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Toyota RLV Concept Takes a Page From the Flintstones?

Agent009 submitted on 12/01/2006 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:54 AM
from: news.windingroad.com

[9] user comments | category: Spy Shots

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Toyota RLV Concept Takes a Page From the Flintstones?

As population in Los Angeles increases and more vehicles appear on the road, traffic conditions in the LA area continues to worsen. This traffic problem is the main focus and reasoning behind Toyota’s RLV (Renewable Lifestyle Vehicle) concept for 2015. The RLV is a lightweight, aluminum bodied, two-seat tandem vehicle that features an innovative collapsible track system and a split powertrain.

Most ‘Angelenos’ agree that only two speeds exist in LA: 5 and 75mph. Also, rush hour and no rush hour, traffic and no traffic. Thus, ‘tortoise and hare’…slow and fast.

The Toyota RLV identifies this ‘tortoise and hare’ traffic situation and features a new type of hybrid, ’split’ powertrain solution. The vehicle offers a manual/pedal power mode and an automatic/electric mode. The manual/pedal mode is hydraulically driven and can be used in many different scenarios. Primarily, it’s used while in heavy, ’stop and go’ traffic where the vehicle produces zero emissions. Also, the pedal mode is suitable for boardwalk, sidewalk, neighborhood, and beach applications. The manual/pedal mode also promotes LA’s lifestyle of health and fitness…all while functionally recharging the electric motor batteries. The automatic/electric mode is used at higher speeds and in light traffic conditions. As vehicle speed increases, the track widens for more stability via a unique telescopic axle.

The vehicle also features a removable, translucent bio-plastic body paneling. The seats in the RLV are composed of wicker and bio-plastics while the floorboard is constructed of bamboo and aluminum. For rollover safety, the RLV incorporates a frame-integrated pop-up roll bar as well as pop-up headrests. The Toyota RLV concept is a specialized vehicle solution to LA’s extreme traffic condition. The vehicle improves quality of life while preserving the environment.

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horta - 12/1/2006 1:26:36 PM

-5 Boost

Now this is too funny..If they made it some people would actually buy it...not me but some people.. : )

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XYZZ - 12/2/2006 8:17:52 AM

-1 Boost

hey, it beats out the increasing popular recumbant bicycles by a long shot!

i'd buy one.

XYZZ - 12/2/2006 8:27:21 AM

-1 Boost

increasing => increasingly

vitalichaconne - 12/1/2006 8:39:31 PM

0 Boost

i personally think this is pretty cool...=)

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huu76 - 12/2/2006 2:13:11 AM

0 Boost

Europe is only laughing because they didn't think of it. 0 pollution. LOL, who needs diesels now? Hybrid technology once again shows that it can be used with anything. It would be even better if you can plug it in as well.

Smarter than the Smart (it really should be named the Stupid).

I wonder how much one would cost?

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XYZZ - 12/4/2006 2:23:01 AM

+1 Boost

i mentioned recumbent bicycles.

years ago, there was a Scientific American article which compared the relative efficiencies of different animals. with respect to the energy expended to move their body mass and travel.

birds generally, were MOST efficient. then quadrupeds. finally bipeds. NON-flying bipeds were among the most INefficient.

man is one of the LEAST efficient of all, in locomotion.

however, put a man on a bicycle, and he instantly becomes the MOST EFFICIENT of ALL critters.

now this toyota does not have tires as skinny as bicycle tires. but i would guess the battery/motor/hybrid combo could well make this machine the MOST efficient way man COULD travel.

(short of soaring in a sailplane, like super-efficient birds)

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Yakamoto - 12/10/2006 7:33:49 PM

+1 Boost

i'd get on in a heartbeat. how much?

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Yakamoto - 12/10/2006 7:34:45 PM

+1 Boost

i meant "one" not "on"

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