Toyota Fun-Vii Concept

At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Toyota is displaying three generations of environmentally friendly concept cars. The Fun-Vii concept is the futuristic, slightly odd-one-out of the three. The vehicle, which is entirely conceptual, features a customisable exterior and interior design. And by customisable I don’t mean there’s a choice of wheels and aero accessories.

The graphics displayed on the interior and exterior of the Fun-Vii can be changed with the same ease as changing the wallpaper on your phone or computer. For instance, the whole vehicle body can be used as a display space, with the body color and graphic designs changed instantly.

On the inside Toyota have continued with the theme of personalization and customisation. The entire interior can be altered to suit the mood. Information, such as navigation, is displayed seamlessly  through the use of augmented reality. Furthermore, the Fun-Vii’s “navigation concierge” hologram acts as a ghostly tour guide for the passengers.

Like a smartphone, the Fun-Vii’s onboard software features a network update function meaning it’s always running the latest versions of its navigation, multimedia and control systems.

In Toyota’s fictional world, the Fun-Vii would be able to link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure, allowing it to identify potentially hazardous scenarios – such as vehicles in blind spots, or to connect with friends who are driving nearby.

Toyota also say that some of the Fun-Vii’s functions could be remotely operated via a smartphone or tablet device. Although they neglected to say what they were.

It all sounds very Utopian and super-slick, but the reality is that the Fun-Vii is about as far away from production as affordable personal jetpacks. And I know which I’d prefer.