ccX: For Work and Play
“Crossover” is a catchword in the auto industry these days and it refers to the way one style and role of the car has merged with another, typically a sporty image with a sport-utility concept. Capitalising on the term, Toyota has called its latest concept car the Concept Coupe Crossover (ccX) which is a multi-purpose concept vehicle that explores new directions in styling and versatility.
The ccX reflects a new approach to future small car development at Toyota and is further evidence of the company’s intention to make future products more youth-oriented and able to satisfy the evolving needs of younger consumers. It is said to embody a multitude of innovative solutions that enable the consumer to determine how the vehicle best suits his or her individual needs.
For active people
Aimed at individuals with active lifestyles, the ccX combines the aggressive styling expected in a sporty coupe with expansive cargo-hauling capability needed for light-duty work and play. Its unique look expresses individuality while its thoughtful approach to versatility allows the customer to decide how the vehicle fits into their lifestyle.
Designed in Japan, the ccX was built in Italy at Forum Ricerche E Progetti. The silver exterior features strong sweeping character lines, sharp surface edges, a tall sloping roofline, and rounded front and rear contours that create an aggressive sports coupe appearance.
The roof comprises two large power sunroofs, each made up of four glass panels. The roof panels tilt up individually, and then slide fore and aft toward the centre of the roofline, creating large openings over the entire passenger compartment and cargo area.
In this configuration, the user can enjoy convertible-type open air motoring, along with the added capability of carrying bulky objects in back. The vertical glass rear panel is a two-piece unit that can be retracted into the bumper and out of the way for easy access to the rear cargo area.
The ccX is equipped with projector-type headlights and foglamps with LED-type illuminated turn signals located below the headlights and also integrated into the rearview mirrors. Convenience is addressed with a hand-sensitive door entry system that automatically opens the doors for easy entry.
Waterproof interior
On the inside, the ccX has a waterproof floor, made from a combination of metal and rubber materials that includes four water drain plugs to allow for easy cleaning after a day at the beach. It accommodates four passengers comfortably on see-through bucket seats made of washable blue neoprene fabric and mesh netting. The front seats include five-point harness belts for those times when the going gets rough and spirited and sliding storage trays are provided underneath.
The rear seatbacks fold forward to provide ample cargo space and feature fold-up metal dividers to protect the front seatbacks from heavy or sharp-edged cargo.
Blue theme
The blue instrument cluster is mounted on the centre section of the dashboard for reduced driver fatigue and better visibility (an approach which has proven to work well in the Prius). The blue theme carries through to the auxiliary illumination that runs vertically down each side of the centre console, bordering a 7-inch multi-display monitor that displays DVD movies, navigation and audio systems.
A remote control panel for the monitor and cellphone is located on the centre console and is protected by a sliding acrylic blue cover. Blue LED-type lights are strewn across the front and rear roof lining to enhance the atmosphere of the performance-inspired cabin.
The rear cargo area is equipped with six hidden tie-down hooks for convenient hauling and an electric-powered removable cooler that plugs into a conveniently located 12V power source.
2.4-litre powerplant
A large engine bay houses a performance-tuned 2.4-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine. The engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, through which power flows to the 18-inch front wheels which are shod with 225/45R18 tyres.
The ccX embodies a multitude of innovative solutions that enable the consumer to determine how the vehicle best suits his or her individual needs. It reflects a new approach to future small car development at Toyota.
