Next month’s Geneva International Motor Show will feature the world premiere of Toyota’s “i-TRIL Concept.” Developed by Toyota Motor Europe in collaboration with the company’s ED² design studio in Nice, Toyota is promoting this electric motor powered concept as a showcase for numerous aspects of Toyota’s research into “engaging environmentally-friendly mobility solutions.”
Information is scarce in advance of the March 7 unveiling but Toyota has released a few hints, including that the concept will feature some degree of autonomy and a one-plus-two seating layout, which means one seat in the front and two in the back. The i-TRIL concept will also feature Toyota’s “Active Lean” technology, which is designed to improve maneuverability and stability on turns.
According to Toyota, the vehicles that will follow the i-TRIL concept will compete with the A and B segment markets, other electric vehicles, and motorcycles. The terms A-segment and B-segment are European designations, but such vehicles are sold worldwide. Examples of A-segment vehicles sold in the U.S. include the Fiat 500 and the Mini, and examples of the B-segment include the Audi A1, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris.
Expectations are that Toyota will do its best to differentiate the i-TRIL concept vehicle from more traditional offerings, as indicated by the company’s promise that, “even as slow speeds in the urban environment,” the i-TRIL concept will be fun to drive.
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