Toyota moving forward with the Endo
The Toyota Endo appears to be moving closer to production, as a tiny Toyota-badged mule has been spotted during testing in Japan. First shown in Frankfurt last year, this supermini competitor offers seating for 4 in a package barely larger than the 2-seat only ForTwo from rival SMART. Insiders are saying the production car will closely follow the look of the concept, although the flat panel display in place of a dashboard is sure to go. A wrap-around windscreen, vertical tailgate and two-tone bodywork are some of its most unique features.
Looking like something straight out of Minority Report, this futuristic city car would look so cool zipping around the urban jungles of Europe and Asia. These micro cars are perfect for cities where streets are narrow and fuel prices are sky high. As we pointed out when it was first introduced, the chances of the Endo ever coming to the States are slim.
Toyota's designers are said to have drawn inspiration from the SMART and Peugeot 1007 among others. But unlike those models, the Endo features wider-opening doors to improve access without needing the heavy (and pricey) sliding doors used on the 1007. The Endo is expected to hit dealers in 2007.
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Jeff Banks 8:26PM (10/23/2006)
In mountain bike terms, an Endo is when you hit a rock or a hole and fly over the handlebars, most often with high dental bills following. Why would they think of such a dumb name?
I guess it's an alright concept as far as concepts go. Clearly a TOTAL RIPOFF of the SMART. It does look a little different in a blander sort of way, but I still like the more unconventional cute looks of the SMART.
Reply
JON 8:33PM (10/23/2006)
If they introduced this car in the U.S.It would be the next rage.
Reply
dna 8:55PM (10/23/2006)
Bendo-ver
Reply
Jake 8:47PM (10/23/2006)
In Snoop Dogg terms endo is weed. Maybe they should pick another name.
Reply
Bingo 8:56PM (10/23/2006)
Go on I dare ya. I dare ya to put a little diesel in it, and introduce this car to the US. C'mon Toyota, whattya afraid of? 'Fraid you might sell more than the PIOUS?
Reply
chris 8:57PM (10/23/2006)
That definately looks like the mix of the SMART car and a
scion xA. Looks kindof good, and I kindof like the name even if it has those two other meanings from previous comments.
Reply
Jason 9:09PM (10/23/2006)
LOL! Endo is weed! This proves some of Toyota's designers have no clue about mainstream society. Why not just call it the Toyota Crack?
Reply
JON 9:05PM (10/23/2006)
The future of the get to work/grocery trendy resort car.
Reply
mattlach 9:07PM (10/23/2006)
Shouldn't they just call it the Toyota Suppository? :p
Reply
PiCASSO 9:07PM (10/23/2006)
"this supermini competitor offers seating for 4 in a package barely larger than the 2-seat only ForTwo from rival SMART."
Uhh... will this mean the back people should not have appendages? How do you fit 4-people in that thing... comfortably???
Reply
lavardera 9:28PM (10/23/2006)
I would not count this out. Toyota has proved its willing to compete in any market segment where it thinks it can make a buck. If a car the size of a Smart sells, they why would they not bring it here. I think it would make a nice addition to the Scion brand.
That said, looking at that image it does not look like there is any way somebody could be in a back seat of that car. I've seen airlines with more room between seats....
Reply
chipuc 9:20PM (10/23/2006)
Endo is also Endometriosis.... which if your a woman... or that womans man...REALLY blows...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endometriosis
Reply
farris 9:24PM (10/23/2006)
For the number of occupants, maybe make it a three-seater with a single "Jump-seat" in the back, a-la the old FJ40? That way, it can fold up and out of the way for both gallons of milk you can fit in the back. (just kidding :P). I'm just not sure how it would pass American safety standards if they ever were to bring it here.
Plus, why are car companies SO intent on those massive pillars in the back? I don't like blind spots, especially in a car like that.
Reply
dna 9:28PM (10/23/2006)
Endo the world as we know it, and I feel fine.
Reply
sQoolboy 9:43PM (10/23/2006)
If its cheap it would be a homerun. Its cool, but not cool enough to be expensive, yet has a certain character too it. Also a great car if you hate giving people rides. If priced cheaper than the Yaris, it would clean up, especially with parents who are afraid their teen will crash their first car while distracted by a car full of friends.
Reply
sp 9:05PM (10/24/2006)
Smart is actually an german copy of Kei cars from Japan that started some 10-15 years befor Smart was introduced.
;-)
Reply
J 10:06PM (10/23/2006)
If this was to be released in the US, and you were rear ended by an Escalade, I'll pray for your swift recovery.
Reply
Howard Kerr 10:09PM (10/23/2006)
Since Toyota already sells a car SMALLER than the Yaris in Europe (the Aygo...hope I spelled it right) there is no reason to believe they won't try to market this outside Japan.
As for the styling...yes, like others here, I think it's too small for 4 people and the huge "B" pillars (doesn't the Smart have this also?) seem to be necessary for safety reasons, even if HUGE blind spots are unsafe.
Reply
ruggels 11:05PM (10/23/2006)
"I'm just not sure how it would pass American safety standards if they ever were to bring it here."
I'm just curious, why do people keep spouting BS like this? Does a car need to be huge to pass safety tests? No. Are you more prone to die in a Ford Explorer then say a Beetle? Yes. Does the smart fair well against a S600 in a front on crash? Yes. Kindly research some facts pertaining to crash standards and car size before you start wantonly condemning anything smaller then an H2 to non-crash safe oblivion, Ignorance is bliss and all that jazz.
"As for the styling...yes, like others here, I think it's too small for 4 people and the huge "B" pillars (doesn't the Smart have this also?) seem to be necessary for safety reasons, even if HUGE blind spots are unsafe."
Erm... the B pillar is incredibly thin on this car, the C pillar, on the other hand, is that huge thick bit at the back I believe you're referring to.
Quotes aside, I like it, though the styling reminds me of a refreshed cube. Bring it over, i'll buy one.
Reply
andrew 11:05PM (10/23/2006)
any word on price range? I dig it and want to get a very green and small car.
Reply