October 10, 2007

Toyota to Show Plug-in Flex-Fuel Hybrid Concept with Double the Fuel Efficiency of the Prius

Sketch of the Toyota 1/X plug-in hybrid.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will exhibit eight concept and 13 other vehicles at the upcoming 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Among the concepts is the 1/X, (pronounced “one-Xth”), a vehicle that maintains an interior space on par with that of the Prius, with a targeted fuel efficiency that is double that of the Prius and a weight reduced to 420 kilograms (about one third the weight of the Prius).

The 1/X features a 500cc flex-fuel engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Built of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) throughout the body frame to ensure superior collision safety, it sports narrower pillars for a better field of vision.

Other hybrid concepts that Toyota will feature at the show are:

Hi-CT. The Hi-CT also is a plug-in hybrid concept, with a AC100V accessory socket that enables stored electricity to be used for a variety of applications.
Crown Hybrid Concept. The Crown hybrid concept implements THS II with a two-stage motor speed reduction device that helps achieve higher fuel efficiency, lower CO2 and reductions in other exhaust emissions.
FT-HS. A next-generation hybrid sports car, the FT-HS features a hybrid system with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine.
LF-Xh. A specialty Lexus SUV, this concept applies the Lexus Hybrid Drive with a V6 engine in an all-wheel drive powertrain.