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| 1/X |
The 1/X is a concept car that redefines a car’s basic structure and manufacturing process to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions and consumption of resources. The vehicle−with a design that aims to harmoniously coexist with people and society−places emphasis on safety and the environment.
The weight of the four-passenger vehicle has been reduced to not much over 400kg, or approximately 1/3 that of equivalent vehicles by employing carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which is also used in airplanes, in the body material. Toyota believes a slimmed down body will become one of the key points in automobile production in the future.
The powertrain combines an engine and electric motor, realizing a plug-in hybrid powertrain that can be recharged from an external power source. Along with the successfully reduced body weight, the engine displacement is 500cc, 1/3 that of the Prius, and although that is smaller than even current mini-vehicles, it is able to achieve acceleration comparable to that of the current Prius.
The advantage of a lighter vehicle does not end with improved fuel efficiency and driving performance. The wheels are remarkably thinner, yet sufficient enough to support the body and provide stability while driving.
The 1/X is based on the concept of changing vehicle production from its very roots to reduce the various negative aspects of vehicles by 1/X, such as energy consumption and noise.
The goal of the 1/X is not only to cut down on weight and energy consumption, but also to exist harmoniously in society. It is a car that is considerate of its surroundings. For instance, the glow of the headlights adjusts according to the environment, and the narrow wheels with a small diameter reduce the amount of road noise and water spray produced.
In addition, the 1/X aims to allow passengers to be even more attuned to the nature outside the vehicle through features such as a low, short front nose, thin pillars to afford greater visibility, functions that serve as 'ears' that listen to surrounding sounds to properly grasp the immediate environment, and a well-insulated bio-roof that lets the passenger feel the outside light.
The desire to reduce the negative aspects of vehicles to 1/X is a difficult challenge, but it must become a reality in order to produce vehicles that have a more harmonious relationship with people and society. The concept car 1/X embodies that desire. |
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| (Update: Oct. 17, 2007; Preliminary report from reporters) |
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