Toyota 1/X Concept: A Baby Prius

• Looks like: A goth little brother of the Prius 
• Defining characteristics: Lots of glass to let the sunshine in
• Ridiculous features: Talk about a concept — they didn’t even finish half of it
• Chance of being mass-produced: If this mini-Prius with twice the mileage hits the streets, it could be a huge seller

The Toyota 1/X concept is pronounced “one-Xth,” in case you were wondering. We weren’t, and explaining that the fractional name is meant to highlight the concept’s low weight is a bit tedious, but here we go. The 1/X is a hybrid, of course, and despite being smaller and lighter than a Prius it has the same amount of interior room.

The 1/X is a whopping 924 pounds lighter than a Prius, which would help explain how it gets twice that hybrid’s mileage. Don’t get too excited, though, this is a concept through and through. Heck, the images aren’t even of a whole car, just a cut-out to show where all the parts fit. The power plant is in the back and powers the rear wheels. The concept is also made of carbon fiber, which is lightweight but extremely expensive. We see the 1/X as a great thought, but probably one that’s a long way from reality. More photos below. 

Comments

Hey Big 3, where's your stuff? Yeah, you three, fiddling while Rome burns. We know you have talent buried in there someplace. Absolutely every corporation's first question in developing whatever from here on out should be "Would Mother Earth approve?" Keep up the great work Toyota!

Too much glass may not be good, especially for people living south as the beaming sunlight will create more heat.

With global warming and more warmer days, we may endup using more fuel for AC.

Also why is the door pushed inside. They can modify the earlier Hybrid-X concept to make it smaller.

When I saw all the glass my first thought was "They'll have to run the a/c a lot."

Anyone ever hear of window tint?

If too much glass is the only complaint, then Toyota already ahs a hit. Put me on the "buyer list".

Wasn't there an AMC product back in the 70's that they added WAY too much glass to and it ended up killing the fuel efficiency and performance? Glass is REALLY heavy stuff.

Another "Farts and good intentions" concept. (as it, "it doesn't polute, it runs on farts and good intentions!") It's not even as real as the spec sheet it's written on.

But here's my question,,, the rear fairings:

They've been on more than a few concept cars for years now, Chrysler had a Neon basied Eagle concept with them about 15 years ago.

If they're such an aerodynamic advantage, why haven't they made production yet? True it does intrude on interior space, and it might make carwashing more difficult, but maybe some styling flair might help improve the image of the econo car.

Especially if it's functional.