The "KIKAI" Concept Car: Revealing the "Car" in its Raw Form

At the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota Motor Corporation stands out for its commitment to both quality and quantity in its concept cars. Quality here refers to a perfect balance of concept, technological content, and an exciting, engaging feel.

Among Toyota Motor Corporation's concept models, the "KIKAI," with its toy-like charm, is sure to capture the hearts of car enthusiasts. Its design, with everything exposed except the cockpit, offers an even more naked sensation than a "Super 7" with its engine cover removed.

Toyota KIKAI

Toyota KIKAI

The origin of its concept is also unique. Kazuo Toyama of the Product Development Division, who designed the KIKAI, explains: "We considered how people interact with machines today. With the rise of big data and cloud computing, there's a growing sense of being controlled by unseen forces. We thought that a car that provides a tangible connection by showing its mechanics, how it moves, would be welcomed."

Toyama believes that the frequent discussion of things like "factory fetishism," mechanical cameras, and quality coffee stems from a desire to see the reality of the things that support our lives. The KIKAI features a mid-ship engine, and all its suspension arms are exposed. He suggests that viewing the suspension's movement from the interior "should foster a sense of attachment to the object." However, it remains a concept model for now.

Toyota S-FR

Toyota S-FR

Returning to the Roots: A Proposal for a Lightweight Sports Car

While the "S-FR" is in some ways the opposite of the KIKAI, it is a concept model that is equally, if not more, compelling. "This is a proposal for a lightweight sports car, following in the lineage of Toyota's sports cars like the S800 and MR-S. Some have commented on its "Showa era" feel, but we developed it with the conviction that this represents the origin of the car," says Kazuo Mori of the Sports Vehicle Management Department, Motorsports Division.

With a total length of 3,990mm, comparable to the Vitz, and a wheelbase of 2,480mm, it offers a 2+2 package. "We believe there are users who would be delighted to see a car like this in a market dominated by front-wheel-drive, two-box entry-level cars," says Mori, and it's hard to disagree. The company also hopes to equip it with a manual transmission, and while the engine is still undecided, this is one model that eagerly awaits production in the near future.

The Future of Hydrogen Cars and Today's Hybrids

"C-HR Concept" follows the two-door version, which was first unveiled in its four-door guise at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.the four-door versionIt is a crossover vehicle that combines elements of a coupe and an SUV. "Many crossover vehicle buyers are switching from hatchbacks, but we want to create a vehicle that can overturn the perception of mediocre driving performance," says Koba of Toyota Motor Corporation's Product Planning Division, who is in charge of its development. Although "production plans are undecided" (Toyota Motor Corporation), the fact that they developed a four-door version following the two-door suggests they may be surprisingly open to mass production. Its low-slung stance is also appealing from a styling perspective.

Toyota C-HR Concept

Toyota C-HR Concept

"MIRAI" represents the FCV (fuel cell vehicle powered by hydrogen) that goes beyond the "MIRAI," making its world debut. While its style is futuristic, Takeo Moriai of Toyota Motor Corporation's Product Planning Office, who is leading its development, states, "This is a proposal based on a society ten or more years from now." In a society where hydrogen energy is widespread, this model is positioned not just as an eco-car, but as an "enecar."

Enecar is a concept referring to a vehicle capable of energy exchange. The "FCV PLUS" is proposed to receive hydrogen and, when necessary, supply electricity to infrastructure such as homes. The FC stack, the core of the fuel cell system, is placed between the front wheels, with the hydrogen tank behind the rear seats. Power is delivered by in-wheel motors, one for each wheel. It is equipped with non-contact power transmission panels in two locations, eliminating the need for cables. The underfloor houses the system for home use, while the rear wheel covers accommodate the system for other mobility devices.

Toyota PRIUS

Toyota PRIUS

The new "Prius" is likely to be the biggest topic of conversation at the Tokyo Motor Show. It features a new platform with a body style that evokes a connection to the MIRAI, particularly at the rear. A key highlight of the fourth generation is a thermal efficiency improvement of approximately 40 percent over the previous model. Toyota Motor Corporation states that simultaneously, the engine, transaxle, electric motor, and battery have been made "more compact and lighter, achieving excellent fuel economy."

The new platform contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing both handling stability and ride comfort, features that the development team proudly emphasizes. With a length of 4,540mm, width of 1,760mm, and height of 1,470mm, it is slightly longer than the previous model.