Toyota MTRC: A Virtual Reality Concept Car?

Serious Performance in Driving Dynamics and Fuel Efficiency

Imagine a futuristic, high-tech car from a computer game sitting on the floor of a motor show. For this years Geneva show Toyota has done exactly this, having engineered a race car concept from the idea of a virtual reality game.

The MTRC concept, which stands for Motor Triathlon Race Car, is the product of Toyota and the creators of Sonys upcoming Gran Turismo 4 racing simulator. Its the sort of machine that goes well beyond the means of any normal road-going car, stretching the bounds of the automotive imagination by crossing "what if" dreams with more concrete ideas of what

From video game to concept, the MTRC is truly an impressive piece of work from Toyota. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

the future might be.

The two-seat, open-wheeled road racer was designed by Toyotas European ED2 design studio. In order to gain access to the cockpit, the entire front end swings up and out of the way, an unorthodox process but one that works nonetheless.

While Toyota has become famous for producing dramatic and futuristic concept cars, the MTRC continues to push the limits of styling and design beyond anything done before. From the

The MTRC seats two in tandem, and looks like a cross between an F1 car and a rocket ship. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

outside, its little more than a rocket ship-like body and four wheels. The two seats are mounted in tandem (one after the other) to retain a narrow cockpit. Much like a Formula One car, this concept features a nose cone that juts out from the center forming two layers. The MTRCs tiny triangular headlamps are mounted within this pod. A thin, flush-mounted windscreen provides minimal coverage of the cockpit, which is completely open to the elements. Behind the cockpit is a massive central arch spoiler which aside from attracting attention, acts as an aerodynamic stability device. From the back, the central-mounted tail light has been formed in the shape of the Toyota logo.

From

Like many of Toyotas new concepts, the MTRC is powered by two power sources, electric as well as fuel cell. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

a technical standpoint, the MTRC is very advanced, even as a concept car. It features two power sources, electric as well as fuel cell. Each wheel is propelled by an individual electric motor, as well as being driven by a fuel-cell powered motor. Toyota states that this design is more flexible than a conventional internal combustion engine and drivetrain.

Part of the name, in specific Triathlon, comes from the cars multi-purpose nature. It has been designed to feel at home on the street, as well as on the race track, and as a bit of a surprise, mild off road conditions.

There arent even remote rumors, let alone idle chats about this concept become reality anytime soon. Rather, the MTRC is an exercise in creative engineering and design. It shows that Toyota isnt only about reliability and quality workmanship, but also about fun. Thats an important message for Toyota to get out.

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