Oct. 13, 1999

TOYOTA―Driving the Future

Japan's No.1 Carmaker Revved for 33rd Tokyo Motor Show

 

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) will present 14 special display vehicles,featuring the world's first hybrid 4WD system and a "best of two worlds" concept convertible,among the 60 some automobiles it will exhibit at the coining 33rd Tokyo Motor Show, the company announced today.

Under the theme "Driving the Future," Toyota will integrate these vehicles with displays on the environment, safety and intelligent transport systems (ITS) to drive home its view of personal transportation and our shared responsibilities toward the Earth. The show, from Oct. 23 to Nov. 3, will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture.

The gathering marks the transformation of the hitherto biennial Tokyo Motor Show into an annual affair, with the Passenger Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle displays split between alternating years.

  • HV-M4
    HV-M4
  • Lexus Sport Coupe
    Lexus Sport Coupe

For this year's Passenger Vehicle spectacle, Toyota is ready to capture the imagination of onlookers with its futuristic HV-M4 minivan and the stylishly dynamic Lexus* Sport Coupe, among several other vehicles engineered in Toyota's spirit of innovative earth-friendly technology and time-honored quality. These include the young-family-oriented Opa, the extremely versatile Open Deck, the next-generation sporty NCSV, the open-air Celica Cruising Deck, the crown of craftsmanship Origin, and the playful compact Will Vi.

*Toyota's overseas luxury vehicle brand established in 1989

One-of-a-Kind Concepts

HV-M4

This mid-sized minivan continues the breathtaking strides in propulsion taken by the Toyota Prius―this time with a new hybrid system. THS-C combines a high-performance 2.4-liter engine with a pair of motors and continuously variable transmission (CVT). In normal driving, the vehicle is powered via a combination of the gasoline engine and the front motor through the front axle. In times when slippage might normally occur, THS-C engages the rear motor providing four-wheel-drive control. This makes HV-M4 the first 4WD hybrid in the world. THS-C's highly efficient system, working in concert with a regenerative braking system, roughly doubles the vehicle's fuel efficiency over vans of the same class (in Japan's 10-15 test mode). The vehicle also meets the strict domestic requirements for J-ULEV categorization. Because the HV-M4 can generate 1.5 kW of electricity and is equipped with several 100V outlets, it is well-suited to such varied uses as welfare work or medical services. The HV-M4 never needs external charging and can comfortably handle energy-taxing goods, such as hair dryers, microwave ovens and televisions. It is truly a "generator on wheels."

The HV-M4 exemplifies the new spirit of minivans. The body styling is cool and intelligent. The interior comfortably seats six. Several multi-media consoles help make the interior a next-generation living space. HV-M4 represents what future vehicles should be. It is also equipped with various ITS functions that ensure the safety of driving.

Lexus Sport Coupe

The "Jewel of Lexus" concept vehicle allows you to let your hair down while enjoying the renowned Lexus quality. At the touch of a button, the vehicle's aluminum top folds into the trunk, transforming this luxury coupe into a luxury convertible in roughly 20 seconds!

The vehicle's design brings together the best of both worlds―the dashing exterior was inked in Europe, while the opulent interior was laid out in Japan. Leather seats and wood-grain never let you forget you're in a Lexus, regardless of whether you're gliding silently down the freeway or with your hair blowing wildly in the wind. The vehicle's concept audio system, created by the home audio specialists at Mark Levinson, will take you for its own ride. The Sport Coupe has a long wheelbase and short overhang; intelligent packaging helped make it a true 2+2 carriage. Double wishbone suspension on a specially constructed convertible platform, a powerful,smooth and clean V8 engine, and hulky 18-inch tires push you to new driving pleasure.

OPA

The OPA is a stylish and roomy next-generation medium class vehicle. One look and you know that styling was at the forefront of this vehicle's development. The overall package is fresh, and the cabin-forward short overhang body is solid, yet chic.

The stylish interior is perfect for the young... and the young at heart. Reclining and sliding rear seats allow users to form numerous seating variations―even a 1,700 mm long flat luggage space.

The vehicle is equipped with an environmentally friendly powertrain. The 2.0 direct injection D-4 engine (BEAMS) with a continuously variable transmission delivers excellent fuel economy with low emissions. The engine and CVT work in tandem via electronic control to deliver gritty, responsive driving. The vehicle also meets the domestic requirements for J-TLEV categorization.

Open Deck

This innovative wagon is a dreamer's paradise―its voluminous space, handy access door and open deck await the creativity of users everywhere. Open Deck is a package you can't wait to open up. The vehicle's cabin-through structure makes the cabin and deck area inexorably linked. This allows complete freedom of expression in the arrangement of the seats and space. The wide double access door with no center pillar on the passenger side makes entry and egress a breeze, and loading long cargo a snap. Throw your skis in the back during winter, then your surfboard in for summer fun. And because the floor bed of the open deck can be hosed down with water, users can make Open Deck a part of their gardening and outdoor fun. Open Deck is a vehicle that fits wonderfully into your outgoing lifestyle.

NCSV

The NCSV is a next generation sports vehicle. Its monoform design and low-down silhouette mimic an airplane fuselage. Extra-wide tires add to the sporty design and driving stability. The driver's and front passenger's seat are equipped with independent multi-display monitors, which allow occupants of either seat to access multi-media information according to their needs. This futuristic space is functional in every sense of the word. The cabin allows for ample luggage space.

CELICA Cruising Deck

Toyota engineers have taken the driving prowess of the Celica and combined it with the functionality of a multi-purpose vehicle. The Celica Cruising Deck brings back the wild days of the 70s to meet our modem needs. The back half of this sexy Celica delivers the fun of cruising to landlubbers. By dropping the partition between the cabin and the rear deck, riders uncover a rumble seat that allows them an open air ride.

ORIGIN

Representing over six decades of automobile craftsmanship, the Origin was created to commemorate Toyota's 100-million vehicle production milestone. Craftsmen of the highest order created the vehicle's rounded lines and voluminous form, which are based on the motif of the first Crown. The Origin celebrates the Toyota tradition of passing down technical expertise from one generation of Toyota engineer to the next.

WiLL Vi

Playful and full of life, the WiLL concept vehicle promises a 4-door personal capsule. The body style is a unique blend of modem and retro with a distinctive cliff-cut silhouette. Blister fenders on all four wheels add to the vehicle's sense of stability. Distinctive materials and calming earth tones on the vehicle's interior create a relaxing space for all occupants. And surrounding yourself with the charm of nature is but a few minutes away―the vehicle has the option of a wider-than-usual manual canvas top.

The Concepts by Numbers


The Concepts by Numbers

*1Hybrid Vehicle-Minivan 4WD

*2Toyota's overseas luxury vehicle brand, est'd. in 1989

*3Portuguese exclamation of surprise

*4New Concept Stylish Vehicle

*5"WiLL" is the name of an inter-industry marketing project.

Motorsports

24 Hours of Le Mans Race vehicle
World Rally Championship (WRC) Corolla hatchback race vehicle CART FedEx Championship Series race vehicle

Other vehicle displays include the first hybrid vehicle to cross the United States, the EcoMission '99 North America Prius; and an e-com, part of Toyota's ongoing electric commuter system, Crayon.

Other Displays
Other Displays
List of Vehicles to Be Exhibited

Downloads (Images)

  • HV-M4
    HV-M4
  • Lexus Sport Coupe
    Lexus Sport Coupe