2003 Toyota Fine-S - AllCarIndex

Original name: トヨタ Fine-S

- Toyota FINE-S fuel cell concept vehicle to make European debut at Geneva

- Launch of the Toyota Corolla Diesel Collection

- Turn-by-turn satellite navigation with Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA) offered on Toyota Camry

FUTURISTIC FINE-S TO STAR AT GENEVA

Toyota will be exhibiting its FINE-S concept car for the first time in Europe at the Geneva International Motor Show next week. The dynamic sports car is a bold demonstration of the design freedom offered by Toyota’s adaptable fuel cell system.

The FINE-S uses hydrogen fuel cell hybrid electric power and delivers performance to match its sporting appearance. The fuel cell system is housed beneath the floor of the vehicle, creating a low centre of gravity. This contributes to excellent handling, together with independent electric drive to all four wheels.

The design presents a long wheelbase with short front and rear overhangs and an innovative cabin lay-out with four seats.

Toyota continues to make important advances in the development of fuel cell technology. Since December 2002, it has been leasing road-going versions of its FCHV fuel cell model to Government and university customers in Japan and the USA.

The company’s commitment to producing alternative power solutions for a wide range of product types will be further demonstrated at Geneva with the European debut of the new Lexus RX300 equipped with Hybrid Synergy Drive.

This combines a V6 petrol engine with high-voltage electric motors to provide power and torque characteristics typical of a conventional petrol V8, but with much improved fuel economy and emissions levels. A production version should be available in the North American market in around two years.

COROLLA DIESEL COLLECTION OFFERS HIGH VALUE AND STYLE

The Corolla Diesel Collection is the bargain of the season, loaded with extra luxury and styling features at a fiercely competitive price.

Based on the Corolla 2.0 D-4D T2, the limited edition Diesel Collection goes beyond the standard specification to offer air conditioning, 15-inch seven spoke alloy wheels and a smart Carlo Blue metallic paint finish. It also benefits from a four speaker audio system with CD player, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), remote central locking, immobiliser and twin front and side airbags.

Power is from Toyota’s 89bhp 2.0-litre D-4D common rail diesel engine, offering strong performance, excellent economy and low CO2 emissions.

Three and five door hatchback versions will be available from 1 March, priced respectively at £11,995 and £12,495 on the road including metallic paint. Both versions are covered by Toyota’s three year/60,000 mile warranty, three year paintwork warranty and 12 year anti-perforation warranty.

CAMRY GAINS NAVIGATION OPTION WITH ELECTRONIC

TRAFFIC AVOIDANCE (ETA)

Toyota’s advanced turn-by-turn satellite navigation system with Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA) is now available as a £1,250 option on the Toyota Camry 2.4 GLX and CDX.

Thanks to ETA, the system not only lets you know if there is congestion on motorways and major routes ahead, it plans a route around it at the touch of a button. The package also includes locations of thousands of hotels, restaurants and fuel stations across the UK.

Traffic information is received by the system 24 hours a day via an FM radio signal that is picked up even when the car radio is switched off. ETA uses the messages to give the driver warning on how far ahead the traffic is and even how long a delay the queue may cause. ETA then offers an ‘avoid traffic‘ option and will work out the new route, enabling the driver to make an informed decision of avoiding impending traffic and plot a different route around the jam, even in unfamiliar parts of the country. All without the need to stop and look at a map, ask directions or even risk disagreeing with your partner.

--

Fast, futuristic and frugal – Toyota’s FINE-S fuel cell concept

Making its European debut at Geneva is the Toyota FINE-S. This hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid-electric concept is the latest example of Toyota's ongoing commitment to expand its advanced technology for environmentally friendly cars and commercial vehicles. FINE-S provides a unique combination of high performance, slick style and an unmatch respect for the Environment – its only emissions are harmless water vapour.

Although externally the FINE-S has a futuristic high-performance look, proving the potential for exciting styling of fuel-cell vehicles, it hides advanced technology which has a wide range of applications.

For example, because of the modular design of Toyota’s fuel cell system and drivetrain components, it becomes possible to install the technology in a wide variety of model types, shapes and sizes, based on a shared platform.

It will even be possible for future fuel-cell vehicles to be designed with individual electric power applied to all four wheels. This will take the environmental benefits through to all classes of passenger car and commercial vehicle.

The FINE-S provides a tantalising glimpse of future trends for all fuel-cell vehicles. And being high on style and high in performance, it is not simply a mobile laboratory for proving the technology.

The FINE-S features a long wheelbase with very short front and rear overhangs allied to a sleek ground-hugging aerodynamic design. The low center-of-gravity coupled with an advanced individual wheel torque control system will provide excellent performance and handling.

Inside, the FINE-S boasts a spacious cabin with a creative four-seat design that provides ample roominess and comfort, giving the advanced technology design the same practical features as conventionally propelled cars.

FINE-S was first shown at the Detroit Show in January 2003 and can now be seen at Geneva Motor Show.

Toyota FINE-S – dimensions (mm)

Wheelbase: 3000

Overall length: 4410

Overall height: 1250

Overall width: 1870

SOURCE: Toyota