She'll Drive You Crazy
July 26, 2004 | bengisu
Toyota's concept MTRC serves up a pretty picture of auto software tech. Want to take this baby out? You'll need a PlayStation 2.
The only place you can drive Toyota's Motor Triathlon Race Car, a rig designed to handle a track, street circuit or rally course equally well, is in the forthcoming video game Gran Turismo 4.
That doesn't mean its marquee innovation is pure fantasy. Called Mixed Reality (a joint venture between Toyota, Denso and Canon), the technology is a computerized imaging system that makes performance adjustments on the fly. We already have cars that adapt to changing road conditions, but the MTRC is the first that could anticipate them.
A helmet-mounted camera videos oncoming terrain and a computer reacts: the system can raise, lower, stiffen or soften the suspension as needed. It also directs electric motors at each wheel. It's a shame the MTRC will never run, but there's no reason its tech couldn't find its way into a real car.
more: popsci.com/popsci/auto/article/0,12543,638444,00.h (87)
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