The stocky, futuristic-looking compact wears a tubular aluminum frame with lightweight polypropylene plastic composite body panels. The concept weighs just 1,653 pounds and is versatile — Toyota calls it an “anti-excess” vehicle. The panels are 100% recyclable and come off to transform the car from a sedan to a convertible; an extendable rear deck turns it into a pickup truck.
The electric concept gets power from four in-wheel motors and a lithium-ion battery pack that is mounted under a bamboo floor. The ME.WE makes extensive use of bamboo; it lines just about all the car’s interior surfaces.
Toyota teamed with French designer Jean-Marie Massaud to design the concept, which was unveiled at a Paris event this week. Not surprisingly, the automaker has no plans to produce the concept.
News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.