Tokyo

Toyota Fun-Vii is rolling, customizable weirdness

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The Tokyo Motor Show wackiness has officially begun, and the first far-out concept comes courtesy of Toyota and the Fun-Vii.

Forget custom paint jobs and vinyl graphics, the Fun-Vii lets you change the exterior design "with the same ease as downloading an application," allowing drivers to display everything from custom messages to flashy graphics through some manner of magical exterior display technology.

The same goes for the interior, which Toyota claims can be customized to suit the mood of the driver, with a variety of themes and an augmented reality function taking place of the traditional navigation system.

Less far-out is the incorporation of a "navigation concierge" that provides up-to-the-second driving and multimedia information through a virtual assistant. And naturally, the Fun-Vii interfaces with both your smartphone and other road users, adding both a safety and social element to the driving experience.

We'll be getting an eye-full of the Fun-Vii on Wednesday, but in the meantime, get the minimal details in the press release below the fold.
Show full PR text
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"1, a concept vehicle that heralds a not-too-distant future where people, cars and society are linked. The theme of the show-to take place2 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."3, 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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