Daihatsu to Exhibit the e:S Concept at Tokyo Motor Show; Minicar with Stop-Start System
12 October 2009
| The Daihatsu e:S concept. Click to enlarge. |
Daihatsu Motor, Toyota Motor’s minicar specialist, will exhibit six concept cars of four different vehicle series and nine production vehicles along with new technologies at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show to be held from 24 October to 4 November.
One of those, the e:S (eco & smart) concept achieves high fuel efficiency of 30 km/liter [70.6 mpg US, 3.33 L/100 km] (10-15 test cycle, measured by Daihatsu) through improvements to existing technologies and the use of a start-stop system—i.e., keeping the cost down while providing fuel consumption competitive with hybrids. (Earlier post.)
The e:S is based on a current platform with the wheelbase shortened to 2,175 mm. Although it has compact exterior dimensions, the package can accommodate four adult passengers.
In addition to a compact body, the use of slim, lightweight seats and the replacement of many materials with lighter versions limits total vehicle weight to 700 kg (1,500 lbs). The e:S is equipped with a conventional 660 cc minivehicle engine fitted with a combustion control system developed by Daihatsu and an EGR, as well as an Idling Stop System.
Another concept, the Tanto Exe, is based on the Tanto which continues to enjoy strong sales and features a lighter body and higher fuel efficiency. Daihatsu plans a market release for the Tanto Exe in the future.
Careful of Mr Toyoda and his Welsh sidekick Dai Hatsu
Man speak with forked tongue.
Posted by: Carlos Fandango | 12 October 2009 at 02:43 AM
This is a typical Kei car. Kei cars "are designed to exploit local tax and insurance relaxations, and in more rural areas are exempted from the requirement to certify that adequate parking is available for the vehicle. These standards originated in the times following the end of the Second World War, when most Japanese could not afford a full-sized car yet had enough to buy a motorcycle. To promote the growth of the car industry, as well as to offer an alternative delivery method to small business and shop owners, kei car standards were created.
The cars feature yellow licence plates, earning them the name "yellow-plate cars" (black numbers on yellow background for private use and yellow numbers on black background for commercial use) in English and Spanish-speaking circles.
Because regulations only restrict physical size, engine displacement and power, manufacturers have introduced many advanced technologies to the class. As a result, kei cars are often available with forced induction engines, automatic and CVT transmissions, front-, rear- and four-wheel drive, hybrid drivetrains, air conditioning, GPS and many other features."
Posted by: ai_vin | 12 October 2009 at 03:34 AM
Start-Stop is useful, and the most interesting version uses piston positioning, fuel injection and spark contol to start. Now what is needed is a tiny electric motor to move the vehicle in very slow traffic. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 12 October 2009 at 07:41 AM
I remember the Honda 600 in the early 70s with a 600 c.c. two cylinder engine. It did not sell well in the U.S., but oil consumption is a world event and more efficient cars help all of us.
Posted by: SJC | 12 October 2009 at 08:28 AM
HG:
That would make it a Kei HEV.
With e-ancilaries +++ it could go up to 100 mpg with a second low cost lead battery.
It could be a good interim solution in many countries, until Kei BEVs become practical and affordable
Posted by: HarveyD | 12 October 2009 at 08:30 AM
There is really no need for expensive HEV or PHEV like Prius, Volt, or PEV like Tesla, efficient but only a handful of people can afford it.
All we need is 2 seater with a small trusty injection engine.
Posted by: rexis | 12 October 2009 at 10:09 PM