2009 Toyota iQ

The latest production version of Toyota's revolutionary iQ made its debut at the Paris Salon of 2008. Last seen as a short in the final design shown in Geneva earlier this year, iQ is a city car that is so innovative that - like the Toyota Prius - it stands as an important milestone for the future development of the vehicle.

The radical thinking behind Toyota iQ conventional car design becomes the head. Toyota engineers went to extraordinary lengths to redesign, re-engineering or the placement of components to achieve its goal of a car that is less than three meters long, but has four seats inside with no compromise on space, comfort and driving fun.

Toyota iQ redefines what a car should be in the era of congested cities and increased environmental awareness, not least by achieving emission levels of carbon dioxide that began in 99g/km. At the same time, it is fun to drive with excellent dynamics and advanced technology.

Hiroki Nakajima, iQ Toyota's chief engineer, explains: "For the development of iQ my research for a design concept befitting a stylish and small, sophisticated car began by providing the customer. My theory was that the group of people best suited for the style of this car, small size and premium edge would be described as "post-modern '- people who demonstrate independence in their choice of lifestyle and values."


Toyota iQ can be ordered from now on, the delivery takes place in January 2009. Every year the volume of sales for Europe is expected to be around 80,000 units.

DESIGN

Five years ago Toyota launched a program to dramatically improve vehicle packaging, focusing on solutions for the miniaturization of key developments of the vehicle. The result of this project formed the basis for the development of the Toyota iQ.

The goal was a new kind of city car that would accommodate four people within an overall length of less than three meters. The result was a milestone in the solution that will influence long-term future development of Toyota vehicles. Toyota iQ is the ultimate expression of refined, but environmentally efficient urban mobility.

The extraordinary interior space in a car that measures just 2985mm long, 1500mm high and 1680mm wide is a tribute to the determination and ingenuity of Toyota's design team and engineering.

That can carry four people (three adults and one child) in comfort and safety to highway speeds, it is only the beginning of history. From a sheet of paper, Toyota has created an ingenious new and distinctive city car. And with its large, 2000mm wheelbase, Toyota iQ is a compact yet muscular stance that is like no other car.

Toyota iQ design represents the essence of Toyota's J-factor of heritage, encompassing the best elements of Japanese aesthetics, such as miniaturization and modernism. Most importantly it provides contradictory elements into harmony, as "small but spacious" or "high-tech yet human."

J-factor is the foundation of Toyota's Vibrant Clarity design philosophy, through long-standing paradoxes are resolved, such as how to create vehicles that are powered and dynamic, but at the same time rational and ingenious.

One of the three key elements of Vibrant Clarity is FreeForm Geometrics, which can be seen in the Toyota iQ's functional design technologies, for example, the "manta ray" style of the center console.

On the outside, another element comes into play - "Perfect imbalance of proportions." Large wheels placed at the end of the vehicle to a strong position that belies the car's compact size.

True to J-factor of minimalist aesthetics, Toyota iQ will be available from launch in three exterior colors: Pearl White Metallic, Black Metallic and Amethyst Metallic (more colors will be available later).

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS SEIS a breakthrough in vehicle PACKAGING

Toyota iQ remarkable interior volume is reduced to its long wheelbase and short overhangs 2000mm - 530mm at the front and 455mm at the rear. Internal length of the rear of the instrument panel to the hip of the rear seats is an impressive 1238mm. To achieve this breakthrough, six space-saving innovations have been developed in engineering.

The integration of the front mounted on a conventional design of differential transmission allowed Toyota iQ to be built with an ultra-short front overhang. This reduction in total length, while at the same time increasing the length of the cabin. Artfully, not only reduces the amount of space required for the engine compartment, but also allows the front wheels of large diameter which is placed in the far corners of the vehicle. This shortens the overhangs, which in turn improves the stability and maneuverability.

Use center-off steering gear and put it in as the engine bay, transmission, engine and differential could return. The engine compartment could be considerably smaller, further reducing the front overhang.

Traditionally, fuel tank is located underneath a car in the rear seats. By making the deposit of plans, reducing it to only 120 mm in height and solving the problems of rapid changes in surface fuel levels that would normally create this design, the tank could be moved under the floor. Toyota iQ's fuel tank has a capacity of 32 liters, with a wide range of driving. Fishing rear back rear shocks allow interior space to be increased.

The thinness of the seats liberates a 40mm rear passenger knee height in the room. The seats that weigh up to 30 percent less than conventional ones, contributing to the overall fuel efficiency and low emissions. Using extruded pipe materials rather than steel sheet of high strength ensures the structure is rigid. The slimmer design, with integrated headrests, save space without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Reduce the size of the heater and air conditioning by 20 percent compared to the Toyota Yaris allowed engineers to make significant savings of space without compromising performance. This means that the blower unit, usually located in front of the front passenger, which could be integrated with the main ventilation unit in a central position. This innovation allowed the front passenger area to move forward, freeing up cabin space and increased legroom.

The innovative asymmetrical panel was designed to open the entire area of the cabin. Ensuring a wide legroom for the front passenger, even when the seat is in position later. The sliding seat configuration allows an adult 190cm tall to sit comfortably in the back seat behind a front passenger of the same height. Shoulder to shoulder distance between driver and front passenger is 50 mm wider than the Yaris and bears comparison with a vehicle in the segment C. Space at all seats and the design means there is plenty of room for three adults and one child, either passenger or luggage behind the driver.

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

Toyota iQ Toyota's success is well established to reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles without compromising performance and driving dynamics. With CO2 emissions at the lowest level 99g/km (with manual transmission), is clearly a city car in the right place at the right time.

Its innovative, aerodynamic packaging has been achieved through a low height, low center of gravity and wheels pushed to the four corners of the car. This gives agility at low speed and unprecedented stability for a small car on motorways and winding roads. A minimum turning radius of 3.9 meters the more agile handling, even in crowded city streets.

Toyota iQ is based on a new platform with MacPherson strut front suspension and a newly developed compact torsion beam rear. Together, these provide dynamic high degree of comfort. The suspension is well adjusted to make the car hug corners at speed without losing stability.

IQ Toyota engines and transmissions have been developed under Toyota's philosophy of providing optimal unit of very low fuel consumption and emissions without compromising power and driving pleasure.

An engine at launch will be available: a 1.0 liters of gasoline VVT-i with a choice of five-speed manual or CVT Multidrive a new system.

1.0-liter VVT-i engine

The 1.0 liters of gasoline VVT-i engine, the 2008 winner of the engine of the year "in sub-class 1.0-liter is a lightweight, three-cylinder unit, producing 67bhp (68 Din hp) at 6000rpm and 91Nm of torque at 4800rpm. Combined with a high proportion of five-speed manual transmission, it returns 65.7mpg in combined cycle driving and 99g/km of carbon dioxide (provisional figures before final approval). This keeps Toyota iQ in the United Kingdom under the 100g/km threshold for vehicle excise duty, a reference point which is also used for tax purposes in other major European markets, too. Multidrive specified with the transmission, the engine emits 110g/km CO2 (provisional figure).

Multidrive transmission

Toyota Multidrive uses the latest continuously variable transmission (CVT) to give a very soft, while optimizing the balance between performance feel and fuel economy. Continuously monitors and selects the best combination of speed and change of speed, automatically eliminating "shift shock" or jumps when changing gears. To maximize torque without unnecessary acceleration and smooths gear changes, for example, limiting the changes up and down to shift for maximum braking force of the motor. The system provides all of the city features an easy automatic gearbox conventional.

Models equipped with a feature Multidrive ECO driving indicator lamp on the multi-information display. This encourages more economical driving by signaling when fuel is being saved, and therefore reduces emissions. Current and average fuel consumption are also permanently on display.

Gear shift indicator

Models with manual transmission are equipped with a gear shift indicator which shows the driver when to change up or down a gear to achieve better environmental performance. The system is the driving, the pressure of the accelerator pedal and vehicle speed into account and you can return a fuel consumption saving of between 0.5 and three per cent compared with the change in normal operation, depending on the habits of each driver.

Future developments

1.33 liters of a new dual VVT-i petrol engine with Stop & Start technology will be available on the Toyota iQ later in 2009. 1.4 D-4D diesel will be offered from launch in some European markets, but is not scheduled for introduction in the UK.

Many of the innovations of the Toyota iQ will be adapted and developed for future models of Toyota. The car is a major milestone in Toyota with the environment and efforts to develop technologies for much lower emissions. It is an essential part of Toyota to meet the challenge of the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) voluntary commitment of the fleet average of 140 g / km emissions by 2009.

STILL active and passive safety

Toyota iQ benefits from sophisticated active and passive safety technology to protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians, with a range of features rarely seen progress in the smaller vehicles.

ABS integrated with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard on all models. Assistant director of vehicle stability control (VSC +) combined with Traction Control (TRC) is also in the whole range and incorporates the Department of Electric Power Control to minimize the risk of under-or oversteer.

The new braking system has 255mm front discs and 180mm drums. For safety and collision braking feel, "a kind of link the brake pedal is equipped.

The body has a high strength multi-path load structure efficiently absorb and disperse the impact forces. Designed by Toyota, enhances protection of occupants in a frontal collision through six strategic elements to absorb and redistribute the energy of impact, including the suspension side rail and cross members, dashboard cross member and the front tires located as far forward as possible.

The shape and height of the bonnet and a collapsible hood construction are designed to deform in an impact to mitigate pedestrian injuries.

All models are equipped with nine airbags. The passenger front airbag has a dual chamber design with a low pressure pump to fill the space between the passenger and the dashboard.

The driver has a knee airbag, which, because of the short steering column, can be placed closer to the knees of the driver, reducing deployment time and the required amount of inflation. In the front passenger side there is a new airbag cushion to work with seat belts and to reduce the force to disperse the head, chest and upper body. This air mattress is more effective in limiting motion than conventional hip, knee airbags, because Toyota iQ's asymmetrical dashboard design.

Protection of side effects is provided by two front side airbags, designed to limit the thorax and pelvis at the same time. Two side curtain shield airbags protect all four occupants of side impact to the head and neck.

Emergency locking retractor (ELR) seatbelts are fitted on all seats, with pretensioners and force limiters for driver and front passenger.

World first rear airbag

Toyota iQ is a world first breakthrough with a rear window curtain shield airbag. This deploys from the roof behind the rear headrests to protect occupants in a rear-end collision.

Isofix child seat anchors are installed in the rear seats. A high tensile steel frame construction with integrated seat head restraints provide drivers and passengers to safety and collision whiplash protection performance equal to Toyota's latest active headrest systems.

With its 360 degree approach to safety, Toyota aims to meet Euro NCAP five stars for occupant protection.

Aspiration EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION

In line with its innovative design and high quality finish, we offer as standard a number of features to increase the premium style, comfort and convenience, along with more modest and conventional models specified in the city car segment.

Two grades are available - one seat and an upgrade version of premium. The main features are included (according to grade) alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, automatic air conditioning, privacy glass, smart entry and start system, dusk-sensing headlamps , rain-sensing wipers and a rear view mirror auto-regulation.

To add even more luster to his Toyota iQ, owners will be offered a wide range of dedicated accessories.

2004 Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is the first commercial mass production and marketing of hybrid cars. Which went on sale in Japan in 1997 and worldwide in 2001. In late 2003, nearly 160,000 units had been produced for sale in Japan, Europe and North America. In Latin, prius means "before" or "first". The Prius (2000 to 2003 model years) is certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). With the 2004 model, the Prius was redesigned as a midsize gate and certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). For North America, it used to slot between the Echo and Corolla in the line, but now the slots beween the Corolla and Camry since the second generation of this vehicle was released. Prius has won numerous awards including Car of the Year Awards for Europe, Japan and North America.

How does it work?

The Prius has been called a true hybrid vehicle, designed from the ground up. Toyota Prius to the goal was to reduce the amount of pollution they produce and to be as energy efficient as possible. We used several methods to try to achieve this goal, including:
More efficient use of internal combustion engine (ICE), reducing gasoline consumption. The 1NZ-FXE engine uses the more efficient Atkinson cycle instead of the more common Otto cycle;
Two electric motors / generators, providing 50 kW (67 hp) @ 1200 to 1540 rpm and 400 N m (295 ft lbf) torque from 0 to 1200 rpm, which will contribute significantly to efficiency and economy;
50 kW IGBT inverter controlled by a 32-bit microprocessor, which converts energy efficiently between the batteries and the motor / generator.
Coefficient of friction less than 0.26 (0.29 for 2000 model), the reduction of air resistance, especially at high speeds;
Low rolling resistance tires 2000 model, reducing road friction;
Regenerative braking, a process for recovering kinetic energy when braking or traveling down a slope and storing the electrical energy in the traction battery for later use while reducing wear on brake pads;
Sealed 168-cell nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery providing 201.6 volts;
Continuously variable transmission - the Prius does not use a typical CVT, Toyota calls the division of power devices. Electric motors and gasoline engine are connected to a planetary gear set is always committed, and no change.
Fuel tank resin flexible, reducing the amount of hydrocarbon emissions in gasoline vapor escaped;
Vacuum flask coolant storage system that stores hot engine coolant, and then reused to reduce the heating time.
Weight reduction - for example, hatch and hood are aluminum instead of steel.


Touted advantages of the Prius in recent designs include high-energy performance never need to be connected, as ultimately all the energy from the gasoline engine. This means that the units as a traditional ICE automobile, with the onboard computer taking care and being able to change the engine and motors, and automatically determines when to charge the battery as well as more efficient use of engine or electric motors (or both) based on driving conditions. This also means you can not use electricity from external sources, and some see it as a serious drawback. The Prius recovers energy that is otherwise wasted when braking, the car's kinetic energy is partly recovered to recharge the battery instead of being wasted as heat. This also reduces brake wear.

The engine can be turned off once it is heated and the catalyst in the exhaust system has reached operating temperature. The Prius can be driven only by electricity, which is sometimes called "stealth mode" due to lack of engine noise. This further reduces gasoline consumption and wear on the engine. When conditions demand additional power the engine is started automatically.

The on-board computer ensures that the engine is running in the most efficient conditions. Normally, a gasoline engine is inefficient when the throttle is half open, creating a choking operating conditions. This effect, called pumping loss, is a major cause of the inefficiency of gasoline engines compared to diesel engines. The Prius minimizes pumping loss by running the gasoline engine senior par with the throttle fully open. Drive-by-wire throttle control technology and what Toyota calls Hybrid Synergy Drive (a torque combiner simple, relatively strong electrical and control equipment) are essential in this motor control.

Just as the immediate benefit of reducing fuel consumption and emissions, stopping the engine also improves the performance of the catalytic converter, as in a normal vehicle exhaust gas of an engine at idle tends to cool the catalyst below its temperature optimal.

Unlike conventional cars, the beginning and the frequent closure of the causes or the additional engine wear or emission problems, the engines, because they have enough power to quickly and turn the engine rpm to the maximum (around 1000) before the engine really begins to "fire." This avoids wear when the engine is "running" (with fuel and spark) at very low rpm, as in most vehicles.

For any car, aerodynamic losses due to drag is much higher on the road at low speed city driving. A hybrid car does not, however, gets worse mileage in city driving because its engine is much less efficient at low power, such as when stopped in traffic, and because they often need to dump their kinetic energy during braking stop and go driving. The Prius is improved fuel efficiency in the city because the cycles of the engine dynamometer can close instead of running at low power, and run solely on battery power at low speeds and when stopped (including the cabin air heating / cooling and steering system). Also, the car's kinetic energy during braking can be captured and stored in the battery. According to EPA tests, 2004-2006 Prius gets 60 mpg (U.S.) in the city dynamometer tests, compared with 51 on the highway, and Natural Resources Canada estimates 58.8 mpg (U.S. .) (4.0 l/100 km) in the city and 56.0 (4.2 l/100 km) on the road. (Due to the particularities of these tests, few drivers get these values in the typical suburban mileage circumstances, but the "real world" with careful driving performance can come close.) This means that the great advantages of a hybrid is found mostly in city driving, though factors including driving style, the use of air conditioning, and short trips may offset some of this advantage. The hybrid has less of an advantage in higher speed highway driving typical of intercity driving, but gets better mileage in these circumstances, and you can use a smaller, more efficient engine that would otherwise be necessary (because the battery and the electric motor can provide the extra peak power needed to pass the hill and the lack of scale).

2004 to 2006 Prius

The Prius 2004 model is a complete redesign from previous generations of Prius. The new model is based on the new (second generation) Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD or also known as THSII), replacing the earlier Toyota Hybrid System (THS) technology. The first generation (1997 to 2003) could not run your air conditioner at 100% of the time unless the engine was running. While idling, the engine would have to start every minute, or if the air conditioning was working. In contrast, the model of 2004 introduced an electric compressor for cooling. This not only allows the use of air conditioning without starting the engine once in a while, when the car was completely still, but also allows a wider use of "stealth mode" (electric motor operation only ).

Its drag coefficient of 0.26 was the second lowest in the industry, after the smaller Honda Insight at 0.25.

Regenerative braking was improved, based on so little friction type brakes (except for panic stops) that some Toyota technicians quipped that the original brake pads could last the life of the car.

The 2004 Prius emerged as a midsize car with more room than the previous compact, redesigned as a "five-door" model (four doors and a tailgate). In general, the car remained conveniently narrow on the outside, rather flat face, and relatively tall (several inches taller than a Camry). The profile was much more, with a short nose pending transition to a highly sloped windshield and an arc of the roof that ends in a cut-off Kammback. The additional height allowed to erect a seat and a higher point of view, giving a better view of the road to the driver. There was also a surprising amount of rear seats more legroom, which resembles a much bigger vehicle. Times in the 60/40 split rear seats for easy transport of most packages.

With a smaller and lower voltage NiMH battery and an impetus to step the voltage converter with up to 500 V, the model 2004 is more powerful (2 seconds faster in 0 to 96 km / h acceleration) and is 15 % more fuel efficient than the previous generation Prius, with 60 miles per U.S. gallon (4.3 l/100 km) city and 51 miles per U.S. gallon (4.7 l/100 km) highway (according to the EPA). When driven properly, the displacement and mixed suburban drivers are reporting fuel consumption of 45 to 50 miles per U.S. gallon (5.2 to 4.7 l/100 km).

The multi-function display (MFD) shows fuel consumption bars for each segment five minutes of driving and this can encourage economical. The display also shows the instantaneous fuel consumption, which is useful for detecting when the vehicle has moved from ICE + electric power only. At this time, may be advantageous to accelerate quickly rather than drag the vehicle in an attempt to reach a more favorable position or range of speeds of electric-only mode.

A feature called Smart Key System (SKS) eliminates the traditional ignition key. The "smart key", which resembles a conventional keyless entry remote, has buttons to remotely lock and unlock the door and trigger the alarm system. There is no need to use any of the buttons to use the system for SKS. Approaching one meter in the car while in possession of the key (even inside a pocket or purse) causes the inside of the ceiling lights to disappear (if the switches are in position DOOR). When the person with the key in his possession touches either of the doors, tailgate or door, that door is unlocked and can be opened immediately. There are three areas in which the Smart Key System (SKS) operates with the driver's door unlock mode, the only way to unlock the door, and how to unlock all doors. Once inside, the car can start by pushing the "POWER" button while depressing the brake pedal, with security fob still hiding inside your pocket or purse. To stop the car, press the "POWER" button again. Once parked, the vehicle can be locked by a pushing a black button on the outside doorknob. The SKS system will detect keys left inside the vehicle when powered-off and not allow the vehicle to be locked into this situation.

There is no conventional ignition switch must be activated to start the Prius, that function had been replaced by a simple round of "POWER" button on the dashboard. Models with SKS, the driver only has to sit inside the vehicle (with the fob in your possession), press the brake with your foot and push the "POWER" to start the vehicle. On cars that are not equipped with SKS, the driver uses the lock / unlock buttons on the fob, and puts the remote fob into a slot on the board to the car to start.

The vehicle is classified as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle), 90% cleaner than conventional gasoline-only cars. It comes with an advanced technology partial zero emission vehicle (AT-PZEV) certification by CARB (California Air Resources Board).

As an interesting note, an option package offered in Japan and Europe gives the Prius the ability to carry out parallel and reverse parking assisted by the on-board computer - the first time that this capability has been provided in a vehicle production. Eighty percent of Prius buyers in Japan have chosen this option. The system is not smart, however, lack the particular vision that allows the avoidance of obstructions or pedestrians, so it is very limited.

Passengers of the Prius (TSpirit model only, not T3 or T4) can use their Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone through the car's audio system without taking the phone from his pocket. However, not all Bluetooth phones are compatible with the Prius.

The 2006 Prius made some cosmetic changes, along with advanced air bags, a rear view camera, an improved audio system, and a new higher-resolution LCD screen.

Aftermarket upgrades

Several improvements to the Prius include batteries, chargers, stealth mode and solar panels.

Stealth Mode

When the vehicle is turned with the "Start" button, which is ready to lead immediately to the electric motor, electric pumps, while the previously saved hot engine coolant to warm the engine before the internal combustion engine starts. The delay between the car and starting from the internal combustion engine is approximately seven seconds. The Asian and European versions of this vehicle, an "EV" mode that keeps the electric car after the start, in most low-load driving conditions. The American model does not have the "EV" button, although the "EV" mode is still supported internally by the Prius high-voltage management computer. Although some have speculated that EV mode was not included in the models in North America in the interest of keeping the warranted battery life of 100,000 miles (160,000 km) in the United States and 150,000 miles (240,000 km) in California and several other states, keep in mind that engineers EV mode is automatically canceled when you need to recharge the battery from the internal combustion engine. The Prius is designed to protect the battery discharge extreme and excessive load and use the motor as necessary to maintain optimal conditions for long battery life. In addition to information on discussion groups online, the Prius + Project offers instructions for do-it-yourselfers who want to activate the button, and after-market components provider Coastal Electronic Technologies offers a kit.

Extra batteries

Evolving from the button project, The California Cars Initiative (CalCars) converted a Prius in 2004, adding larger batteries, and private enterprise systems EDrive U.S. Amberjac and projects in the UK announced plans to sell the conversion kits in 2006. Newer versions use a new, advanced security, proprietary format lithium battery technology Valencia (VLNC, NASDAQ) Saphion called. The energy density and more efficient use of these batteries provide around 20x the available power from the standard NiMH battery, but only twice the weight. The evidence shows that in terms of achieving> 30 miles (50 km) in all electric mode at speeds below 34 mph (55 kph). The internal combustion engine starts only at high speeds or when more acceleration is needed. Fuel economy (as demonstrated by several journalists) is enhanced to 100-160mpg (U.S.) (40-68 km / liter) depending on the source of the driving section. City driving can be possible without using the ICE at all, eliminating the use of almost all the liquid fuel in exchange for electricity.

Chargers

CalCars initiated efforts to promote the idea of plug-in hybrids to be built by car manufacturers, and documented the emissions benefits of plug-in hybrids not only in California, the network of clean energy, but also in the field national (50% of coal as fuel) power grid. Also, this would be relatively ineffective without the additional battery capacity or reprogramming of the management of the batteries (which could be detrimental to their service life).

Toyota recently announced that it intends to build a plug in a hybrid vehicle in the future, unspecified time.

Solar Panels

Solar panels to provide power from batteries while the vehicle is in motion or otherwise outside the network. Solar panels are also useful when the Prius is parked for long periods of time in a sunny spot, whether or not a charger is not plugged into an outlet. Some drivers have claimed up to 10% mileage improvements with the addition of solar panels, although the individual results depend on the size and efficiency of solar panels, and weather conditions. The drivers of Australia and the southwestern states, for example, see some of the biggest improvements in its mileage Prius. One of the advantages of solar panels is that they do not deplete the ICE or the redemption of the components.