Toyota FCV concept - an odd car aerodynamically

[gone-ot]

Is it just me, or does it seem that Japanese *air* must be really UGLY because their aerodynamic designs always seem to look UGLY too?

[aerohead]

Here's a link to another Toyota concept which adds fuel to Red Devil's comment about what we can expect from Toyota in the future.It's that same 'aggressive' styling:
http://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/images/..._001_thumb.jpg

[Xist]

[kach22i]

I never imagined that Toyota would do worse than this train wreck below. Sadly I was wrong if that white van makes it to market.

Toyota Unveils 2014 4Runner.... - Pelican Parts Technical BBS


One of the better applications of front corner wackiness.

Kia
2014 NAIAS: Kia GT4 Stinger Concept - egmCarTech

[aerohead]

Is this all a result of Ferrari's 'air fence'?

[wdb]

The dark areas on the outer front corners are not grilles. From the video I saw here they appear to be smoked acrylic with lights behind them. The same patterned finish is repeated in the taillights.

I like the idea of integrating side mirrors into the nose, but I'm not sure how practical it really is.

In general I like the shape. Now if only Toyota would fire every single person in their 'sytling' department and start over from scratch, maybe we'd get something really handsome. Even this handsome piece...



...looked like this from the front.

[wdb]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

I had not noticed the side view mirrors being integrated. The front grill looks bad, and it can't be good for low drag. I don't think that fuel cells have a particular need to shed heat - but they have a half a dozen HUGE hurdles to get over; so it is probably a moot point.

By "moot", do you mean "available to the public in 2015"? Because that's what Toyota is claiming. Availability will be limited to areas with fuel cell refilling stations, which at this time is a small part of California.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by aerohead

Is this all a result of Ferrari's 'air fence'?

Not entirely in my opinion, but most certainly part of the story.

Both Ferrari and Porsche have been using pronounced front corner intakes (dual/split radiator) for at least 15 years.

Intimation is a from of flattery, right?

I'd like to separate out the air fence look from the dual radiator look discussion wise.

Ferrari 458 video - active aero

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdKp1Lb6cDA

I think marketing wise BMW was the first to promote "Air Fences".

[NeilBlanchard]

Originally Posted by aerohead

(Autospontaneoustesticularatrophobia)

Instant classic.

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by kach22i

I think marketing wise BMW was the first to promote "Air Fences".

If memory serves, BMW were the first--only they called them "air curtains." It seems like they're popping up everywhere these days, including such pedestrian domestics as the SRT Viper.