Photo: Mike Magrath via Twitter
The automotive industry is constantly giving us that "the future is starts right now" feeling over the past year. Cars can now drive, park and save themselves from danger, all while using less fuel than ever. Toyota is just about to play a major role in this sci-fi movie with the FCV, the first-ever fuel cell vehicle designed for the mass market.
It's already been previewed as a concept, but a couple of murky Twitter picture we recently stumbled upon suggest the production model is almost ready. Edmunds editor Mike Magrath posted these images on his account the other day with the message "2015 Toyota Prius? #SpyShot #mule #hybrid." While he's not right on the money with his question, the image do uncover a few interesting tidbits of design.
The transition from concept car to production model has left the FCV pretty much unchanged. Take the wheels away and it really could double as a spaceship on its way to Mars. Not surprisingly, it sticks out like a sore thumb on a Southern California highway.
So why was this fully undisguised prototype out in the open. Well, many vehicles spend months on end testing in Death Valley, where some of the most extreme temperatures on earth are experienced.
The hydrogen-powered car takes the shape of a sedan, distinctive both at the front and the back. Starting with the former, this shows very large triangular side air intakes and a mixture of Prius-like design elements. The rear has a Dodge-like light strip across the boot and the same isosceles triangle design for the taillights.
The FCV is expected to go on sale in certain parts of America late next year. Prices will start at around $70,000.
The transition from concept car to production model has left the FCV pretty much unchanged. Take the wheels away and it really could double as a spaceship on its way to Mars. Not surprisingly, it sticks out like a sore thumb on a Southern California highway.
So why was this fully undisguised prototype out in the open. Well, many vehicles spend months on end testing in Death Valley, where some of the most extreme temperatures on earth are experienced.
The hydrogen-powered car takes the shape of a sedan, distinctive both at the front and the back. Starting with the former, this shows very large triangular side air intakes and a mixture of Prius-like design elements. The rear has a Dodge-like light strip across the boot and the same isosceles triangle design for the taillights.
The FCV is expected to go on sale in certain parts of America late next year. Prices will start at around $70,000.
Google News