Coming to the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota is set to bring a three-seater open-wheel concept based on the Lotus Seven which could see production.
Power for the concept is said to be from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid pushing 100 horsepower through a CVT to the back wheels, Motoring.com.au reports. Dimensions include a weight of 1543 lbs — thanks to carbon fiber — an overall length of 146 inches, and an overall width of 68 inches.
The publication’s source on the matter says the vehicle’s competition would include the Mazda MX-5 and Honda S600/S1000 should the concept hit the assembly line, a scenario which could occur if the concept proves to be a hit among the press and public alike. Pricing would start at $30,000 AUD ($23,000 USD), with the showroom-ready version bowing at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show before global sales kick off in 2018.
[Source: Toyota]
The actual concept vehicle is shown in the linked article, not those silly things shown above…
Toyota won’t find many takers for such an impractical vehicle for $30k, and besides, open-wheelers are doomed to low volume by definition.
I think they’ve officially gone insane – first it was fuel cell vehicles, now this.
That’s $30k Australian, only $23k USD. I can imagine them selling these in modest volumes, after all that strange can-am trike thing sells. Finding a way to give it a removable roof could improve it’s looks and broaden it’s appeal.
Thanks for the correction on price – I wasn’t thinking even after seeing the original Aussie article.
But I still believe that an open-wheeled vehicle is unwelcome in the US as anything more than a minor novelty.
It looks like a four wheeled Elio.
Exactly why I enjoyed the 3-seater claim. 2 maybe, if you really despise who you put in back, but 3?
“Incorporating a narrow front-end, exposed suspension arms and a staggered seat layout with a central driver’s seat, the front-engined, rear-drive sports coupe promises driving thrills like no Toyota before it.”
And the driveshaft tunnel is WHERE?
>> And the driveshaft tunnel is WHERE?
You get the shaft right between your legs.
I only spread my legs for my Kawasaki :-)
“And the driveshaft tunnel is WHERE?”
Possibly it’s a rear-engined and thusly a rear transaxle?
Linked article says front engine:
“Incorporating a narrow front-end, exposed suspension arms and a staggered seat layout with a central driver’s seat, the front-engined, rear-drive sports coupe promises driving thrills like no Toyota before it.”
However, from a weight and size standpoint a mid, transverse engine like the S600/S1000 would make more sense.
Driving thrills with a CVT??!!
I tend to agree, but as a counterpoint:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_500
Akio-san is having fun. Hopefully his catalog of sins as listed in that article’s first paragraph will have no impact on Toyota’s overall health and profitability. Nobody’s perfect.
The new Toyota Prowler.
+1 Great minds…
Except the Prowler launched at ~$40k back in the late-90s; which is close to $60k when adjusted for inflation in today’s dollars. The Prowler was envisioned as a ‘modern hot rod’.
This is suppose to be a 100hp three-seat open-wheel sports car, which is supposed to sell for $20-30kUSD. Its actually mind-boggling. I’d be amazed if it actually hits production.
If you’re ever in Tokyo you’ll see tons of similar open wheeled autos used for delivering pizza, ramen, soba, sushi…
Am I asking for too much wanting to see the correct picture of that vehicle described in the article without having to follow the link?
They build this but won’t built an affordable, small sporty car?
Have you not heard of the FR-S?
smaller than FR-S, like it was announced last week, with the warning that it will most likely NOT be built after all!
Hmm..
So, basically a Yaris’ power levels with almost thousand less pounds. Thats…not a bad thing. Not a bad thing at all.