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2007 Toyota iQ Concept

September's Frankfurt auto show was filled with innovative concepts and some equally stimulating production cars, especially enjoyable for a car enthusiast more attuned to our comparatively staid

Cute little Toyota could become a smart car competitor. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

North American industry-wide lineup of domestic and imported vehicles. Stars of the show were from segments not even represented until this 2008 model year, particularly the microcar class with the smart fortwo leading the way. And while the new fortwo was shown in a really cool nightclub-like display with body parts in every hue imaginable hanging in long rows as if they were the latest designer fashions in a haute couture shop, the car is simply old news in Europe and therefore didn't create much media buzz. C'est la vie, smart.
The buzzmeister in Germany was one of the untouchables we hope to eventually get here, Fiat's 500. It proved later to be the show's European Car of the Year, and during the Frankfurt event made an even bigger splash than it would have otherwise thanks to a massive replica of the retro-themed vehicle

A sculpted crease over the rocker panel adds excitement to the side profile. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

taking show-goers on an integrated amusement ride. VW's up! concept was a giant hit too, with most media types voting it amongst the best prototypes of the show.

A car in this class that received less media attention than either the 500 or up! but deserves a heck of a lot more than it got is Toyota's petite iQ concept, adding the modern flair of the Japanese brand's Vibrant Clarity design language to the tried and true monobox packaging format most in this category embrace. And while Toyota didn't create a monster version for people to drive through, the car did rest in front of one of the most innovative backdrops of the show, a double screen of seriously '60s-style psychedelic images and colors that constantly changed, never to repeat themselves ... ideal

It even looks more interesting from the rear. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

for photos (check the gallery for a number of multi-colored samples).

The iQ is all organically formed curves and creases, seeming as if it was sculpted out of a single block of clay. OK, this last point might be accurate, but if you look past this obvious reality I think you'll appreciate my sentiment. After all, the car is devoid of a grille or any air ducts other than a single, horizontal vent at the base of the front fascia. The V-shape of the upper fascia (where the grille would normally be) is similar to production Toyotas, and the angular headlight clusters are also somewhat akin to the lively little Yaris hatchback. A swept line just above the rockers applies a feeling of movement to the design, and gives life to what would otherwise be a

Seventeen-inch wheels probably wouldn't make production, but they look great. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

rather slab-sided profile if it wasn't for a set of dagger-shaped door handles.

The rear end design, particularly from the three-quarter view is extremely innovative, and incorporates a curvaceous quarter window that forms into an upside-down teardrop upon meeting up with the taillights, which follow the rear fender line right down to the base of the rear valance. A small rear hatch that uses the Toyota logo as its release latch (a la VW) sits above a single exhaust port, finishing off a truly attractive little microcar.

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