Toyota to Launch Ultra-compact 'iQ' in Japan

JCN Newswires, Oct 15, 2008

Tokyo, Oct 15, 2008 - (JCN Newswire) - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today it will begin sales of its new "micro-premium" car, the "iQ*1", in Japan starting on November 20.

The iQ combines outstanding performance and superior quality in an ultra-compact form that dispels conventional notions about small cars.

A newly designed platform enables an ultra-efficient package that seats four in a vehicle 2,985mm long by 1,680mm wide by 1,500mm high. The iQ's unique styling creates a sense of sophistication and presence that belies the car's size.

A 1.0-liter engine delivers outstanding cruising and environmental performance, offers fuel efficiency at the highest levels for its displacement, and also meets the new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards under the recently introduced JC08 test cycle. The iQ is highly responsive at low and medium speeds, provides stable cruising performance at high speeds, and has a minimum turning radius of 3.9 meters-one of the shortest in the industry. In addition, a S-VSC (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) system and a total of nine airbags, including the world's first*2 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) rear window curtain shield airbag, are standard on all models to provide outstanding safety performance.

The iQ is also planned to go on sale in Europe in early 2009.

*1 "i" stands for "individuality", and expresses "innovation" and "intelligence". "Q" stands for "quality", hints at the vehicle's "cubic" form and is a "cue" to move toward new values and lifestyles.

*2 As of September 2008, according to research by TMC

Monthly sales target for Japan: 2,500 units

Assembly Plant: Takaoka Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

iQ Specifications

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Length   Width   Height   Seatin  Engine   Powertrain   Transmission
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2,985mm 1,680mm 1,500mm     4     1KR-FE   Front-engine,Super CVT-i*1
                                (1.0 liter) front-wheel
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Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for iQ (Unit: yen)

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Grade Price*2 (including consumption tax)
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  100X                1,400,000
  100G                1,500,000
  "Leather Package"   1,600,000
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*1 Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent

*2 Prices listed do not include recycling fees; prices in Hokkaido and Okinawa differ to those listed.

Vehicle Outline

Cutting-edge design

-The iQ embodies the Toyota vehicle design philosophy of "Vibrant Clarity" by fusing conflicting elements to create something that is "small yet spacious".

-Mathematical models based on conch shells and water ripples were used to create interior and exterior lines, surfaces and designs reflecting the beauty of nature.

-The wheel arches, emphasized by the placement of the 15-inch wheels as close to the four corners of the vehicle as possible, and the robust front view all integrate with the flowing body lines to convey stability and dynamism.

-"Aero-corners" designed into the front and rear bumpers emphasize the strength of the wheel arches and provide outstanding aerodynamic performance.

-The world's first* high and low beam integrated projector headlights and LED rear combination taillights are testament to the iQ's cutting-edge status.

-Door mirrors with highly visible built-in turning signals come standard.

-Nine body colors, including the new Jade Green Metallic, are available.

-The center cluster and door trim, the design of which was influenced by the motion of a manta ray, help create a refined interior space.

-The angular instrument panel combines with the flowing curves of the center cluster to create a space that feels both technologically advanced and natural.

-The seats, steering wheel, and gear shift knob feature real leather for a high-quality feel (in the 100G "Leather Package").

-The steering wheel, instead of being fully circular, has a flat bottom section to facilitate comfortable operation and ease of ingress and egress.

-Available steering-wheel-mounted audio system controls enhance operability.

-The angle-adjustable white, round LED map light provides broad light.

-The temperature, mode, and airflow of the automatic air conditioning are adjustable through a single dial.

* As of September 2008, according to research by TMC

Six methods used to achieve ultra-efficient package

-Inverting the differential gear and putting its output axle in front made it possible to position the wheels forward of the engine, resulting in a reduced front overhang.

-Optimal component placement-moving the differential gear forward (see above) and positioning the steering gearbox higher-allowed for a compact engine compartment.

-A flat fuel tank located below the floor reduced rear overhang.

-The driver and front passenger seatbacks were made thinner, while still providing seat grip and comfort, to create greater legroom in the back.