On January 7th 2003, Toyota displayed its FINE-S hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid-electric concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. This new concept vehicle was an example of the brand’s continuing commitment to the development of environmentally friendly technology for its vehicles. The FINE-S featured high-performance styling, demonstrating the potential adaptability of the model for a wide variety of cars based on a shared underlying platform.
The FINE-S, developed by Toyota Motor Corporation, was designed to be representative of the future of fuel-cell technology, whilst maintaining high styling and impressive performance credentials. The ability to install fuel-cell components in a modular fashion throughout the model demonstrated the possibility of future fuel-cell models being capable of applying electric power to all four wheels.
The model featured a long wheelbase and exceptionally short rear and front overhangs, as well a stylish, purposeful ground-hugging stance. This provided it with a low centre of gravity which, when coupled with an advanced individual wheel torque control setup, provided supreme performance and handling capabilities. The interior of the FINE-S boasted a roomy cabin with an innovative 4-seat design, giving both spaciousness and comfort in one.
Significantly, the unveiling of the FINE-S came just one month after the delivery of the first Toyota zero-emission-certified, market-ready fuel cell vehicles in both the USA and Japan. On 2nd December 2002, the marque leased a number of “Toyota FCHV” fuel-cell models to the Japanese government as well as to the University of California, Davis (UDC) and the University of California Irvine (UCI). The “Toyota FCHV” model was based on the Highlander, 5-seater sport utility vehicle, with a fuel-cell system designed, developed and manufactured solely by Toyota. The pair of models delivered to the USA were the first of a group of six “Toyota FCHV” vehicles featuring fuel-cell technology to be leased to the two campuses of the University of California.
The experimentation with this new technology did not run as smoothly as the manufacturer would have hoped, with a severe setback in May 2003. Toyota decided to recall all six hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicles after discovering a leaking fuel tank in one of the cars.
The brand’s dedication to environmentally friendly technology received acclaim from the Union of Concerned Scientists in the United States. In December 2002, they published a report under the name “Automotive Rankings: The Environmental Performance of Car Companies”, analysing both emissions and fuel economy for the six major car manufacturers in the US. Toyota was singled out as the only one of the six companies to successfully have reduced average greenhouse gas emissions across its fleet of models from 2000 to 2001, with its 2001 models 10% below average for greenhouse gases and a staggering 20% below average for smog-forming emissions.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Gary Tsang for www.sport-cars.org
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