The Toyota VF2

The Toyota VF2 is a new concept vehicle that claims to create a physical and emotional connection between itself and its driver. Before you start to think, “This sounds a little too much like Her,” listen to what Toyota has to say.

The rider stands up straight in this pod-like vehicle similar to the way he would on a Segueway, and controls it like such – leaning his or her body in the direction intended for the vehicle. This breaks down the feeling of separation between vehicle and human operator, and gives the driver a new level of control and oneness with their transportation vessel. The VF2 will also include mechanisms that increase safety, such as blind spot indicators and intelligent transport system technology to connect with nearby drivers.

Inside the vehicle, the “Toyota Heart Project” will employ voice and image recognition software to assess the driver’s mood, and will actually recommend places to go… maybe starting to sound a little more like Her, although Toyota prefers to liken a potential driver’s relationship to the machine to that of a rider and his horse. This “horse,” however, is a very sleek, futuristic mode of transportation, with few lines and basic, aerodynamic shapes. Very unlike a horse, stuck with the markings on its fur that it was born with, the VF2 can change its appearance based on the driver’s momentary fancy, a new-aged effect which pairs nicely with the augmented reality display on the windshield.

This is a car straight out of the part of your childhood imagination that pictured what vehicles would be like in “The Future:” simple, smart, customizable and intuitive. 

Grace Eire

SIMPLE, SMART, CUSTOMIZABLE AND INTUITIVE.