Toyota Fine-S Fuel Cell Sports Car Concept

The 2003 North American International Auto Show gave auto enthusiasts an eyeful when it came to advanced technology vehicles. One that stood apart from the crowd was revealed by then-president of Toyota Fujio Cho. As the cover was pulled, it was evident the Fine-S - a hydrogen fuel cell exotic with lines that would do Ferrari proud - was no typical concept. It was sleek, forward-thinking, and ... dare we say it ... fast looking as well. These were not attributes expected of an eco-focused car. Yet, the Fine-S did its job as a concept well by sharing a bit of Toyota's coming philosophy on how traditional and environmental performance could be artfully blended into a vehicle. This article is reprinted as it ran in Green Car Journal's Special Edition issue in the summer of 2003, providing a glimpse at how automakers were beginning to view alternative fuels and advanced technologies in the high-performance world.

CUTTING-EDGE FUEL CELL SPORTS CAR
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED SUMMER 2003 In a word...wow! With its FINE-S concept vehicle, Toyota proves that fuel cell cars needn't be a nondescript part of the mainstream. Rather, this innovative hydrogen fuel cell, hybrid-electric car illustrates the potential that fuel cell vehicles have for performance and styling. It's designed to use Toyota's new modular Hybrid Synergy Drive, a system that makes it possible to install an advanced fuel cell powerplant in a wide array of vehicle types, shapes, and sizes, based on a shared platform.

With the ability to modularly install fuel cell components throughout a vehicle, Toyota points out that future fuel cell vehicles will be capable of having individual electric power applied to all four wheels. Use of such an all-wheel drive system, combined with this car's low center-of-gravity and individual wheel torque control system, would contribute to excellent handling and performance.

The FINE-S features a 118.2" wheelbase with short front and rear overhangs, a sleek aerodynamic design, and low stance. The car's spacious cabin accommodates four.

Want to know more about high performance 'green' cars? Be sure to check out these articles on GreenCar.com:
Fisker Karma Hybrid Sports Car Rollout
Tesla Electric Car Gets Reality Check
Trend Watch: 'Green' Sports Cars