copyright Toray
In the concept car, which is jointly developed by Toray, Mitsubishi Chemical, Sumitomo Chemical, AGC, Bridgestone, polymers will constute 47 % of the car, reducing the vehicle weight to 850 kg. The car has an egg-shaped cabin and a separate front wheel cover, a large window area, and a large opening door. The interior of the cabin with its monitoring and steering systems are prepared for future automated operation; it contains 1 + 2 seats for 3 people. The new CFRP material was not only used for the outer body (over 50 % weight reduction compared to a metal body), but also used in suspension springs, shock absorbers, battery packs and interior materials. Greenhouse gas reduction calculated for manufacturing plus 100,000 km driving was reduced by 11 %.
JST news release, September 28, 2018
