Toyota Setsuna, A Car with 100-Year Time Measuring Meter

MANILA: Toyota Setsuna is the new Toyota Concept that has a 100-year meter built in. No literally, we are NOT joking and the company's PR proves it which reads the same. Toyota has decided to make it a generation to generation affair and installed this one of a kind instrument to measure the time ticking by, while the machine ages gracefully and is passed on from one generation to another. Also, the hundred year meter is not the only striking thing about the new Toyota concept, as its all wood body further adds to its divergent quotient.

Well, it's not the first time Toyota has come up with a unique concept, as over the years it has manufactured artworks that truly demonstrate company's passion for automobile designing and engineering. Last year alone, Toyota concept kit included two unique machines - Kikai, the machine built to explore the fundamental appeal of a car and FVC concept, the hydrogen powered futuristic looking four-wheeled auto machine.

Toyota Wood car is completely different from the former two, but to some, it might be a flashback to Lexus IS cardboard sedan. Apart from the material usage (cardboard and wood), there is only one major difference amongst the two. Lexus IS is a complete standstill concept, however, the one from Toyota houses an electric motor.

Talking about Setsuna specification, its overall length measures 3030 mm, width is restricted at 1480 mm and has a low height of 970 mm. With a wheelbase of 1700 mm, this two-seater provides decent seating space. Under its fine smooth wooden bonnet lies an electric motor coupled with six lead-acid batteries that in one full charge gives Setsuna a range of 26 km.

As for the design philosophy, one can say it's a bit Japanese and indeed it has used many aged Japanese techniques like okuriari3, a Japanese joining technique that involves zero screws and nuts (astonishing and appreciating, all at once). Also, an important component of the entire design concept is change, evolution, and living in the moment. Japanese cedar on the exterior panel and Japanese birch on the frame, further adds up to its 'J-factor'.

Toyota Motor Corporation has always created cars that are guaranteed to age with the owner, as for fact 80% of Toyotas sold 20 years ago are still on the road today. Now, this one is a bit over the edge, as this wooden Toyota will be a perfect prototype to see how a car evolves and adapts to the needs and environment around it.

Hailing the appearance of a boat, we have to see how Toyota Setsuna performs in the test of time.

Toyota Moment (English for Setsuna) can be seen at -

Event - Milan Design Week

Location - Via Tortona 31, Manila

Date and Time - 12th to 17th April 2016, 11:00 to 21:00

Also Read: 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Toyota C-HR Enters the Sub-Compact Crossover Segment