The Mirai was already weird enough, with its
aggressive design and hydrogen fuel cell, but Kymeta took it one step further
with flat antenna satellite communication. Toyota and Kymeta have been working
together to research flat antenna technology since 2013, and after 8,000 miles
of testing, this concept represents the progress made so far. Toyota is hoping
that this technology will offer a better car experience, and it will probably
assist in the use of autonomous cars as well.
Visually, the Mirai-based Kymeta Concept is a
Mirai through and through. The only real cosmetic changes made to the exterior
is the “Kymeta connected Toyota Concept” wording on the hood and the hexagon
decals that run from the air vents on the front fascia to the edge of the rear
quarter panels. There is one function change, however, and it is what makes
this concept as special as it is. See those hexagons on the roof? Well, a
couple appear to be small windows that allow rear passengers to look into the
sky, but the others are flat antennas that allow the concept to stay actively
connected to satellites in space.
Inside, the Toyota-Kymeta Concept gets even
weirder, but in a good way. The first thing I noticed was those odd, hexagonal
shaped light modules on the roof. These lights could be powered by the small
solar panels on the roof – if that is what they are. There are two light
modules in the rear and one up front, offering a blue ambiance to the interior.
Just ahead of the rear light modules are the two hexagonal openings that I
believe to be glass portals to the sky above.
Toyota hasn’t mentioned anything interesting here.
As far as we know, the Toyota-Kymeta concept comes to us with an unaltered
drivetrain. That means the concept likely has the same 153-horsepower electric
motor that also generates 247 pound-feet of torque.
