A version of Toyota's iQ concept, originally shown in Frankfurt, is rumored to begin production sometime next year and according to a couple of sources cited by Automotive News, power will come courtesy of Yamaha. The two Japanese firms are currently collaborating on a new 1.0-liter engine based on one of Yamaha's motorcycle powerplants, although output and fuel economy numbers have yet to be disclosed.
Toyota is expected to produce around 100,000 units, with Europe receiving approximately 80,000 vehicles when sales begin in 2009. Although there's no word on U.S. distribution, the iQ-inspired micro-car may find its way into emerging markets in India and China where low-cost transportation is becoming a booming business.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
john riley @ Oct 15th 2007 9:15AM
What, Toyota sees smart losing money every year on a car like this and wants to get in on the fun? I've seen the Aygo. Is it really necessary to go smaller, and is it really possible to go cheaper, than this?
Menice @ Oct 15th 2007 9:36AM
yea i'm with you.
if i can roll down the window and reach back and touch the taillights from sitting behind the wheel.. its too small.
DJ @ Oct 15th 2007 10:13AM
This, and cars like it need to be less expensive to encourage more to adopt them. The Smart is a but too expensive still. I'm just grabbing at a number here, but if 90% of the cars on the road during morning commutes in major cities have just one passenger, what else do you need?
kevjohn @ Oct 15th 2007 10:41AM
BAH! to all the naysayers. You guys keep saying over and over no one will buy a car this small, but why can't we get a mass rollout to see for sure? I'd get one if the price was right, and I'm a big guy.
Calguy @ Oct 15th 2007 11:26AM
Cows will probably fly before we get this Toyota, but I am a BIG fan. Somehow, where Toyota usually styles with the verve of tofu, the iQ seems to have a taught, masculine, techy feel. Pretty hot for such a tight, sneaky little car. I'm on that wait list for the SMART, but honestly, I'm not feeling it. Between the ho-hum 40mpg, the wilted but bloated styling, wierd transmission (yeah, I drove one).. this is Toyota's market to steal. Adding two-ish seats in what looks like the same foot print.. hot! Hope we get it.
spw @ Oct 15th 2007 12:10PM
Just an reminder - iQ is premium small hatchback. It will be priced ABOVE Yaris in Europe.
It is not an car for "emerging markets". It is exact opposite - expensive small car. Cars for emerging market would be simplified Corolla and Yaris sedan.
Also, I very much doubt that iQ wont get the lighest engine in the world - 3cly 1.0l 69hp engine going into Aygo and Yaris that won many awards.
There might be more expensive version done by Yamaha...
john riley @ Oct 15th 2007 2:09PM
If they can sell this at a _higher_ price point than cars like the Aygo, fine. Not sure how they are going to do that, but that is not my problem.
The thing about tiny cars is that the production costs don't go down at the same rate as the size. IMO There is going to be a cost floor on production costs for anything that is legally a car and meets all the regs and safety standards, no matter how small it is.
Derek @ Oct 15th 2007 2:14PM
Actually, I'd call this the first Toyota in about 10 years to really get my attention. Keep it light, make it mid-engined, keep the bikes sequential shifter and drop a Hayabusa motor in there. A true pocket rocket!
Colin Smith @ Oct 15th 2007 5:24PM
Like the Yaris this was designed in Europe, by Europeans for Europeans. The Yamaha engine should be interesting.
As spw said, this is not for emerging markets, where small is always perceived as poverty and big is better; and anyway, they need room for kids.
This is a stunning little car and will compete with the 500 (Fiat) et al. Fiat is also developing a new twin, so the next few years will be very interesting for lovers of fun little cars.
SPG @ Oct 15th 2007 7:10PM
A cross between a Smart car and a Yaris.
I can't see this car as being necessary.
Phillip @ Oct 15th 2007 7:46PM
But, above all else, what immediately comes to mind for this car?
(Turbo) 'busa motor, al'la 'busa powered Smart