Toyota iQ production starts this year

The iQ is a 3+1 seater small town car.

Toyota plans to start the production of the iQ in the fourth quarter of 2008 in Japan and sell the car in Europe by the end of 2008.

The iQ is expected to mount a 1.0L class engine in its powertrain. There will be a choice of two petrol & one diesel engines.

Toyota plans to reduce the CO2 emission to 99g/km.

Although unannounced, prices are expected to start from ¥1,500,000 (AU$16,700)

iQ has been designed to meet Euro NCAP’s top five-star safety rating.

A newly developed differential allows iQ to have a more compact engine compartment and front wheels placed at the very corners of the car, with very short overhangs.

iQ has a centre take-off steering gear, positioned higher in the engine bay. The gear, engine and differential could then be repositioned, giving the car a shorter front overhang.

A flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed shorter rear overhangs to be developed, helping reduce the car’s overall length.

The size of the heater/air conditioning unit has been significantly reduced, without sacrificing performance. As a result, the front passenger area can be moved forwards towards the base of the windscreen, freeing up additional cabin space.

UK sales are scheduled to start in spring 2009.

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/news/publish/WORLD_PREMIERE_OF_THE_NEW_TOYOTA_iQ.shtml

Note on the picture the half shafts leaving the front of the gearbox.

A newly developed differential allows iQ to have a more compact engine compartment and front wheels placed at the very corners of the car, with very short overhangs.

Note on the picture the steering arrangement is virtually the same as the 1984 Opel Kadett / Pontiac Le Mans / Daewoo

Also note the location of the electric motor for the power steering.

iQ has a centre take-off steering gear, positioned higher in the engine bay. The gear, engine and differential could then be repositioned, giving the car a shorter front overhang.

Note the 4 wheel disc brakes.
Guess the tank is something similar to what honda is doing with the Jazz (& Civic?)

A flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed shorter rear overhangs to be developed, helping reduce the car’s overall length.

right rear

rear

left

Steering wheel is supposed to have radio controls

nice looking car.looks like jazz and a smart car.