Yamaha makes a lot of
different products. It has traditionally stayed out of the mainstream
automobile market, but it's been dipping its toes in the water with projects
like this one.
Called the Cross Hub concept, the funky off-roader
is one of the more intriguing showpieces at the center of Yamaha's presence at
the Tokyo Motor Show this year. Technical details are few and far between, but
what we're looking at is clearly a fresh take on the small pickup.
Most unusual is the cab, which features a four-seat
layout – but not as you'd usually expect to find it. Instead the seats are
arranged in a diamond configuration, with the driver front
and center, flanked rearwards by two passenger seats, and another one in line
with (and behind) the driver.
The pickup bed is even further separated
structurally from the cab than usual, sporting enough space to transport a
motorcycle or two (or a quad ATV) for adventures off-road.
The vehicle measures roughly the same size as a
Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Its design bears similarities to the Sports Ride
concept unveiled at the same show two years ago, but applied to a different
form and with more rugged cues.
No mention is made this time of any involvement from
Gordon Murray Design, but the central driving position suggests the McLaren F1
designer may be involved beyond furnishing his iStream manufacturing
framework.
