Where better to unveil a car that’s all about bringing the family together than a toy show? Toyota is presenting the Camatte57s, a sporty, open-top family-focused concept car, in the colourful surroundings of the Kids’ Life Zone at this week’s Tokyo Toy Show.
Toyota’s new concept is about sharing ideas to build the ideal car, inspired by the fun generations of mums, dads and kids have had making things together. It believes involving youngsters in choosing the shape and look of a car will help these drivers of the future learn more about the fun aspects of motoring.
The Camatte57s is made up of 57 small, lightweight, detachable panels that can be finished in a wide choice of different colours and designs. The open top roadster body style adds to the fun factor and allows everyone on board to enjoy the colourful exterior they have created.
The pedals and seats can be adjusted so that even children can drive. The position of the right-hand rear seat will let adults help with steering and braking, so the youngsters can make an early start on developing their driving skills in appropriate, safe places, off the public highway.
Powered by an electric motor, the car measures 3,000mm long by 1,440mm wide and 1,000mm high, and seats three.
Note: The name Camatte is from the Japanese word for care and is meant to signify “caring for others” and “caring for cars”. The 57 refers to the number of body panels on the concept vehicle. The “s” 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 their vehicles.
