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When you hear about 2007 Tokyo Motor Show you will also hear about the new little Toyota offering was inspired by the ‘deep-rooted and tall-growing Yakusugi tree’ which is a type of Japanese cypress, you believe it straight off.
Toyota Motor’s RiN is not just green as in environmental friendly, it’s actually green and guess what – it promotes natural good health when you’re sitting inside it! Truly a car of the future, something out of a benevolent sci-fi novel.
Let’s take a look at what is on offer. Inside, the RiN's seats are ergonomically designed and promote good back posture.
The green glass in the RiN is meant to filter out the infrared and the ultraviolet light. The way it has been designed may look bulky but inside, it’s spacious and somehow so much brighter. There are glass panels at the floor level too, heightening the open space and close to nature feel.
Let’s look at what more this ‘spa on wheels’ has to offer. There’s an oxygen-level conditioner so you can breathe deeply and easily – and feel so much more energized as well. There’s also a pinpoint humidifier which keeps track of the humidity level inside the RiN so it is kept at the optimum level for comfort. There’s a pollen filter as well and a plasma cluster ensures that the air is kept fresh with negative ions. And let's not forget the heated seats. There’s more.
Toyota says that there is a mood control device too. Now this is really eerie. The RiN is supposed to gauge the driver’s state of mind and the image displays change accordingly. Now we don’t really know how this works but it is intriguing to say the least. The beautiful beige interiors are also a calming effect.
The RiN has no ashtrays – a message there? – and many of the functions are started up by stroking them – no push or pull. In fact, even the doors don’t open, they glide which is so very Japanese. Sounds from outside are filtered out too and only the pleasant ones are let in making for a truly different experience.
Outside, the RiN might look like a green golf cart but it has some special things going for it. It is made of bio-plastic material. This reduces fuel use as well as provides a safety cushion to pedestrians should there be an accident.
The RiN's tires are small and narrow and placed at the extreme corners. They are designed to splash water inward through a special tread design.
The RiN's headlights emit a soft glow thanks to special light distribution controls. One is still a bit unsure of how the RiN will be powered but all said and done, it will roll in with a futuristic breath of fresh green air!