I took these photos of the Toyota Kikai at the now sadly closed Toyota Megaweb on Odaiba.
A little about the Kikai from Toyota’s own press release:
>*TOYOTA KIKAI takes the machinery normally hidden beneath a vehicle’s bodywork, and reveals it. Throughout, the componentry on display has been painstakingly detailed to celebrate the intricacy and mechanical elegance of its construction, whether simple or complex in* [*nature.To*](http://nature.To) *that end, the bodywork of the mid-engined concept has been kept to a bare minimum, simply enclosing the structural core of a central, three-seater cabin. Housed within exposed aluminium sub-frame members, all other components are uncovered; the vehicle’s inner workings becoming part of the exterior.*
>*At the front, the KIKAI’s radiator, steering system, brakes and elegantly cast aluminium front suspension members are all on display. To the rear, the suspension members, brakes, fuel tank, chromed exhaust system and the notably compact packaging of Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain technology are all open to view.*
>*The KIKAI’s hybrid system combines an electric motor with a 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine. The latter includes an electric water pump, a low-friction distribution chain, an intake manifold made of a composite material and a compact exhaust manifold.*
>*As with all Toyota hybrids, the KIKAI stands out for its silent running, comfort and easy handling, particularly in urban areas where the hybrid system allows the car to run solely in electric mode or with a limited – and therefore silent – use of the combustion engine.*
Toyota Kikai
