Toyota has a lot of interesting concepts coming up. One of the more interesting concepts is the
Fine-X, which combines fuel cell technology and four wheel independent drive wheels. Besides the typical
people-friendly technologies found on Toyota concepts, the Fine-X is driven by an electric motor at each wheel.
This allows the Fine-X to rotate on its axis. This technology is the ultimate illustration of what
independent electric motor drivetrains can offer. We’re waiting for someone to apply similar
technologies to a performance vehicle. Toyota and Peugeot both have offered concepts with independently driven drive
wheels. Mitsubishi has also created a version of their EVO with four hub mounted electric motors. There are more
details after the jump.
The Fine-X
A revolutionary, new concept and a glimpse of the automobile?s future, providing the environmental performance of a
fuel cell hybrid system and featuring an ease of movement through four-wheel independent drive control and a large,
steering angle mechanism
? The revolutionary package is beautifully formed under a design
philosophy of ?Vibrant Clarity? and realizes an external size similar to that of the Toyota ist, with cabin space more
in keeping with the Camry.
? The vehicle aims for a sense of ?hospitality? through variable lighting
intensity in the interior and through power ?Welcome Seats? that move in and out of the car as the gull-wing doors open
widely to assist getting in and out of the vehicle.
? Completely new operational performance, including on-the-spot rotation,
and the ability to easily perform parking and U-turns, is afforded by the combination of four-wheel independent drive,
four-wheel independent steering and a large-steering-angle steering mechanism with electric in-wheel motors housed in
each of the four wheels.
? In the area of environmental performance, a fuel cell hybrid system is
employed as a matter of course. In addition, TMC is also pursuing a carbon-neutral system by using plant-based
materials, which grow by absorbing the CO2 in the natural environment, for interior and exterior components. As a
result, even if these components are incinerated upon disposal (thermal recycling), there will be no overall addition
to the amount of CO2 in the environment.
? The latest IT/ITS peripheral-monitoring technology makes driving
easier.