What is it?
A four-seat sports coupé made out of seaweed. Nori means seaweed in Japanese and that's what makes up the bulk of the one-piece body and chassis.
What technology does it use?
Toyota's designers coined a new phrase for the NORI concept: 'podular'. Basically the body and chassis are one, formed of a bio-plastic that is mostly made up of farmed seaweed. Solar cells are woven into the body to help charge up the removable battery pack. That in turn powers the four electric motors, which are wheel-mounted.
What current car would it replace?
Tough one. It's more like a Toyota Supra than anything currently on sale.
Click here for the full list of vehicles taking part in the 2010 LA Design Challenge.
Shane O' Donoghue - 22 Oct 2010