world premiere of toyota s new urban car the iq toyota is world-premiering the production design of the new iq at the geneva motor show first shown as the concept car iq at last year s frankfurt motor show the iq will go into production during late 2008 the new iq is a sophisticated car representing the ultimate refined urban mode of transportation thanks to its ingenious and revolutionary packaging it measures less than three metres in length yet has a flexible interior space that allows up to three adults plus a child or luggage to travel comfortably the iq delivers dynamism and stability despite its small size it challenges conventional thinking through a design that is forward-looking intelligent and energetic while retaining clarity of purpose and function the marvel of the iq s ingenuity is in its revolutionary packaging which is the result of six space-saving but inter-linked engineering innovations that represent a break-through in toyota s automotive vehicle development the i
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robust yet refined styling for the iq s urban environment the four wheels placed at the extremities of each corner give the iq a self-assured `super stance at just 2,985mm in length but with a proportionally larger wheelbase of 2,000mm the iq is small in size but unlike a small car possesses a confident on-road appearance the iq s robustness is further enhanced by the tough-looking bumpers strong vertical lines define the rear view of the iq while the bold rear lamp lenses are divided into three segments by horizontal lines which help underpin the iq s strong presence the iq is fitted with 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels that confidently fill the bold wheel arches the exterior styling blends dynamism and stability prominent crease lines define the high belt line while the v-line of the a-pillar creates tension across the wheel arches smooth lines flow from the front bumpers curve graciously up through the front pillars to meet the roof and sweep back down towards the rear hatch where t
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techno-organic theme for interior styling the `on-the-edge exterior styling is replicated in the iq s refined interior architecture by mathematically analysing and recreating the structural beauty of natural objects toyota has achieved a `techno-organic design which fuses geometric precision with inner beauty this is demonstrated in the floating `v centre console which dominates the asymmetric dashboard at the base of the v is a single dial that controls the functions of the air conditioning situated within the arms of the v are cabin temperature controls with an lcd that displays airflow twin face-level air vents and at the top a 5.8-inch colour touch screen satellite navigation display the v-design both separates and joins the two halves of the asymmetric dashboard design while providing a visually appealing focus on the interior.
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technology
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4 3 5 6 revolutionary engineering innovations create ingenious packaging solution creating more passenger space in such a compact vehicle was a key aim for toyota s design team the iq s interior is surprisingly spacious six interlinking engineering innovations are responsible for making this possible viewed together these innovations represent a major milestone in toyota s vehicle development to achieve such a milestone required a drastically changed mindset the engineers had to reconsider the very locations of various vehicle components rather than simply re-designing parts to a smaller size the six space-saving engineering innovations are as follows 1 2 3 4 5 6 differential flat under-floor fuel tank smaller heater/air conditioning unit asymmetric dashboard centre take-off steering gear slim seat design the result is a true break-through in `small yet spacious packaging which at the same time has been designed to meet the top 5-star safety rating of euro ncap the new toyota iq measu
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2 2 flat under-floor fuel tank with rear-angled shock absorbers the design of the flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed the development of shorter rear overhangs which contribute to the reduction of the car s overall length historically a flat tank was considered difficult to engineer successfully because of the variance in fuel surface levels depending on the angle of the car however persistent engineering efforts to downsize and find the optimal placement of functional parts have resulted in a flat fuel tank that creates significant space savings.
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4 asymmetric dashboard design and sliding seat configuration create more space the iq s innovative asymmetric dashboard was designed to open up the passenger area the pushed-forward and step-like structure of the dashboard provides sufficient space for the front passenger when the seat is set at its most forward position while comfortably accomodating an adult in the rear seat combined with shoulder-to-shoulder distance between driver and passenger of a similar volume to a c-segment vehicle the unique 3+1 seating configuration creates enough room for three adults and in addition either a child or luggage behind the driver.
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5 centre take-off steering gear for compactness toyota has employed a centre take-off steering gear and positioned it higher in the engine bay the gear engine and differential could then be repositioned creating the iq s size-reduced front overhang.
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new iq drives toyota s green aims with low emission engines toyota has been pioneering in the continual search to reduce the car s impact on the environment using technology as its cornerstone toyota has persistently sought new ideas and new inventions to make the car friendlier to the environment in addition to toyota s ongoing hybrid synergy driveŽ technology innovations the expansion of its small car range is integral to reducing environmental impact the new iq together with the urban cruiser also premiered at geneva plays a key role in toyota s drive to reduce emissions both cars are also an essential part of toyota s challenge to support the japanese automobile manufacturers association s jama voluntary commitment of 140 grams per kilometre by 2009 the iq will have the choice of one of two petrol or one diesel engine these engines along with the compact design low weight and aerodynamic shape of the iq will contribute to outstanding fuel economy and exceptionally low co2 emissio
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