2008 Toyota iQ

(from Toyota Press Release)  Toyota’s revolutionary ultra-compact Concept Car iQ

The intelligent solution to urban transport

– Designed within the Vibrant Clarity philosophy
– Less than 3 metres in length

The Concept Car iQ represents a paradigm shift in small car design, a concept car that challenges conventional thinking of The Concept Car iQ was created at ED2, automotive hierarchies: small yet spacious, Toyota’s advanced European design studio premium yet small. Realized through the in the south of France, working under the vision of an ultra compact, highly space Toyota design philosophy of Vibrant Clarity – efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle design that is forward looking, intelligent and that maximizes the urban lifestyle of Europe’s energetic while retaining a clarity of purpose
fashionable metropolitan dwellers. and function.

Managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation’s Design activities, Wahei Hirai, says:

"The Concept Car iQ is designed to reflect and enhance the lifestyle of its owners. In an urban environment, people want to express themselves through dynamic and on-the-edge design, but at the same time rational factors such as size, functionality and CO2 emissions cannot be ignored.

Bringing these contradictory aims together in synergy was critical to the Concept Car iQ, and is a way of thinking we call the ‘J-factor’, a philosophy at the heart of all our activities.”

Just a palm shorter than three meters in length – at 2.98 meters precisely – the Concept Car iQ is a radical new approach to vehicle packaging and design. It challenges the current limitations of ultra-compact urban transport by offering an interior capable of seating four adults or three adults and luggage space – a unique versatility within a minimal footprint.

The unveiling of the Concept Car iQ also reinforces Toyota’s commitment to reducing vehicle emissions through vehicle concept innovation. With increasing traffic congestion in urban areas, and rising concerns about vehicle emissions, the Concept Car iQ presents a change in vehicle packaging and footprint, to ensure a sustainable future.

Designed for fashion and function

Three elements of Vibrant Clarity:

– Dynamic and daring exterior
– Functional and aesthetic interior

Edgy urban colour contrast

All aspects of the Concept Car iQ are designed to convey a confidence, and vibrance that belies its size. All are working to give the car energy and character that will stand out and enhance its high fashion position in the urban environment.

Within Toyota’s Vibrant Design philosophy three core design values are utilized to guide the design process:

Perfect Imbalance in its proportion

The exterior is simple and daring with a stable and robust stance enhanced by the width of the vehicle contrasting with its short length. In side profile the ultra-short overhangs and cab-forward silhouette suggest a dynamic pose but at the same time interior space is kept to a maximum. The confident character of the front juxtapositions with the small, yet strong structure give the vehicle an iconic value.

Integrated Component Architecture

Expressing the structure and construction of the vehicle is vital to keeping the design simple yet at the same time energized, it also serves to clearly express the concept of the car. The structures around the 17 inch tyres form part of the minimal front and rear overhangs, a synergy that conveys both strength and agility.

In the interior the basic geometric structure of the instrument panel creates an open and wide environment. The manta-ray-styled centre console, a simple yet flowing structure that envelops the instruments to create a clear and vivid focal point. The air conditioning vents are constructed from a cylindrical form clearly relating to their function. The overall impression is of components in harmony,
forming a new emotional expression.

Freeform Geometrics

The exterior surfaces of the Concept Car iQ are almost mathematical in their cleanliness and precision, but at the same time have movement and emotion to keep the design fresh and unlikely to date. The character lines of the window opening flow smoothly and harmonize with the surfaces supporting them.

In the interior the freeform lines of the manta-ray-styled centre cluster are echoed in the door
trim. Soft and inviting they encourage touch and contact, a combination of uncompromised
aesthetics and functionality.

Overall, the Concept Car iQ has an ‘on-theedge’ style ready for the streets of tomorrow’s urban environment. This sense of vibrant, urban sub-culture is carried forward by the unique exterior colour; pearlescent white with flecks of purple shimmer hinting at the darker interior treatment. The senses are further stimulated by the touch of the mock snakeskin steering wheel trim, purple interior trim accents and purple styling themes carried over into the seats, door trims and dashboard.

Compact but not compromised

– Intelligent use of space
– Versatile 3+1 seating
– Fascinating blend of form and function
– Full safety features

The Concept Car iQ sets out to be, and succeeds, as the world’s smallest premium four seat passenger concept car. At less than three metres in length (2980mm) it is 425mm shorter than the Toyota Aygo and more than 770mm shorter than the Toyota Yaris. Yet, in width and height (1680mm x 1480mm) it is comparable to Yaris – so the ultra compact exterior dimensions hide a big interior heart.

At the same time, the Concept Car iQ is versatile and practical. It will seat four with space for three adults and a child – or the fourth seat can be utilised for luggage space. To achieve this, a radical and intelligent 3 + 1 seating concept has been applied. With a dashboard that swoops away from the front
passenger, this seat has been given extra freedom of movement.

In regular use, driver and passenger sit side by side. But, to accommodate a third adult or adult and child, the front passenger seat can be moved in a more forward position allowing more room and easier access to the rear area.

In addition, extensive use of intelligent, space saving design themes and miniaturised technology helps maximise space within the passenger compartment. The ultra-compact heating and ventilation unit frees up space in the centre console and allows the dashboard to adopt its unique shape.

Atop the main dashboard sits the instrument pod, dark and mysterious with the swoops and curves of a manta-ray; its tail flashing in silver-chrome trim as it reaches down to form the cleanly-styled centre console. A single central dial provides control of interior environment with temperature and ventilation displayed on the central panel, clearly placed in the driver’s eye-line.

The three-dimensional, 3-in-1 display of speed, engine rpm and fuel status is mounted above the steering column while controls for audio and navigation functions are on the steering wheel itself. In an intelligent, hi-tech solution to urban navigation, a stand-alone, head-up display of the GPS routefinder is placed within the driver’s vision but is see-through when turned off.

A panoramic glass sun-roof ensures plenty of light and adds to the sense that passengers are not confined within a conventional compartment. At night, the darkened interior is mysterious – further emphasising the high fashion sense of the concept car.

Despite its ultra-compact design, it makes no compromises on safety in the urban environment. Indeed, safety is at the core of the concept strategy. A strong passenger compartment safety cell will ensure optimal impact energy absorption.

In presenting the Concept Car iQ, Toyota reveals an intelligent new design and technology package – a radical solution to the challenge of personal urban transport.  The Concept Car iQ represents the ultimate refined urban mode of transport offering a revolutionary package, intelligent design, and environmental friendliness.