In 2006, the Toyota Fine-T made its debut in the U.S. at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. But, earlier in 2005, it made its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show and was known as Toyota Fine-X then. But either name, it is yet again a “fine” revolution in fuel cell technology by Toyota.
A futuristic vehicle, the Fine-T uses a smaller fuel cell stack design than most other hydrogen vehicles and employs a new alloy catalyst that allows for fewer precious metals to be used thus decreasing the price of the fuel cell.
Another plus eco-friendly point for the Fine-T is that it uses plant based materials for covering the interior. These materials are considered carbon-neutral which means they do not add any carbon dioxide to the environment if ever they are disposed.
A hybrid propulsion system which is located and mounted under the floor is drove by a fuel cell unit. This gives more passenger room and delivers a lower center of gravity. The passenger space of the Fine-T is about the same as that of the Camry.
The Fine-T also holds a major advancement to driving on smaller, narrower roads and when parking in tight areas. This is thanks to its all-wheel-drive, four wheel independent steering which allows better control and easier maneuverability. It has been tested and proven to literally turn on a dime and spins 360 degrees on the car’s axis.
The Fine-T also has excellent safety features: four peripheral cameras to monitor traffic and pedestrians around all sides of the vehicle, above the front license plate, a camera is installed and in the rear, the camera is just below the Toyota badge, side cameras are located on the door handles and pictures from all cameras are displayed on large monitors for the driver inside the cabin.
Boasting swinging gull-wing doors, a rotating driver’s seat that works at the push of a button, and cabin space that measure nearly the equivalent of the entire length of the vehicle (this seats four people), the Fine-T is truly a radical and futuristic car.
However, Toyota has yet no plans to fully produce and market the Fine-T. It is only set as an example on how vehicular technology will advance in the coming years by enabling vehicles with performance-based steering and maneuverability, low centers of gravity, fuel economy, and a sleek design. But in one way or another, this concept car by Toyota is shaping up car technology in the future.
