Early look: Toyota 1/X Concept

Toyota has released an image of its 1/X Concept — pronounced “one-Xth” — ahead of the car’s Tokyo Motor Show debut. Designed to be environmentally friendly, the name 1/X is to indicate that the vehicle “weighs only 1/Xth that of other vehicles in its class.” Compared to the Prius, Toyota claims the 1/X offers comparable interior space, double the efficiency and only a third of the weight.

To achieve its svelte curb weight, the 1/X uses light, but highly rigid, carbon fiber reinforced plastic throughout the body. Toyota says the CFRP offers superior collision safety and allows for narrower pillars, lending to better outward visibility.

The 1/X uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain system that features a 500 cc gasoline engine to extend the driving range of the vehicle. Both power units are mounted midship and drive the rear wheels. Toyota failed to mention the electric range of the 1/X.