61st International
Motor Show,
2005 Frankfurt,
Germany
.
Toyota Endo Concept .
Toyota Endo: A
urban-friendly concept for modern cities
Latest creation from
Toyota’s European design studio, ED2
3 metres exterior length,
comfortably seating 4 passengers and luggage
Two-link hinge system for
doors allows entry and exit in tight places
Innovative dashboard
display features a wealth of information and customisation possibilities
A multitude of seat
positions provide a high level of modularity
The Frankfurt Motor Show
marks the world premiere of Endo.
After CS&S (Frankfurt 2003) and Motor Triathlon Race Car (Geneva 2004), Endo
is the third concept car conceived by ED2, Toyota’s European design studio –
all designed within the context of the Vibrant Clarity design philosophy
which now underpins all Toyota styling.
The design concept for Endo
takes, as its starting point, the city environment. Urban areas form an
increasing difficult challenge for automotive designers and city planners –
shortage of space, emissions and traffic congestion all make the city less
inviting but customers still demand personal mobility. Endo is an
urban-friendly solution that intends to address some of these problems.
Its compact dimensions and
low kerb weight allow a better use of space and low emissions, while
simultaneously seating four passengers in comfort and allowing additional
luggage space. Endo is short, at 3 metres long, but tall (1.52 m) and wide
(1.69 m) to create ample interior space. Its advanced versatility and
modularity provide its passengers with solutions that will improve their
everyday city journey.
The designers were working
within the ‘Vibrant Clarity’ design philosophy which is enabling Toyota to
take a new direction towards fresher, more animated models now and in the
future. These models will stand out from the mainstream and help redefine
Toyota’s new global identity. Keywords which suggest Vibrant are
Invigorating and Engaging; while Clarity is suggested by words such as
Clear, Logical and Simple.
There are four elements
which come together to create Vibrant Clarity, being also clearly expressed
in Endo: P – Proportion A – Architecture S – Surface S – Special touch. The
proportions of Endo are specific to its concept – with maximised width and
the short, ideal urban length. Indeed, the proportions are optimised for
four people.
The architecture of Endo is
clear and expressive with the intersection of its two main elements; the
upper cabin which is oval in shape and the lower free-form section which
creates a more emotional protective base. The surface is clean and tense,
highlighted by the dramatic sweeping shoulder line to promote a simple,
hi-tech image. The special touches of Endo are in its interior versatility
and high technology features.
In keeping with the
compact philosophy, getting in and out of Endo has been greatly improved
by the innovative use of a two-link hinge system for the front doors
that allows a large opening in confined spaces.
Again, this is an important factor in the
tailgate design, which can be easily opened and closed even when parked in
tight spaces.
The predominant feature of
the instrument panel is the large information screen that spans the entire
width of the car. The size promotes an unparalleled ease of use and delivers
a strong IT image. In addition to the meters, navigation, audio, air
conditioning and rear view functions, this display can also feature
user-defined information such as e-mail, internet, with endless individual
customized settings.
The user can also change
the background colour of the screen and its illumination is reflected on the
white door trim, creating a special interior ambience. The large glass roof
further reinforces this unique atmosphere. The width aspect of Endo is also
utilized on the floor, allowing increased functionality. The front passenger
seat can be freely moved in four directions, front, back, left and right.
This free movement allows
for usable storage space next to the passenger seat as well as improved
access to the rear. The rear seats show unique functionality with back rests
that can be rotated in several different directions and it is extremely
simple to tailor the interior to the users needs, whether it be four seats,
three seats with a table or two seats with increased luggage space. In this
way, Endo can be adapted to suit the hectic and rapidly changing lifestyles
of urban families of the future.
