Toyota unveiled a new advanced NS4 plug-in hybrid concept car today at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The new NS4 concept car from Toyota embodies the firm's vision for the future of low emission driving with an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain, enhanced safety features, and next generation connectivity.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain in the NS4 features smaller components and reduced weight, which help to deliver the improved fuel consumption, faster acceleration and longer all-electric range of the vehicle.
In terms of style Toyota has tried to create a car with more of an emotional impact than previous models. At the front of the car the distinctive grille is complimented by new daytime running lights and a lower spoiler. At the back, the rear lights wrap around the side of the car and create the illusion of a rear spoiler.
Some of the most significant developments for the NS4 come in the form of advanced in-car connectivity features. The President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor Sales US, Jim Lentz, explained this emphasis, saying:
"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."
The NS4's human-machine interface (HMI) is based around a multi-touch screen that is designed to look and feel like a smartphone. Toyota has developed partnerships with some of the world's leading technology companies, such as Microsoft and Intel, to help create this system. In addition to multimedia controls and navigation this interface also directs things like the air-conditioning and battery-charge. Advanced features of this system include the ability to learn the driver's preferences in order to anticipate driver responses in various different situations.
Taking centre stage alongside the new HMI system is a range of safety features that includes next-gen pre-collision system, adaptive driving beam headlights and blind spot monitor. The Pre-collision system (PCS) includes a lane departure warning, and pedestrian collision avoidance technology that can predict collisions and activate automated braking and steering manipulation to help avoid them. This is done using millimetre-wave radar and stereo cameras on the front of the car.
Other advances for the new NS4 concept car include Glass Technology to improve aerodynamic efficiency as well as visibility. A rain-resistant 'hydrophobic' coating is applied to the front windscreen, which improves visibility in the rain, while an anti-fog coating prevents the windows from getting fogged up, and a high ultraviolet absorbing inner-layer removes 99% of harmful UVA and UVB rays from sunlight coming in through the window.
Related used car searches
Search used Toyota
