TOYOTA FINE-T

This compact, four-seat fuel-cell concept exploits an advanced powertrain to deliver high maneuverability via a four-wheel drive-by-wire steering system. The Toyota Fine-T Concept can spin on its own axis, or edge into tight parking spaces, and is driven by compact electric motors mounted within each wheel. The motors are powered by Toyota's latest generation fuel cell stack mounted beneath the flat floor. The fuel cell takes its hydrogen from a high-pressure tank also situated under the floor. Large gull-wing doors on either side reveal the roomy interior, and the driver's seat rotates outward at the press of a button to make access easier. As with the Fine-X, the Fine-T utilizes plant-based, carbon-neutral materials for interior elements like door trim, suede-like ceiling material, seat nets, and floor mats. Although Toyota is seriously evaluating fuel cells, company sources admit the technology is not likely to be viable until sometime in the next decade, primarily because of problems producing and storing hydrogen.