Toyota has decided that instead of bringing the smartphone into the car, they’ll simply turn the car into a smartphone.
That’s the thought behind the futuristic concept car Fun-Vii. Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, called it “a smartphone of four wheels”.
The car would work like a personal computer, allowing drivers to connect to others with a tap of a touch-panel door.
We have to admit, there’s nothing that resembles the Fun-Vii on the road today – expect in sci-fi films.
PRESS RELEASE
TMC to Display Information-hub Vehicle Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2011
Toyota City, Japan, November 28, 2011-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will show at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011 the “Toyota Fun-Vii”1, a concept vehicle that heralds a not-too-distant future where people, cars and society are linked. The theme of the show-to take place2 from November 30 through December 11 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo-is “Mobility can change the world.”
Vehicle Features
The ultimate in personalization functions offer the ability to alter the content displayed on the interior and exterior of the Fun-Vii with the same ease as downloading an application. For instance, the whole vehicle body can be used as a display space, with the body color and display content changeable at will. This allows the entire vehicle to function as a terminal for displaying messages or other information.
The whole of the vehicle interior also can function as a display space, with the interior freely adjustable to match the mood of the moment. Content such as navigation information is blended seamlessly into the interior through the use of augmented reality. Furthermore, the vehicle’s “navigation concierge” can provide the passengers with driving information and guidance through a vocal interface.
A network update function makes sure the software versions for the vehicle’s drive, control and multimedia system are always up-to-date.
The Fun-Vii is able to link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure, allowing it to detect other potentially hazardous vehicles-such as vehicles in blind spots-in advance, or to connect with friends who are driving nearby.
Operation of the Fun-Vii is not limited to inside the vehicle itself, with a portion of the vehicle’s functions access able remotely via a smartphone or other mobile communication device.
Under the slogan “Fun to Drive, Again.”3, TMC is offering fresh proposals to provide the dream and joy of motor vehicles to as many people as possible, and in addition to the Toyota Fun-Vii, is displaying a variety of other concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011.