Toyota’s small hybrid concept, the FT-Bh was unveiled today in Geneva.
The car uses a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain which enables it to deliver fuel efficiency figures of 2.1-litres per 100 Km and CO2 emission levels of 49 grams per Km. The FT-Bh was developed under the ‘ecomotion’ theme (eco + emotion) and apart from eco-friendly performance, is also aiming at providing an enjoyable driving experience.
The FT-Bh is designed with a small fuel tank placed under the rear seat, the same place were the car’s lithium-ion battery is placed in order to enable a low center of gravity and contribute to its driving performance.
Apart from the FT-Bh that is on display in Geneva, TMC has also developed two alternative versions that provide even lower emissions. A compressed natural gas (CNG) hybrid version emitting 38 grams of CO2 per Km and a plug-in hybrid version which achieves 19 grams/Km.
The Toyota FT-Bh small hybrid weights 786 Kg and is made out of high-tensile-strength steel which eliminated the need of using expensive materials such as carbon fiber. On the inside the automaker has used a new high-expansion foam material to improve interior thermal management and reduce the weight of interior components, a method which allowed other components such as the body frame, chassis and powertrain to be made lighter.
The FT-Bh uses a newly developed 1.0-litre two-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine along with improved hybrid system efficiency.
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