Toyota's Motor Triathlon Race Car (MTRC) fuel cell concept will
make its U.S. debut at the 2004 New York International Auto Show.
The concept vehicle, which made its world premier earlier this year
at the Geneva Motor Show, was designed and built by Toyota's
European design studio ED2.
The MTRC is a response to the cultural interests of young people
today. Mobile phones, video games, computers and the internet play
an increasing role in youth culture. This cultural trend was a
significant influence in the race car concept's design. The MTRC
will be showcased in Gran Turismo 4, the latest version of the
popular Sony Playstation game developed by Sony Computer
Entertainment and Polyphony Digital.
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Specifications |
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Engine |
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Gasoline
and electric hybrid |
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Body Type |
2- Door
Roadster |
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Engine Location |
Rear |
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Weight lb (kg) |
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Acceleration 0-62 mph |
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Top speed |
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Driveline |
All Wheel
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Price (approx) |
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TOYOTA
MOTOR TRIATHLON RACING CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS
Millimeters / Inches
Overall Length: 4,060 159.8
Overall Width: 1,930 76.0
Overall Height: 1,330 - 1,480 52.4 - 58.3
Wheelbase: 2,950 116.1
Tread, front: 1,600 63.3
Number of seats: 2
Fuel cell type: Toyota fuel cell stack
Drive system: 4WD -(in-wheel motors)
Website: www.toyota.ca
The two-seat, open-wheeled road racer was designed by Toyotas
European ED2 design studio. We
have taken the opportunity of extracting the technology from a
futuristic car, and reproducing it in a virtual world, stated
Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of Gran Turismo. This has been a very
exciting experience for our team, who are always curious about new
technology.
The two-seater concept demonstrates three strengths of the Toyota
Brand: its extensive motor sports involvement, four-wheel drive
heritage and its commitment to advanced and eco-friendly technology.
The ED2 design studio reveals the motor sports influence in the
exterior styling of the MTRC. The concept is reminiscent of an
open-wheeled car in which the whole body contributes to the control
of airflows, ensuring maximum stability and aerodynamic efficiency.
The MTRC was conceived to compete in three different environments:
an off-road course, a smooth and high-grip racetrack and a narrow
city street circuit, as if in a "triathlon."
The Toyota MTRC has two power sources, electric as well as fuel
cell. Each wheel is propelled by an individual electric motor, as
well as being driven by a fuel-cell powered motor.
The vehicle uses an electronically-controlled suspension system that
constantly monitors the road conditions, raises the ride height and
adjusts the settings according to its environment. Intelligent tires
also adapt to the road conditions through built-in sensors, ensuring
the appropriate, maximum grip for the surface.
The wheels have their own electric motors that are powered by the
Toyota fuel cell stack. As a result, the MTRC is a zero emissions
vehicle.
In addition, the car adopts the innovative 'Mixed Reality'
technology developed by Denso and Canon. The driver and passengers
wear a special helmet that transmits information similar to a Heads
Up Display (HUD). While a HUD system conveys factual information,
such as temperature or speed, Mixed Reality helps the driver to
anticipate upcoming road conditions.
The Mixed Reality system provides a constant flow of information,
such as road temperature, tire status, the presence of snow or ice,
and at the same time, interacts with the car's other systems to
optimize performance. This advanced technology helps the driver
navigate and control the car more safely and accurately.
Some of the things that
appeal to today's younger generations include, for instance, sports,
fashion, video games, mobile phones and the internet. The Motor
Triathlon Race Car is Toyota's response to these changing demands,
and Toyota is now targeting not only the customers of today, but is
also seeking to extend its brand message to future generations of
car buyers.
This race car,
designed and built at Toyota's European design studio ED2, has been
conceived from the outset to compete on three different
environments, as if in a 'triathlon' athletic discipline: off-road,
racetrack and city street circuits. The vehicle is propelled by four
in-wheel electric motors powered by a Toyota fuel cell stack. The
Motor Triathlon Race Car is also a showcase that demonstrates three
main strengths of Toyota brand: its motor sports involvement, its
four-wheel drive heritage, and its constant search for relevant new
technologies - in this instance, the concept car's eco-friendliness
and the use of advanced information technology.
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