Thursday, December 13, 2007

Toyota Unveils 7 Concept Cars At Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) unveiled 7 concept cars at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show, which was opened to public from October 22 to November 6 at the International Convention Complex (Makuhari Messe) in Makuhari, Chiba.

The automaker views Tokyo Motor Show as a great opportunity to introduce new vehicle possibilities. Through the years, Toyota has unraveled several cars and groundbreaking and futuristic technologies in said auto show. Among the concept cars presented are the Fine-X and i-swing. The latter is a brand new fuel cell hybrid vehicle while the former is a personal mobility vehicle.

The theme Ecology & Emotion was again used by Toyota in this year's exhibit. Said exhibit pursued both environmental vehicle concerns as well as the essential emotional appeal of a car.
Toyota Fine-X concept vehicle is a revolutionary car that introduces a glimpse of what is to come in the future. It uses a fuel cell hybrid system that creates an environment-friendly performance. Fine-X also features a 4-wheel independent drive control and a huge steering angle mechanism.

The i-swing concept, on the other hand, is a personal mobility car that lets drivers express their individuality while driving. The car is designed with single-person vehicle package, which boasts its 'wearable' design. To soften impact, i-swing is equipped with a urethane body.

What is most exciting about this concept car is that it can shift from a two-wheeled mode to a -wheeled mode depending on the driver's discretion. In crowded streets, the driver can opt for the two-wheeled mode. Nonetheless, if desires to have a care-free ride he can choose the three-wheeled mode.

Another marvelous concept car is the Estima Hybrid. Said car is a sophisticated hybrid minivan with electric 4WD and THS II, for an environment-friendly and high-performance drive. Subsequently, enhanced Toyota RAV4 parts are incorporated in the new RAV4 concept car. The latter is a small SUV that features a modern and rugged theme for ultimate yet refined performance. It also employs S-VSC* + Active Control 4WD Integrated Control, which combines the electric 4WD system with electric power steering, ABS and VSC.

Toyota also created a concept car for the new-category vehicle, which is called FSC. Said concept combines the qualities of sedan and utility minivan. Its bB concept car, on the other hand, with 'sensually edgy attitude' is especially designed for young urbanites. Finally, the TF105 concept car is a F1 championship racing car, which is noted for its reliable engine and powerful performance.

About the Author
Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

Five Toyota New Concept Vehicles: In Brief

Toyota proves to be still one of the most famous automobile brands in the industry. Five of its surely most awaited concept vehicles include the PM, NLSV, Hybrid X, FT-SX, and the FT-HS.
The PM is a personal mobility vehicle that fits car race. Its very small appearance makes it very sporty yet stylish. According to the Toyota website, the car's cutting-edge vehicle-to-vehicle communications technologies are employed under the concept of "meeting, linking and hanging out together".

The NLSV meanwhile, features a huge, wireless electric sliding door on the passenger side and a flatter and wider floor. On the exterior, it has a narrow bumper, but the interior is exceptionally wide.

Toyota rewrites the rules for conceptualizing hybrid cars in its production of the Hybrid X. The company says Hybrid X might establish the norm in building hybrid cars in the future. A key concept on this vehicle is the Vibrant Clarity. It is a design establishing all design works in a unique and emotionally vibrant identity that definitely speaks of Toyota.

It offers sustainable mobility for modern families. Through this car, Toyota is making one step closer to its vision of a zero smog-forming emission future because of its environmentally advanced technology.

Inside the car, the driver sets the mood using an internal interface that controls lighting, and music. Complete driver control is experienced through technological innovations in interactive navigation, driving information and comfort control.

Resembling a tamed tiger, the FT-SX is an exploration of an entirely new genre of automobile. This car delivers complete function, luxury and sporty performance, and is conveyed visually by its imposing size and sleek silhouette. Making it incredibly versatile are the powerful V6 engine, all-wheel drive, 21-inch wheels, four doors, an inventive rear hatch and multi-functional glass roof.

Loading large and heavy objects is easy in this car. A loading tray that automatically extends when the lower hatch is opened makes the rear cargo area extremely user-friendly.
The interior has a sleek, sporty design of the exterior, with "flying speed board" gauge clusters. Added to this is the luxury of natural woods, soft leathers and durable metals.

Finally, the FT-HS -- according to Toyota, the car answers the question "What sports car suits the 21st century concept?" The FT-HS is a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion, pairing a potent hybrid power train with essential sports-car fundamentals.

Using a powerful V6 3.5L engine, the FT-HS is coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive to produce a target power output of approximately 400 horsepower and a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range.

The roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas.

The FT-HS's interior features "create a dedicated driver's cockpit" that includes a cross-car instrument panel structure and delta-wing driver pod. Creating an enclosed pod effect an integrated instrument panel surrounds the driver. When the roof retracts, the 4 seats are converted to a seat good for two. This is another milestone from Toyota.

Common among this 5 and the other new concept cars are the well enhanced Toyota mufflers.

About the Author
Jerick Brooks is a BS Computer Science graduate at Columbus State University. He has passion for anything car-related especially car racing. He loves writing and currently works as an IT consultant in a company based in Atlanta.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

2007 Caparo T1

If you are looking for a sports car that pushes all the boundaries and provides innovation in design and amazing power, then the 2007 Caparo T1 is an excellent choice. This car is an exotic super car that started out merely as an idea; however, through hard work and the pursuit of a dream, this car has become a reality. For those who have the need for speed, this car is a dream come true, boasting the highest power to weight ratio that is legal to drive on the road. While the car only weighs in at a bit under 1400 pounds, it also has a lot of power to go along with that light weight. More than 550 horses are pumped out by the 3.5 liter V8 engine that this car sports. This engine provides incredible power, and the car is able to go from 0-60 in only 2.5 seconds, and in only 5 seconds this car is hitting 100 mph.

Since this car is so very light, you shouldn't expect to find a car with extras like a state of the art stereo system or nicely placed cup holders. The 2007 Caparo T1 is only a two seater and the car is made up of mostly carbon fiber to keep it so light. You will find adjustable roll bars, both in the front and the back of the car that are made of the carbon fiber. Also, the shell of the car is uniquely made so that it can help keep the car on the road, even while traveling at very high speeds. There are adjustable wings on the car in the front and the back, as well as fowler flaps and a diffuser to help keep the car from leaving the road.

On the inside of the car, there is no upholstery to be found, and the seating is arranged so one person sits behind the other, almost in a fighter jet style. There is also a special canopy that slides back and forth to let you in and out of the car, instead of having any heavy doors. Since you have the sliding canopy, you can drive the car with it open or closed, and either way it definitely provides an excellent ride. However, if you were looking for a car that boasted a leather interior with chrome trim, special lighting on the instruments and keyless entry, you are going to be sorely disappointed. The 2007 Caparo T1 has none of things, since they are not essential. This is a car built for speed and performance, and comfort and class are just not part of the package. You will find a 6 point harness in the car as well as a head protection system, and of course a variety of speed sensors and data logging equipment.

The 2007 Caparo T1 is a car that is designed by Caparo Vehicle Technologies and some of the names behind the car include Sean Butcher and Ben Scott-Geddes. This company has worked to bring you the best of a Formula 1 and Indy race cars and put it into a car that can be legally driven on the street. After taking some time to work out the kinks, now they offer a car that is reliable and that offers excellent performance. While many other sports cars that have this type of performance level are extremely highly priced, such as the Bugatti at $1.2 million, this car actually looks almost reasonable, starting out around $309,000.

Although more than likely most people are not going to purchase this car merely to drive around town, it is an excellent show of what technology can do with car design and power. Most people who consider this car will probably be taking it to the track for some fun; however, it can legally be taken for a spin on the street as well. Finally in 2007, these cars are now being produced and the company will actually deliver it to you if you order one. So, while it once started out as a concept car, it is now available for purchase, and in reality is a rather modestly priced when compared to other cars in its' class.

About the Author
Search and post sports cars, used cars, trucks, SUV's, and car reviews from the best vehicle search site on the web.

2007 Chery Fulwin

While you don't usually hear much about sports cars that are made in China, the 2007 Chery Fulwin just may change that. Although the car is still only a concept car, it very well may be the car that takes China into the real of sports car production. This car is very light weight, and only weighs in at about 2650 pounds. Combine that with a nice 1.6 L engine that puts out 100 lb-ft of torque and you have a car that will definitely be quite speedy. The new Chery Fulwin is much different from the boxy car of the past, and now boasts some smoother curves and a new design that is much more modern than before.

The 2007 Chery Fulwin was recently shown at the Beijing Motor Show and was definitely quite a hit. In fact, it was stated that it was actually one of the hottest vehicles to be shown at this show. The name Fulwin, actually translates to mean "wind cloud" and the car definitely looks like it could go like the wind. It combines together some very sharp lines with some slight curves that make it have a very eye catching look. The Chery company is wanting to see this car produced, and they may even give low cost cars, such as KIA a run for their money in the future.

With a sporty look and a two door design, it is no wonder that the 2007 Chery Fulwin made such an impact at the Beijing Motor Show. It is definitely a car that boasts great looks and Chery hopes to start actually producing the sports car sometime in 2008. One of the great things about this vehicle is the low price. While you get a sporty look and drive from this car, it is not overpriced and is great for the younger generation that wants a sporty car without a steep price.
Although other designs from Chery in the past have not pushed the design concepts to this level, it is a breath of fresh air to look at the 2007 Chery Fulwin. The car has a very sleek look and the front of the car looks light and fast. As you look towards the back of the vehicle it gets a bit broader and has heavier lines, which may be a bit unusual for this type of car; however, it definitely works with the overall look. Some have thought that the back of the car looked a bit heavy; however, the design of the fog lights and rear braking lights help to break up the look to make it appear sleek.

Chery is definitely one of the leading car manufacturers in China, and their new concept car, the 2007 Chery Fulwin definitely made an impact this past year. This company has been around for quite some time, and their other car models have definitely proven successful in the past. In the future they are looking forward to producing the new Fulwin, since it seems to have been such a hit. Chery is hoping to not only break into the Australian market, but they also want to break into the United States auto market as well. With a car like the Fulwin, it is definitely possible that they could break into these markets in the near future. The Chery Fulwin offers a chic and hot design that young people especially like as well as excellent technology.

If you are going to be looking for a nice, affordable sports car in the next few years, you may wan to consider the 2007 Chery Fulwin. Soon it will be in production and this hot new car will be available for purchase. Since it is made in China, you will probably be able to get the car for a much better deal than what you would pay for many of the American made sports cars. So, if you want something that is affordable but that looks great, the Fulwin is a car to keep your eye on.

About the Author
Search and post new cars, used cars, luxury cars, prestige cars, concept cars, sports cars, hydro cars, SUVs, CUVs, convertibles, trucks, pickups, vans, minivans, coupes, sedans and read car reviews at VehicleRide.com.