The 1/X Concept: Toyota to focus on sustainability at 40th Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota has revealed a raft of new concept vehicles based around cutting-edge sustainability technology that the company will showcase at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Among them is the 1/X (pronounced "one-Xth"), a light-weight (420kg) hybrid vehicle pitched as “redefining what it means to be environmentally considerate”. The 1/X matches the interior space of the Prius but is only one-third the weight and aims to double its fuel efficiency.

The low-emission fuel efficiency is attained via the use of flex fuel vehicle (FFV) technology – meaning it can run on gasoline, ethanol or any combination of the two – along with a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a displacement of only 500cc that allows charging from an external power source and a longer electric-motor cruising distance.

The power unit is situated beneath the rear seat (for a midship, rear-wheel-drive system) to efficiency and the light-weight is achieved by the use of highly rigid carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) throughout the body frame. This, along with narrower pillars for a better field of vision, enhances collision safety.

1/X in brief:

The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will be held from October 26 to November 11, 2007 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba City. For further reading visit our Tokyo Motor Show highlights page or visit the official website here.