Toyota just unveiled the NS4 plug-in hybrid concept at the Detroit Motor Show, calling it their “Vision of Future Mobility”.

Based on this then, future of mobility is very ugly! But that’s missing the point.

The NS4’s advanced onboard technologies and the sophisticated power train, that is what matters. It is designed for improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and longer all-electric range, while maintaining a short charge time. They haven’t provided more details on its technical specs though.

The NS4 also hints at the design of Toyota’s upcoming hybrid and electric cars. Details of this car such as the  distinctive trapezoid grille accented by a floating lower spoiler and distinctive daytime running lights, rear lamps that create the effect of a rear spoiler and the roof line profile, lift back design and powered swan-wing doors, these elements can be used in the future models.

The concept car is a showcase of latest technologies. It features something called human-machine interface (HMI), which utilizes a touchscreen to control most of the car’s functions. The multimedia and vehicle-controls enhancement will also direct air conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions. The HMI system is even capable of “learning” driver preferences to anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations.

The NS4 features Toyota’s latest safety system developments, including next generation pre-collision system (PCS), adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights, and blind spot monitor (BSM).

Other highly advanced feature of this car worth mentioning is the four new glass technologies are integrated into the windscreen, front and rear windows to improve driver visibility, fuel economy and electric driving mode mileage efficiency:

• Rain-resistant ‘hydrophobic’ coating – Fluorine coated glass causes rain drops to form intosemispherical shapes for improved visibility and rain drop elimination.
• ‘Anti-fog’ coating – High performance resin material with anti-fogging characteristics and increased durability.
• High ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inner-layer – Removes 99 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays
• Anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency – Reduces the internal vehicle temperature and improves electronic device functionality

This concept has cameras instead of traditional mirrors.

Jim Lentz concluded the unveiling of the NS4, saying, “The continued success of our conventional hybrid vehicles laid strong groundwork for market acceptance of future advanced technologies. NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and convenience of future mobility for people everywhere.”