Next-generation Toyota Small Hybrid Concept

Toyota Motor Corp unveiled the “FT-Bh” a lightweight, next generation small gasoline-electric hybrid concept car, here today at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show

By pursuing weight reduction, a more-efficient powertrain and reduced air resistance, the FT-Bh boasts a fuel efficiency of 2.1 liters per 100 kilometers under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km—less than half the current average for B-segment cars.

Adopting a small fuel tank placed under the rear seat together with the hybrid system’s lithium-ion battery gives the vehicle a low center of gravity, thus contributing to improved driving performance, which is the basic appeal of any car.

In addition to the FT-Bh on display, TMC has conceived two alternative versions: a compressed natural gas (CNG) hybrid version with CO2 emissions of 38 g/km and a plug-in hybrid version with CO2 emissions of just 19 g/km.

Five Elements of Ultra-Low Fuel Consumption

* Reduced mass
The curb weight3 of the FT-Bh is a mere 786 kg. Assuming a mass-produced fuel-efficient vehicle, the FT-Bh body structure makes greater use of high-tensile-strength steel and does not require expensive materials such as carbon fiber for weight reduction. In addition, a new high-expansion foam material is used inside the vehicle to improve interior thermal management and reduce the weight of interior components. This allows other components, including the body frame, chassis and powertrain, to be made lighter.

* Reduced road and air resistance
The FT-Bh seats four adults comfortably in a body that is less than four meters long and that achieves an outstanding drag coefficient of just 0.235. The newly developed Michelin 145/55R18 tires feature a large diameter for effective road resistance reduction, and a narrow width for substantial air resistance and weight reduction.

* Highly efficient powertrain
For a high level of fuel efficiency, TMC developed a new, long stroke 1.0-liter, two-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine that achieves high environmental performance with CO2 emissions of only 49 g/km under the NEDC, along with improved hybrid system efficiency.

* Effective thermal energy management
Through the application of high-expansion foam material to interior and weight reduction in the materials used for the seating and interior, the thermal capacity4 necessary for controlling cabin temperature is reduced. In addition, comprehensive thermal management measures have been implemented, such as “air-zoning” that adjusts temperature only in necessary areas depending on the number of passengers. Due to small amount of heat generated by high-efficiency engines, heat from both the engine and exhaust is used for heating the interior.

* Reduced power consumption
Power consumption in the FT-Bh has been cut to half that of standard B-segment cars. The adoption of LEDs in the head, tail and room lights, and reduction of standby power requirements necessary for electrical components such as power windows has substantially reduced overall power consumption.

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