Automotive

Toyota debuts C-HR Concept hybrid crossover in Paris

Toyota debuts C-HR Concept hybrid crossover in Paris
Toyota's C-HR on display in Paris (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
Toyota's C-HR on display in Paris (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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Toyota's C-HR on display in Paris (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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Toyota's C-HR on display in Paris (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
The shaving off of the corners of the bodyshellnot only adds to its sculpted look, but also reduces its mass (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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The shaving off of the corners of the bodyshellnot only adds to its sculpted look, but also reduces its mass (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
The highly-styled rear end (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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The highly-styled rear end (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
It measures 4,350 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,500 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,640 mm (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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It measures 4,350 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,500 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,640 mm (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
The C-HR combines aspects of Toyota's RAV4, Prius and GT86 (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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The C-HR combines aspects of Toyota's RAV4, Prius and GT86 (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
It's built around an entirely new platform, designed for what is described as state-of-the-art handling and controllability (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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It's built around an entirely new platform, designed for what is described as state-of-the-art handling and controllability (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
Its new hybrid powertrain is likewise optimized to deliver "a uniquely engaging driving experience matched to 21st century traffic conditions, whilst delivering outstanding efficiency" (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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Its new hybrid powertrain is likewise optimized to deliver "a uniquely engaging driving experience matched to 21st century traffic conditions, whilst delivering outstanding efficiency" (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
No actual performance or mechanical specs have been provided (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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No actual performance or mechanical specs have been provided (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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The vehicle's lower bodywork is intended to represent the facetted surfaces of a precision-cut gemstone (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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The vehicle's lower bodywork is intended to represent the facetted surfaces of a precision-cut gemstone (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
Wheel detail on the C-HR (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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Wheel detail on the C-HR (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
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View gallery - 21 images

Last month, Toyota provided us with some teaser renderings of its C-HR hybrid crossover concept. At the time, although we got a quick look at its outward appearance, it was a little difficult to really get a sense of the thing. Well, now we've had a chance to see it for ourselves at its Paris Motor Show world debut, and can tell you a bit more about it.

The C-HR combines aspects of three of Toyota's other vehicles. According to the company, "The C-HR Concept recaptures the design and packaging ingenuity that spawned the first RAV4, introduces a new version of the sophisticated, full hybrid powertrain technology first realized in the Prius and, inspired by the GT86, targets new levels of dynamism and agility."

For those people who might not immediately recognize the GT86 name, it's essentially the same 2+2 sports car as the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S.

Although inspired by those other vehicles, the C-HR is built around an entirely new platform, designed for what is described as state-of-the-art handling and controllability. It measures 4,350 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,500 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,640 mm.

No actual performance or mechanical specs have been provided (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)
No actual performance or mechanical specs have been provided (Photo: C.C. Weiss/Gizmag)

Its new hybrid powertrain is likewise optimized to deliver "a uniquely engaging driving experience matched to 21st century traffic conditions, whilst delivering outstanding efficiency" – although no actual specs have been provided.

The vehicle's lower bodywork is intended to represent the facetted surfaces of a precision-cut gemstone. This includes the shaving off of the corners of the bodyshell, which not only adds to its sculpted look, but also reduces its mass.

Overall, its look is said to be "a further development of Toyota’s Under Priority and Keen Look design identity." Although there's no word on commercial production of the C-HR, the automaker has at least stated that its styling themes hint at a future design direction for Toyota vehicles.

Source: Toyota

View gallery - 21 images
4 comments
4 comments
TheSplund
Should have read "Toyota, in an attempt to produce a car more ugly that the Nissan Juke, reveal their new concept car"
WagTheDog
Finally, a car that makes the Pontiac Aztec almost palatable.
Robert Felker
Apparently, today's youthful auto designers are so enamored with their computer-aided ability to render complex forms and are seemingly so bored by flowing lines that they are compelled to come up with mannerist silliness like this. Call me old school, but I delight in casting my eyes on such neoclassical beauties as the new Lamborghini Asterion concept.
Bob Flint
Bigger wheels, wider arches, and the passenger drops down and shrinks even lower & narrower...it's a purely snarling get outta my way attitude..
Ugly and sad at the same time for the automotive evolution...