Toyota showcases green hybrids at KLIMS ’10
In line with the show’s overall theme ‘We Care’, UMW Toyota Motor has brought in a couple of green concept cars to line-up alongside newer models in its Toyota range at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2010 (KLIMS ’10). Lexus was also given decent exposure, showcasing the recently launched LS 600h L and RX 450h hybrid vehicles with the newly updated IS 250.
Enthusiasts and boy racers would clamour for the FT-86 concept, but instead they will have to make do with the greener but no less mean looking FT-HS, a front-engined rear-wheel drive sports car powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The gasoline half of the hybrid drive’s power is provided by a 3.5-litre V6, and Toyota targets a combined output of 400hp for the powertrain.
The FT-HS debuted at the 2007 North American International Motor Show in Detroit, and was widely tipped as a potential replacement of the Supra. Toyota is keen to emphasize that the FT-HS is targeted as a mid-market sports car, an ‘attainable exotic’ for the masses. However, there has also been reports that plans to put the FT-HS has been shelved.
The other show car at Toyota’s pavilion is the 1/X (pronounced ‘one-Xth’) concept, which made its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. Designed around a theme of minimalism, the 1/X has comparable interior dimensions with a Prius, but has only one-third the weight at 420kg, allowing Toyota to set a target of achieving half of the Prius’ fuel consumption levels.
The 1/X features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 500cc petrol motor. It can be recharged using an external power source. The vehicle features extensive usage of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) in its construction. Toyota claims that the light yet rigid material ensures superior collision safety and achieves that despite having narrower pillars which contributes to improved all-round vision.
More familiar displays in Toyota’s pavilion are the Prius showcased with the newly-launched Corolla Altis facelift and the 3.0-litre Hilux pick-up. UMW Toyota’s KLIMS ’10 pavilion is situated at Dewan Merdeka together with arch-rivals Honda.
