Toyota Leans into 3-Seater Concept

Toyota Motor Corp. will introduce its i-TRIL electric city car concept next month at the Geneva auto show.

Developed by Toyota’s European engineering operations and design center in Nice, France, the tiny vehicle features a 1+2 seating layout and the carmaker’s “active lean” technology. The latter automatically adjusts the angle of the vehicle during cornering maneuvers to enhance stability, based on steering angle, gyroscope sensors, vehicle speed and other inputs.

Toyota debuted the active lean technology four years ago in its i-Road electric three-wheeler concept. That vehicle, which had motorcycle-type 1+1 seating, also was equipped with all-wheel steering to help tighten its turning radius.

The company describes the i-TRIL as an alternative to traditional city cars, motorcycles and other electric vehicles. Toyota says the new concept is aimed at people who want to have fun at the wheel, even during low-speed driving in the city. The vehicle also will be equipped with unspecified automated vehicle functions.