Toyota concept vehicles (1980–1989)

Toyota Concept Vehicles produced between 1980 and 1989 include:

Toyota HiLux RV-3
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Also called	Toyota Pickup
Production	1980
Chronology
Successor	Toyota Hilux

The Toyota HiLux RV-3 is a concept vehicle made by Toyota in 1980. It entered production as the third generation Hilux.^[1]

The Toyota DV-1 was introduced in 1981. It is a Welcab style, and was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. The car is designed for individuals with severe upper extremity disabilities. Based on the Toyota Corolla 1500SE passenger car, the DV-1 has been modified so that operations normally performed by the hands can be performed instead by other parts of the body. For example, the doors can be opened and closed with the feet. The car can be steered with the left leg. The shift lever, switches, parking brake and other devices can be operated with the right leg and right shoulder, and the turn signal switch with the head. The fully automatic air conditioner and radio respond to spoken commands. The latest Toyota technical advances are located throughout the DV-1. These include remote control door lock/unlock, automatic seatbelts, vehicle-speed-responsive door lock, headlights with automatic on/off and high and low beam use control, and "run flat tires" which can be driven on for short distances after punctures.^[2]

Toyota EX-11
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1981
Body and chassis
Layout	FR
Platform	Z10 Soarer
Related	Toyota Soarer
Chronology
Predecessor	Toyota Soarer

The Toyota EX-11 was a concept vehicle by Toyota shown at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show. Based on the prototype Soarer, the EX-11 demonstrated advance electronics such as electronic engine and drive train management, colour monitors and fibre optic wiring.

Toyota SV-2
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1981
Body and chassis
Layout	FR
Platform	A60 Supra
Related	Toyota Supra
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L 5M-GEU I6
Chronology
Predecessor	Toyota Supra

The Toyota SV-2 was a concept vehicle by Toyota shown at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show. Based on the second-generation Supra, the SV-2 featured different styling, complete with a removable targa top and a maroon and white interior.

Toyota RV-5
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1982
Body and chassis
Layout	F4
Platform	L20 Tercel
Related	Tercel
Powertrain
Transmission	5-speed manual

The Toyota RV-5 was a concept vehicle by Toyota shown at the Jan 1982 Tokyo Auto Salon^[3] and the March 1983 Geneva Motor Show. Based on the upcoming 4WD Tercel L20, the RV-5 was configured as a cross country mobile camera platform. The RV-5 was close to the released 4WD Tercel, with the main difference being that the large rear, side windows on the RV-5 could hinge upwards.

The Toyota CQ-1 was produced in 1983, and was based on the Toyota TownAce. The CQ-1 was a concept in automobile communications technology; meaning the vehicle boasted advanced technology for the 1980s.^[4]

Toyota Palette
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Also called	Toyota Y-1
Production	1983
Designer	Studio Argo
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door coupe
Chronology
Successor	Toyota AXV-II, Toyota Sera

The Toyota Palette was a concept vehicle made by Toyota in 1983. The Palette Y-2 was created in 1987, at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Y-2 was renamed the Toyota AXV-II. The Palette Y-3 was introduced in 1990, and was renamed the Toyota Sera.^[5]

Toyota SV-3
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1983
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	MR
Related	Toyota MR2
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L 4A-GE I4
Chronology
Successor	Toyota MR2

The SV-3 was a concept vehicle by Toyota shown at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show. With minor changes it was put into production as the Toyota MR2.

Toyota FX-1
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1983
Body and chassis
Layout	FR
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L 1G-GE I6 twin-turbo (prototype)
Transmission	4-speed automatic

The FX-1 was a concept car by Toyota. It was first shown at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show and also shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1984. It was a showcase for new technologies in driver controls, engine, suspension, materials and aerodynamics. Design cues from the FX-1 later ended up on the Toyota Camry XV20, built between 1996 and 2001.

Toyota TAC3
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1983
Body and chassis
Layout	4WD

The TAC3 was a 4WD concept car by Toyota, first shown at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show. The driver sat in a central position, while two passengers sat behind in separate bucket seats. There was no roof but a rear roll bar provided roll over protection. The TAC3 was shown with a small trailer that also held 4 spare tyres on its towing arm. ^{[6] [7]}

Toyota AXV
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1985
Body and chassis
Body style	2 door sedan
Powertrain
Engine	1.1 L turbocharged diesel I3
Dimensions
Curb weight	650 kg (1,433 lb)

The AXV (Advanced Experimental Vehicle) was a concept vehicle by Toyota that was first shown at the October 1985 Tokyo Motor Show. Its goal was for ultra-low fuel consumption, to be under 650 kg in weight and to have the same interior volume as a small sedan. ^[8]

The body was aerodynamically shaped, with Cd=0.26, while still seating four people. The bonnet, rear suspension arms and wheel rims were made from SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound), the roof was made from resin between steel sheets and the windows were made from polycarbonate resin.

The engine was a 1.1 litre 3 cylinder diesel. It used turbo-charging, direct injection and electronics to keep high performance levels while maintaining low fuel consumption.

Toyota FXV
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1985
Body and chassis
Body style	4 door sedan
Layout	R4
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L supercharged + turbocharged
Transmission	5 speed automatic

The FXV (Future eXperimental Vehicle) was a concept vehicle by Toyota that was first shown at the 1985 Tokyo Motor Show. ^{[9] [10]}

The FXV included both 4 wheel steering and 4 wheel drive with Electronic Skid Control.

The mid-mounted 2.0 L engine had both a supercharger and a turbocharger (with a ceramic turbine wheel), pistons made from magnesium fibre-reinforced metal (FRM), a distributor-less ignition system and a resin intake manifold.

The full colour computerised CRT displays had touch screens which could control the suspension, CD player, air conditioning, cellular phone and 8mm video display. Speed was projected onto a head-up display.

Toyota's MR2 Group B Prototype was introduced in 1987. It was based on the Toyota 222D, but with added rally features, and is RWD.^[11]

Toyota GTV
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1987
Body and chassis
Layout	FR
Platform	T150 Carina
Powertrain
Engine	Gas Turbine II
Transmission	CVT
Dimensions
Length	4,724 mm (186.0 in)
Width	1,791 mm (70.5 in)
Height	1,326 mm (52.2 in)

The Toyota GTV (Gas Turbine Vehicle) was a concept vehicle by Toyota with a gas turbine engine. It was first shown at the October 1987 Tokyo Motor Show.^[12][13] A very sophisticated concept vehicle, it was based on the Toyota Carina, and was in fact a proof of concept vehicle slated initially for small-scale production.

A measure of Toyota's intent with the vehicle was its allowing journalists from Car Magazine to review the vehicle in 1986. Their view was favourable with regard to the overall performance of the vehicle, although the natural turbine lag of the engine did hurt the overall impression of the review. The CVT automatic gearbox did however endear the vehicle to testers - this gearbox has now become the cornerstone of Toyota automatic gearboxes, and the basis of the Toyota Prius gearbox. The GTV was also reviewed by Popular Science magazine. ^[14]

The GTV used the Gas Turbine II engine. A one-stage turbine was used to drive the compressor while a second turbine was connected to the drive shaft. The second stage also took the place of the fluid flywheel (torque converter). Like the earlier Chrysler Turbine Car, the GTV had a de-coupled gas turbine (i.e. output was by a separate turbine) with a two-stage heat exchanger designed to reduce the exhaust gas temperature. The compressor turbine spun at up to 68,000 rpm while the output turbine spun at up to 65,000 rpm. A regenerator took waste heat and transferred it to the incoming air, increasing efficiency. The engine output was reduced by 10.13 before being mated to the gearbox, giving a maximum power of 148 hp (110 kW) at 5300 rpm and a maximum torque of 245.9 lb⋅ft (333 N⋅m).

Earlier versions of the Gas Turbine engine were shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1975 (in the Toyota Century) ^[15] and 1977 (free standing). ^[16]

Toyota AXV-II
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1987
Body and chassis
Class	Sport compact car
Body style	3-door hatchback coupe
Layout	FR
Platform	P70 Starlet
Doors	Butterfly
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L 2E-ELU I4
Transmission	4 speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length	3,780 mm (148.8 in)
Width	1,650 mm (65.0 in)
Height	1,260 mm (49.6 in)
Chronology
Successor	Toyota Sera

The AXV-II was a concept car built by Toyota that was first shown at the October 1987 Tokyo Motor Show. ^{[13] [17]}

The concept has butterfly doors and pivoted up to the front to allow passengers to exit from the car in places that ordinary conventional doors cannot handle. Gas filled struts kept the door in place when open. The doors covered the roof of the car as well as the sides, with the door glass forming part of the roof.^[17]

The hatchback was made entirely from glass that included the rear sides of the vehicle in a similar manner to the early Mazda RX-7.^[17]

Mechanical components (engine, gearbox, suspension) were the same as those in the Starlet.^[17]

The AXV-II went into production as the Toyota Sera in March 1990.

Toyota FXV-II
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1987
Body and chassis
Layout	F4
Powertrain
Engine	3.8 L V8

The FXV-II (Future eXperimental Vehicle II) was a concept vehicle by Toyota that was first shown at the October 1987 Tokyo Motor Show. ^{[13] [17]}

It had an all alloy, quad cam, 32 valve, EFI, 3.8 litre V8 engine. It used a prototype of the 1UZ-FE which was later used in the Lexus LS400 (some 1UZ-FE prototypes from about 1987 were the same size).^[18] The radiator cooling fans were hydraulically driven under computer control.^[17]

At the time, the drive train was Toyota's only 4WD system using a V8. The front/rear split was normally 30/70 but could change up to 50/50. A 4 speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox was used. Electronic Skid Control and Traction Control were included.^[17]

The Pegasus (Precision Engineered Geometrically Advanced SUSpension) was a prototype for the new Toyota TEMS suspension used on later Cressidas, Soarers and Supras.^[17]

The FXV-II included 4 wheel steering and had a maximum speed of 260 km/h (160 mph) and a drag coefficient of Cd=0.26.^[19]

The interior included GPS navigation and computerised CRT displays.^[17]

Images of FXV-II

Toyota EV-30
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1987
Dimensions
Length	2,100 mm (82.7 in)
Width	1,320 mm (52.0 in)
Height	1,140–1,525 mm (44.9–60.0 in)

The EV-30 was a concept two-seat electric vehicle by Toyota that was first shown at the October 1987 Tokyo Motor Show. .^[17]

Th body was made from resin and was shown in both open (no roof) and closed (with a roof) forms, although both forms had no doors. The front bumper sloped back and upwards, running into the cabin to form the dashboard. The rear bumper sloped forward and down, running into the cabin to form the side armrests. The construction was lightweight, being designed as a LSV for use inside shopping malls, hospitals and similar environments.

Zinc-bromide batteries of 106 V were used to power an AC induction motor. This gave it a top speed of 43 km/h (27 mph). When driven at 30 km/h (19 mph) it had a range of 165 km (103 mi). The batteries could be charged from a standard Japanese 100 V mains socket.

Toyota Soarer Aero Cabin
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1987
Assembly	Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size car
Body style	2 door sports car
Related	Toyota 86
Powertrain
Engine	Turbocharged 3.0L
Transmission	4 speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2670 mm
Length	4675 mm
Width	1725 mm
Height	1345 mm
Curb weight	1610 kg
Chronology
Predecessor	Toyota Soarer

The Toyota Soarer Aero Cabin (Aerocabin) is a sports car based on the Toyota Soarer, and produced in 1987. It is a Japan only model, and 500 were produced. It is estimated that 490 are still in good condition. It includes an electric folding roof, power windows, power locks, leather seats, folding mirrors, keyless entry, digital dash, cruise control, and automated climate control. Its emblem is a horse with wings.^[20][21][22]

Toyota 4500GT
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Company
Production	1989
Assembly	Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Grand Tourer
Body style	2+2 coupe
Layout	FR
Powertrain
Engine	4.5 L 1UZ-FE-based V8
Transmission	6 speed manual, rear mounted
Dimensions
Curb weight	1,450 kg (3,197 lb)
Chronology
Successor	Toyota Soarer Lexus SC400 Coupe

The Toyota 4500GT concept debuted at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is a 2-door, 2+2 coupe that signalled Toyota's entry into the competitive upper-level luxury coupe class. Although the car's controversial styling was almost universally disliked by the show-goers at the Frankfurt show, its mechanical components were far more relevant, as they carried over much more closely to its production offspring than the styling did.

Toyota claimed the 4500GT was capable of transporting 4 passengers and their luggage comfortably at a speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). To achieve this, the car had to be both efficient, and powerful. The body's unusual shape (dropping snout, flat and abrupt rear end) yielded an extremely low coefficient of drag for the time period of Cd=0.29.

The power plant was quite impressive. A derivative of Toyota's then-new 1UZ-FE V8, the 4500GT boasted an additional 500 cc of displacement over the production unit, twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, and 5 valves per cylinder. This high tech masterpiece produced 220 kW (295 bhp) at 6600 rpm and 390 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft) at 4800 rpm. This alloy V8 was mated with a 6 speed manual transmission, which was mounted at the rear with the differential to even out the front/rear weight balance.

The suspension used double control arms front and rear. The front utilized upper A arms and lower L arms, and the rear used upper L arms and lower A arms for increased camber to promote stability in high speed corners.

No acceleration testing was ever done on the car, but with 220 kW (295 bhp) and a curb weight of 1,450 kg (3,197 lb), the rear-wheel drive 4500GT could be reasonably expected to achieve 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in less than 7 seconds.

The 4500GT never made it directly to the showroom; however, it was the predecessor to the third generation Toyota Soarer (also known as the first generation Lexus SC). The Soarer/SC400 utilized a milder production version of the 4500GT's V8, a 4.0 L with 250 hp (186 kW). The styling of the Soarer/SC400 was in the eyes of many much more cohesive and attractive, and it went on to great commercial success on the mechanical backbone of the 4500GT concept.

Toyota Camp Mate
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Company
Production	1989
Assembly	Japan
Body and chassis
Class	campervan
Body style	van
Layout	4WD
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L 2C

The Toyota Camp Mate is a RV based on the Toyota LiteAce (TownAce). The concept was introduced in 1989, and was only ¥1,250,724. It features the regular LiteAce body, but includes an expandable side, adding an additional 0.9 m (3 ft) of space inside. The Camp Mate can fit up to 10 people, and has room for 2 beds, a small kitchen, a living room, and 1 bathroom. It is powered by the 2C 2.0 litre diesel engine, and uses 4WD.^[23]

Toyota RAV-Four
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	1989
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	4-wheel drive
Related	Toyota RAV4
Powertrain
Engine	four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine
Dimensions
Length	3695 mm
Width	1695 mm
Height	1660 mm

The Toyota RAV-Four is a concept vehicle produced by Toyota in 1989, and shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. It entered production as the Toyota RAV4. In the front, it includes a retractable winch.^[24][25]

• Toyota concept vehicles (1935–1969)
• Toyota concept vehicles (1970–1979)
• Toyota concept vehicles (1990–1999)
• Toyota concept vehicles (2000–2009)
• Toyota concept vehicles (2010–2019)
• Toyota concept vehicles (2020–2029)

• Toyota concept cars
• Video of the GTV on Youtube