A unique driving experience TOYOTA's new i-ROAD is a flexible form of transport designed for getting around on city streets. The new Toyota i-ROAD with its compact size, maneuverability, easy parking, rapid charging and choice of an open or closed cabin makes it an ideal urban vehicle that allows individual freedom of mobility. Seating two in tandem and under cover the innovative three-wheel eco car uses ‘Active Lean' technology that automatically balances the vehicle when cornering or travelling over stepped surfaces. As a result, it is safe, intuitive and enjoyable to drive, with no need for driver or passenger to wear a helmet. The i-ROAD is the latest concept to emerge from Toyota's 40 years of research and development of vehicles that use less energy, place less of a burden on the environment and are practical in meeting people's everyday transport needs. It takes the company closer to its goal of creating the ultimate range of eco cars. Toyota is paving the way for several types of eco car to co-exist in the future, by adapting its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology for use in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles. The ultra-compact, three-wheel i-ROAD measures 2,350mm long and 1,445mm high and has a 1,700mm wheelbase. Its most significant dimension, though, is its width: at only 850mm, which makes it no wider than a conventional two-wheeler. Not only does this make for easy maneuvering through congested traffic, it also means four can be parked in a single parking bay. The zero-emissions, all-electric powertrain uses a lithium-ion battery to power two 2kW motors mounted in the front wheels, giving brisk acceleration and near-silent running. The battery can be fully recharged from a conventional domestic power supply in three hours with a range of up to 50km on a single charge. Toyota's new and entirely intuitive Active Lean technology is the key to i-ROAD's high levels of stability, safety, comfort and fun-to-drive character. The system uses a lean actuator and gearing mounted above the front suspension member, linked via a yoke to the left and right front wheels. The actuator also operates when the i-ROAD is being driven in a straight line over stepped surfaces by automatically compensating for changes in the road to keep the body level. No special skills are needed to pilot i-ROAD; the Active Lean system offers a unique driving experience with the enjoyment of riding a two-wheeler, but with no need for the driver to stabilize the vehicle when maneuvering at low speed, or when stationary surface at any time, i-ROAD can be fitted with a safer, weatherproof, closed body and so can be driven without wearing a helmet. The design also allows for a more car-like environment on board, with the potential for features such as lighting, heating, audio and Bluetooth to be provided. Toyota envisages its i-ROAD concept has the potential to play a significant role in easing urban traffic congestion and reducing air pollution by lowering the levels of carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and particulate emissions. — SG
