07 Mar 07
Toyota's FT-HS was one of our picks of the Detroit show in January. A hybrid sports car that brought the Supra bang up to date with 21st-century concerns, it was a fabulous-looking machine that made us believe that being environmentally responsible and having fun in a car might not be mutually exclusive.
At Geneva, Toyota continued on the environmental theme with the Hybrid X, which explores potential ideas for a successor to the Prius.
A four-door, four-seat concept, the Hybrid X is a conventional family car that uses the company's petrol-electric Hybrid Synergy Drive, as used in the Prius and various Lexuses. Designed by Toyota's European styling centre ED2 in the south of France, the Hybrid X has a futuristic body that features rear-hinged rear doors and three large areas of glass divided by unusually shaped C-pillars. When viewed from above, these come together to form an X - hence the name.
These pillars are not shaped just for effect: they give the Hybrid X superior aerodynamics, helped by the smooth surface lines and integrated rear spoiler. Aiding the aerodynamic nature of the car are the smoothly integrated LED headlamps, which can also be used to send signals to other road users warning them about specific problems ahead.
Inside the Hybrid X, the surfaces feature swooping curves intended to complement the exterior lines. The driver can set the ambience of the inside of the car, using LED lighting systems to provide different types of illumination that change 'in harmony with different musical backgrounds' according to Toyota, and a perfume diffuser fills the air with a 'gentle, relaxing aroma'.
The next generation of Prius isn't expected for a few more years, so the Hybrid X is just the first in what is likely to be a series of concepts leading up to Hollywood's next favourite car.
