Toyota premiered their futuristic Fun-Vii (vehicle, interactive, internet) concept just ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show, where they will also unveil a fuel-cell concept, and a handful of other hybrid and electric cars. The Fun-Vii is drawing comparisons to a giant smartphone because of its glossy black exterior, which doubles as a full-wrap display reminiscent of an iPhone's touchscreen. Just as you can easily change the background on your PC or mobile device, Toyota says you can customize both the exterior and interior of the Fun-Vii with any image, "[allowing] the entire vehicle to function as a terminal for displaying messages or other information."
Toyota also toys with the ideas of augmented reality (AR) and vehicle-to-vehicle communication in the Fun-Vii concept--a natural fit given the potential to display information throughout the entire interior. Imagine that, as you drive, landmarks are identified via a graphic overlay on your windshield, or driving routes are mapped out before your very eyes. This would help a driver feel both informed and in control, even when driving through a place they've never visited before.
Of course, this is all still very sci-fi and not anything that you should expect to see on the roadways anytime soon, if ever. Toyota says the Fun-Vii is a "concept vehicle that heralds a not-too-distant future," but we think that's a bit optimistic. Not only would the cost of such large display units be prohibitive, we also can't imagine how Toyota could render a vehicle out of these materials while maintaining safety and structural considerations. But, as display technology evolves, who knows what the future may hold.
Nov 28, 2011
TMC to Display Information-hub Vehicle Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2011
Toyota City, Japan, November 28, 2011-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will show at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011 the "Toyota Fun-Vii", a concept vehicle that heralds a not-too-distant future where people, cars and society are linked. The theme of the show-to take place from November 30 through December 11 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo-is "Mobility can change the world."
Vehicle Features
The ultimate in personalization functions offer the ability to alter the content displayed on the interior and exterior of the Fun-Vii with the same ease as downloading an application. For instance, the whole vehicle body can be used as a display space, with the body color and display content changeable at will. This allows the entire vehicle to function as a terminal for displaying messages or other information.
The whole of the vehicle interior also can function as a display space, with the interior freely adjustable to match the mood of the moment. Content such as navigation information is blended seamlessly into the interior through the use of augmented reality. Furthermore, the vehicle's "navigation concierge" can provide the passengers with driving information and guidance through a vocal interface.
A network update function makes sure the software versions for the vehicle's drive, control and multimedia system are always up-to-date.
The Fun-Vii is able to link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure, allowing it to detect other potentially hazardous vehicles-such as vehicles in blind spots-in advance, or to connect with friends who are driving nearby.
Operation of the Fun-Vii is not limited to inside the vehicle itself, with a portion of the vehicle's functions access able remotely via a smartphone or other mobile communication device.
Under the slogan "Fun to Drive, Again.", TMC is offering fresh proposals to provide the dream and joy of motor vehicles to as many people as possible, and in addition to the Toyota Fun-Vii, is displaying a variety of other concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011.
TMC to Display Information-hub Vehicle Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2011
Toyota City, Japan, November 28, 2011-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will show at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011 the "Toyota Fun-Vii", a concept vehicle that heralds a not-too-distant future where people, cars and society are linked. The theme of the show-to take place from November 30 through December 11 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo-is "Mobility can change the world."
Vehicle Features
The ultimate in personalization functions offer the ability to alter the content displayed on the interior and exterior of the Fun-Vii with the same ease as downloading an application. For instance, the whole vehicle body can be used as a display space, with the body color and display content changeable at will. This allows the entire vehicle to function as a terminal for displaying messages or other information.
The whole of the vehicle interior also can function as a display space, with the interior freely adjustable to match the mood of the moment. Content such as navigation information is blended seamlessly into the interior through the use of augmented reality. Furthermore, the vehicle's "navigation concierge" can provide the passengers with driving information and guidance through a vocal interface.
A network update function makes sure the software versions for the vehicle's drive, control and multimedia system are always up-to-date.
The Fun-Vii is able to link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure, allowing it to detect other potentially hazardous vehicles-such as vehicles in blind spots-in advance, or to connect with friends who are driving nearby.
Operation of the Fun-Vii is not limited to inside the vehicle itself, with a portion of the vehicle's functions access able remotely via a smartphone or other mobile communication device.
Under the slogan "Fun to Drive, Again.", TMC is offering fresh proposals to provide the dream and joy of motor vehicles to as many people as possible, and in addition to the Toyota Fun-Vii, is displaying a variety of other concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011.
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