You may dismiss a society running on hydrogen as a pie-in-the-sky fantasy, but that’s what Japan is rapidly becoming, with numerous initiatives aimed at producing the stuff in a sustainable way. To that end, Toyota showcased the Fine-Comfort Ride concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, envisioning a “new form of the premium saloon” running on fuel cells.
The show car’s distinctive design has been afforded by the in-wheel electric motors, which enable the wheels to be pushed right to the four corners. The diamond-shaped body maximises space for the second-row seats (the car seats 4+2) and also improves aerodynamic performance, while underbody covers increase high-speed stability and reduce noise.
Inside, the designers have opted for a “wearing comfort” (being wrapped in comfort) design concept that provides additional value to the occupants other than simply moving from point A to point B. For example, the four individual first- and second-row seats can be moved pretty much any way you want.
As such, the pews can either all face forward or be turned around to turn the cabin into a “conversation space;” they can also be adjusted according to the occupant’s posture. As with most of the concept cars featured on the Toyota stand, the Fine-Comfort Ride features an AI Agent that shows up in the touch displays in the side windows, which are arranged according to the driver and passengers’ seating positions.
Measuring 4,830 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall, the Fine-Comfort Ride is just about as long as a D-segment sedan like the Camry, although it is significantly wider (+116 mm) and taller (+210 mm) than the latest eighth-generation model. Its 3,450 mm wheelbase is also a whopping 626 mm thanks to the aforementioned in-wheel motors, providing ample space for six occupants.
Of course, the highlight of the car is the hydrogen powertrain, which uses a fuel cell stack at the front and a cylindrical hydrogen tank in the floor. Toyota claims a range of 1,000 km on the Japanese JC08 cycle – nearly double that of the Mirai – with refuelling time quoted at around three minutes.
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the new Alphard/Vellfire come 2020. its so beautiful
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There are four main sources for the commercial production of hydrogen: natural gas, oil, coal, and electrolysis; which account for 48%, 30% 18% and 4% of the world’s hydrogen production respectively. Fossil fuels are the dominant source of industrial hydrogen.(as per Wikipedi@).Are we moving forward or backwards in this Hydrogen Fuel Cell system that is so actively propagated by Toyota?
I-Say-Man Toyo, how dare U build such a futuristic fine looking hydrogen tech 6-seaters ?! I’m impressed by the look & versatility. U are making many car company jealous now.