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Original name: トヨタFJ クルーザー コンセプト
Toyota Exhibits SUV Hybrid Concept at Detroit Motor Show
—SU-HV Powered by New 'Hybrid Synergy Drive' Hybrid System—
Tokyo—TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC), at the 2003 North America International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, U.S.A., unveiled today (Jan. 7 local time) the SU-HV—an SUV concept vehicle featuring Toyota's new Hybrid Synergy Drive hybrid system. TMC President Fujio Cho presented the vehicle during the Toyota corporate press briefing at the show.
The newly developed Hybrid Synergy Drive represents an evolutionary leap in hybrid technology stemming from the Toyota Hybrid System (THS), the world's first mass-produced hybrid system. When paired with a V6 (3.3L) engine, the new system achieves dynamic performance on par with a V8-powered SUV, giving the SU-HV the all-important motor vehicle characteristic of being fun to drive. In addition to being exciting, the SU-HV driving experience is also smooth, thanks to an electronically controlled CVT (continuously variable transmission) for shift shock-free acceleration. On the environmental side, the epoch-making Hybrid Synergy Drive gives the SU-HV compact-class fuel efficiency and puts it in the highest tier of ultra-low emission SUVs. Preventive safety in the SU-HV is highly enhanced through electronically controlled 4WD and an ECB (electric control braking) system.
FINE-S and FJ Cruiser
Also today at the Detroit show, Toyota began displaying the FINE-S (Fuel Cell Innovative Emotion-Sport), a distinctive next-generation sports vehicle concept that maximizes the special advantages of fuel cells, and the FJ Cruiser, a new-sensation off-road type concept vehicle.
The FINE-S, which features Toyota's proprietary fuel cell and hybrid technologies and an evolutionary design that goes beyond that of conventional cars, represents a new Toyota vision for automobiles. Its low center of gravity—realized by mounting the fuel-cell power unit and auxiliary equipment below the floor—and the exceptional drivability of independent four-wheel control contribute to creating a new-generation vehicle that achieves a sporty profile, while offering a highly efficient package able to accommodate four people.
The FJ Cruiser is based on the Land Cruiser FJ40, the off-road spirit of which has continued to serve as a source of inspiration for more than half a century. It was developed with modern vehicle concepts in mind to appeal to the small truck market and younger drivers.
In Detroit local time, the NAIAS is to be open to the public between Jan. 11~20; industry preview days are set for Jan. 8~9, with a special invitees day on Jan. 10. Press days were Jan. 5~7.
SOURCE: Toyota