I-unit, named as Time's Coolest Invention for 2005

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Written by Maureen Jane Tan

Thursday, 17 November 2005

Time Magazine, in its "The Most Amazing Inventions" issue, has named Toyota's I-unit as one of the coolest inventions for the year 2005.

I-unit is a leaf-shaped personal vehicle that can run upto 20miles per hour. It is powered by lithium-ion battery and can run in low and high speed. When it runs in low-speed, the vehicle is in upright mode measuring 1.1 meters long and 1.8 meters high. The car's shape and wheel base changes when running on high speed; the car reclines to 1.8meters long and 1.25meters high.

This lightweight and ultra compact size car minimizes occupied space and energy consumption. Driving it uses a special technology called drive-by-wire which enables intuitive handling of passenger to manerver on the spot turns and drive at high speed at will.

Toyota demonstrated I-unit during the Aichi Expo 2005. They also showcased a versiono f I-unit at Tokyo Motor Show 2005. For those who still have not seen I-unit, you can go to Toyota Kaikan Exhibition Hall.

Best Inventions 2005: Roll with it

Toyota Kiakan Exhibition Hall

Last Updated ( Saturday, 19 November 2005 )

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