The Frankfurt Motor Show will be the venue for the world premiere of the Toyota CS&S (Compact Sports & Specialty), a 2+2 open-top sports car which, in terms of size, falls between the current Celica and MR2 models. The car is powered by Toyota's advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system, combining a mid-mounted 1.5-litre petrol unit that drives the rear wheels with a powerful electric motor to drive the front wheels.

CS&S proves that hybrid technology is not just eco-friendly, it can also provide a dynamic and highly enjoyable driving experience. Four-wheel drive and excellent acceleration from the electric motor's high torque underpins the car's sporting character, while the Hybrid Synergy Drive system delivers benefits in fuel economy and clean running.

Toyota's aim in developing the Hybrid Synergy Drive concept is to create more powerful petrol and electric power sources in order to achieve higher levels of performance. Conventional hybrid systems rely on a petrol or diesel engine to produce peak performance, and utilise an electric motor as an ancillary. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system, also used in the new Prius, incorporates a much more powerful electric motor, which means the car relies less on the petrol engine, even when extra performance is needed, as when accelerating or travelling uphill. As the electric motor is much more efficient than the petrol unit, this means better fuel economy, too.

Advanced design concept
CS&S is a new concept in sports car design, displaying styling cues developed by Toyota's ED2 studio in the South of France. In this way it provides pointers to Toyota's design philosophy for future cars for the European market.

Overall, the styling uses clear contrasts, between sharp, angular lines and fluid curves and arches. This is reflected in the interior, too, with arched front compartments that define the separate space for driver and passenger and express the car's sporting character.

At first glance, CS&S looks like a two-seater. In fact, removable rear canopies conceal a further two seats, making it a true 2+2 sports car. In a further innovative touch that boosts security, the front passenger seat has been designed in such a way that it can be adapted to form a cover for the cockpit area.

Toyota Space Touch - a revolutionary new human-machine interface
The CS&S incorporates a radical new IT concept - Toyota Space Touch. This is an integrated multi-function system that breaks new ground in terms of human-machine interface technology. It is operated by means of a series of holographic projections that the driver 'touches' to make a selection.

Spheres appear to float in space, but when touched they allow the user to control the air conditioning, audio, satellite navigation or even Internet connections. It is simple and intuitive to use, yet involves the application of cutting edge technology.

EUROPEAN SHOW DEBUT FOR NEW PRIUS
The new generation Toyota Prius will be formally introduced to the European public at Frankfurt, following the car's world debut in Detroit at the beginning of the year and its appearance as an official car at the World Athletics Championships in Paris in August.

As well as being the most technologically advanced car on the market, the Prius also offers a radical and intelligent design, combining the distinctive qualities of a saloon, and the versatility of an estate car in a practical five-door hatchback. Aerodynamics play a significant role in improving fuel economy, the Prius having a class-leading coefficient of drag of 0.26. The Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain enables nought to 62mph acceleration in less than 11 seconds and more than 65mpg in combined cycle driving. The Prius is exceptionally clean, too, producing nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon emissions 88.8 per cent below Euro IV standards.

The pioneering technology deployed in the new Prius includes the world's first fully electric active safety package, including a by-wire braking system and the first application of an electric inverter air conditioning system with humidity sensor. UK sales are scheduled to begin in early 2004.

NEW ENGINES FOR TOYOTA AVENSIS
Two new engines for the British-built Toyota Avensis will be presented at Frankfurt: a flagship 2.4-litre direct injection petrol unit and the low emissions 2.0-litre D-CAT diesel. Introducing these new engines will give Avensis the widest complete range of Euro IV-compliant petrol and diesel power units on the market.

The 2.4-litre unit will be the largest direct injection engine in its class in Europe. Producing 161bhp at 5,800rpm and 230Nm at 3,800rpm, it will power the Avensis from rest to 62mph in 9.1 seconds and achieve a top speed, where permitted, of 138mph. It will be offered with a new transmission with a multi-mode system allowing the driver to choose between fully automatic or semi-sequential gearshifts.

The new D-CAT (Diesel Clean Advanced Technologies) engine reinforces Toyota's position as a world leader in developing clean engine technology. D-CAT reduces nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions to 50 and 90 per cent respectively below Euro IV levels. Provisional output figures are 114bhp at 3,600rpm with 280Nm of torque at 2,200rpm. This provides a top speed, where permitted, of 122mph and nought to 62mph acceleration in 11.2 seconds. This matches the performance of the conventional 2.0-litre D-4D engine while achieving significantly lower emissions.

CHANGES FOR RAV4 AND AVENSIS VERSO
Frankfurt will reveal styling changes for the 2004 RAV4 and a fresh look and significant specification enhancements for the Avensis Verso.

The RAV4, Europe's best-selling SUV, is to be the first car in its class to be offered with SRS Curtain Shield airbags and is further equipped with Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Brake Assist.

The Avensis Verso is being shown with a new-look front end and a more refined and better-equipped interior. New features include Side and Curtain shield airbags, turn-by-turn satellite navigation with ETA (Electronic Traffic Avoidance), automatic air conditioning, and power-retracting door mirrors. DVD-based full-map satellite navigation will be available as an option.

Full details of specifications for the UK market for the RAV4 and Avensis Verso will be announced shortly.

The Car Enthusiast will be travelling to the 2003 Frankfurt Show in September so look out for our review linked from the main Motor Shows page.

Toyota news release - 1 Sep 2003