HUD embedded in the Lexan canopy, regenerative braking through EW brakes. The vehicle is composed of interchangeable modules that can easily be customized to give desired looks to the vehicle.

The Dark Side:
The high use of electronics in the car would utilize a major part of the car’s battery capacity, which could show its effect on the car’s performance, speed and range.

Via: YankoDesign

Eco Cars: Scarab electric concept can impress James Bond

Some concepts vehicles look weird, some lack the basic safety features, some are just too futuristic, but Scarab is safe, developed using current technology and is one hot machine that could just be great for the next James Bond flick. Developed by David Miguel Moreira Gonçalves, Scarab is powered by a permanent battery plus three options for the main energy pack – battery, fuel cell or biofuel.

 Eco Factor: Concept vehicle powered by electric in-wheel motors.

 
Not only environmentally safe, the vehicle packs a big enough technical punch with multiple driving modes, perfect park mode, embedded sensors, Lidar, radar, transponders, GPS, Drive by Wire, tactile HUD embedded in the Lexan canopy, regenerative braking through EW brakes. The vehicle is composed of interchangeable modules that can easily be customized to give desired looks to the vehicle.

The Dark Side:
The high use of electronics in the car would utilize a major part of the car’s battery capacity, which could show its effect on the car’s performance, speed and range.

Via: YankoDesign