Toyota presents a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of Hybrid X – a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models, while also acting as an innovative technology showcase for future generation hybrid cars.
Hybrid X is a vision for future environmentally friendly motoring. It fits clearly within Toyota's environmental strategy of offering sustainable mobility for modern families. Hybrid X further extends the use of Hybrid Synergy Drive® which is becoming an enabler for vehicle concept innovation and allowing Toyota to push forward to new frontiers.
Hybrid X is designed as a four door, four seat open-space concept. It has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm.
Hybrid X has been created and developed by Toyota's European styling centre, ED², in the south of France. It proposes unconventional creative solutions that will themselves potentially become the signature points of a specific hybrid identity.
Hybrid X follows the core values of the Toyota brand design philosophy under two consistent themes: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. J-Factor refers to the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural form, while Vibrant Clarity is the design language used to express the J-factor. Through Vibrant Clarity, designers will infuse future vehicles with a completely original identity and emotional intensity that will be uniquely identifiable as coming from Toyota.
In this context, designers created an unconventional fusion of strength, lightness and emotion through the futuristic body shape. There is fusion of thought also – a symbiosis between the exterior and the interior so that, as you look at the exterior, you can imagine the interior with clarity and vision.
Interior designer, Laurent Bouzige, says: "Hybrid X is conceived as a multi-sensory experience. There is a formal style in the shape of the vehicle and the material used but every other reaction is linked to the passengers' senses of sound, smell, sight and touch through interactive ambience."
The U-shaped pillars allow the general shape of Hybrid X to achieve a superior aerodynamic form which is further enhanced by smooth surface lines and the integrated rear spoiler.
At the same time the glass area greatly enhances visibility to create an 'open-space' concept which "frames the vision" in all directions, including up.
Access and innovation are features of the rear-hinged passenger doors which open electronically at the touch of a button. Dynamic hints of driving performance are provided by the customised 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 5/40 R20 tyres.
Across the rear the energy-efficient LED lights form another U shape, reflecting the design signature of vehicle as a whole.
The driver can set the ambience within the car via an interface in order to control the four senses of sight, sound, touch and smell. LED lighting systems within the car provide a variety of illumination and are changing in harmony with different musical backgrounds. A perfume diffuser fills the air with gentle, relaxing aroma while the use of many different materials and textures on the interior surfaces provides variety to touch.
The drive-by-wire steering pad features a screen in its centre to relay vital energy information to the driver about the energy flow path, fuel consumption, gear position. Interactive navigation and Bluetooth connectivity is provided by a second screen in front of the driver.
Space saving seats are formed using injected foam techniques which create comfort while reducing weight. In order to further promote human interaction, the two independent rear seats can swivel by 12 degrees to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery or a more intimate 'tête-à-tête'.
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