Next Toyota concept previewed in patent filing?


It would seem that Toyota has an interesting and hitherto unknown concept vehicle up its sleeves, judging by a European patent that L'Automobile in France was somehow able to dig up. Despite our best efforts, we weren't able to locate the actual patent filing ourselves, so you'll have to head on back after clicking here to see the rest of the associated images.

So, what do you think? Judging by the absolutely minuscule engine compartment and Toyota's well-earned position at the top of the hybrid vehicle food chain, it would be a reasonable assumption to conclude that this is some kind of new hybrid vehicle concept. It does seem to share some design cues with the 2007 1/X concept, though it could also be an all-electric, fuel cell or conventional engine design.

L'Automobile seems to think that this vehicle may wear a Lexus badge and could possibly debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but we can't say for certain. In any case, it's an intriguing design that shows what styling direction the Japanese giant may take with future people movers.

[Source: L'Automobile (translated)]

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