Toyota today revealed the NS4 advanced
plug-in hybrid concept vehicle at the 2012 North American International
Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The NS4 exemplifies Toyota's vision for
future mobility, with a focus on next generation connectivity and
safety.
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Jim Lentz, president and chief
executive officer of Toyota Motor Sales US (Inc.) said, "In this digital
age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic
connectivity. NS4 demonstrates Toyota's take on the human connection to
the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational
relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society."
NS4's advanced power train targets a
hybrid plug-in system featuring reductions in component size and weight
with improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and longer
all-electric range, while maintaining a short charge time. |
The NS4 concept signals a new styling
direction for Toyota aimed at making an emotional connection with
consumers. The distinctive trapezoid grille is accented by a floating
lower spoiler and distinctive daytime running lights. Rear lamps wrap
around the sides of the vehicle, and create the effect of a rear
spoiler. The roof line profile, lift back design and powered swan-wing
doors create greater accessibility and efficient functionality.
Advanced in-car connectivity
Traditional vehicle development cycles average four years, but this is
rapidly changing with the introduction of more technological
innovations. Vehicles have become another communication hub in the
consumers' lifestyle, and are the third-fastest growing technological
device, behind smartphones and tablets. Toyota has formed special
alliances with technology leaders such as Microsoft, Intel and
Salesforce to explore the creation of seamless vehicle interfaces with
emerging technologies. These alliances will ensure Toyota is at the
forefront of this emerging sector of the automotive market.
The NS4 concept's human-machine
interface (HMI) is centred around a multi-touch screen with the look and
feel of a smartphone. The simple, intuitive operation conveys
information quickly while minimizing distractions and maximizing driver
awareness. The multimedia and vehicle-controls enhancement will also
direct air conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions.
The HMI system is even capable of "learning" driver preferences to
anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations.
The next evolution of Toyota
safety systems
The NS4 features Toyota's latest safety system developments, including
next generation pre-collision system (PCS), adaptive driving beam (ADB)
headlights, and blind spot monitor (BSM). PCS features lane departure
and pedestrian collision avoidance technologies designed to predict
collisions under certain circumstances and help avoid them. The system
uses millimeter-wave radar and stereo cameras mounted on the front of
the vehicle to detect and react to lane departure, pedestrians, and
other vehicles. In the event of a potential collision, the system seeks
to avoid other vehicles, road-side obstructions, and pedestrians by
applying the brakes andmanipulating steering.
Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights
help to prevent vision-impairing glare to oncoming drivers and
pedestrians. Using a camera mounted behind the front grille and partial
shielding inside the headlights, this feature allows drivers to maintain
near-high beam illumination to improve nighttime visibility.
Using sub-millimeter wave radar, the
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane and
visually alerts the driver using visual indicators placed in the upper
dash.
The pop-up bonnet structure
automatically raises the rear of the hood to increase the space
underneath, helping to reduce pedestrian head injuries caused by a
collision with the front of the vehicle. This innovation is the result
of testing and verification using both conventional crash-test dummies
and Toyota's Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) finite element model.
Glass Technology to maximize
aerodynamic efficiency and driver comfort
Four new glass technologies are integrated into the windscreen, front
and rear windows to improve driver visibility, fuel economy and electric
driving mode mileage efficiency:
- Rain-resistant 'hydrophobic'
coating - Fluorine coated glass causes rain drops to form
intosemispherical shapes for improved visibility and rain drop
elimination.
- 'Anti-fog' coating - High
performance resin material with anti-fogging characteristics and
increased durability.
- High ultraviolet (UV) absorbing
inner-layer - Removes 99 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays
- Anti-solar film with radio-wave
transparency - Reduces the internal vehicle temperature and improves
electronic device functionality
Inner and outer rear view mirrors have
been replaced with cameras that provide the driver with a panoramic view
to the rear. The rear-view camera displays images on a dashboard-mounted
screen, and provides the driver with a much wider field of vision when
compared to a traditional rear view mirror.
Jim Lentz concluded the unveiling of
the NS4, saying, "The continued success of our conventional hybrid
vehicles laid strong groundwork for market acceptance of future advanced
technologies. NS4 demonstrates Toyota's ongoing commitment to enhancing
the safety, efficiency, and convenience of future mobility for people
everywhere." |
