Toyota Camatte57s concept revealed

Using the same basic template as last year's Camatte (based on the Japanese word for 'care'), the Camatte57s is styled more as a sporty roadster, with the bodywork split into a number of different segments, to enable users to create a rainbow of colours using mix 'n' match body panels.

The "s" in this version stands for the Japanese word 'sawaru' which means 'to touch'. The name thus reflects the idea that people should feel more in touch with each other and with vehicles.

Toyota claim the DIY concept behind the Camatte57s is aimed at bringing parents and children closer together as they work in collaboration on building their ideal car.

The vehicle aims to convey the joy and dreams of motor vehicles to current and future drivers, by providing an opportunity for parents and children to experience the fun of driving, car customisation and car enthusiasm together.

Major features

1) Detachable body panels enable easy, extensive customisation
The vehicle body exterior consists of 57 detachable small lightweight panels to allow easy and extensive colour and design customisation.

2) Open-top roadster styling with compact and intimate interior
The roofless design offers a liberating driving experience while also enhancing visibility to increase ease of customisation.

Seats are in a closely arranged triangular configuration with one front seat and two rear seats to emphasise family intimacy and facilitate communication.

3) Even children can drive
Acceleration and braking pedals and seats can be adjusted to enable operation by children, while an adult seated in the rear-right seat assists steering and braking to help develop the child's driving skills.

The concept will be displayed in the Kids Life Zone at the Toy Show, which runs June 13-16 at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre.

Camatte 57s Main specifications
Length: 3,000 mm
Width: 1,440 mm
Height: 1,000 mm
Wheelbase: 1,800 mm
Seating: 3
Propulsion: Electric motor