Topic: TEI #35 Solved - Toyota RiN Concept 2007

[Tom_I]

Can you identify this odd-looking vehicle?

Make, model name and year will earn you a point, but any extra information is always welcome.

[Tom_I]

Experts?

[serra]

Is it the Toyota RIN for 2007 Tokyo Motor Show?

[Tom_I]

That's the one, though it's difficult to know whether they were being entirely serious about it, or it was just a bit of a joke.

The RiN is designed to provide the driver with a friendly environment, as well as being environmentally friendly itself.

The concept, which looks like some sort of futuristic stagecoach, is designed to help its driver become one with nature. Features intended to promote well-being include seats that encourage correct posture, a steering wheel that reads the driver's mood and displays relevant images, an oxygen-level conditioner, and a pinpoint humidifier.

The RiN's windows and doors use glass that blocks ultraviolet and infrared rays to safely give the surroundings a brighter appearance. The doors slide instead of being hinged, and they have a window along the lower portion for a view of nature at ground level.

According to Toyota, the RiN's design echoes the Japanese Yakusugi tree (a variety of cypress) with its leaf-shaped accelerator and brake pedals and its contrasting rich green exterior with beige interior.

Although the conservative automaker has several successful hybrid and otherwise green vehicles, none of them goes as far as the hermetically sealed RiN to maintain comfort while promoting serenity and reuniting the driver with Mother Nature.