Automotive designers and architects are two different breeds of artists, who seldom cross paths. For whatever reason, Toyota wanted to bring the two different worlds together and create a special concept named ME.WE., which is the outcome of collaboration between its ED2 European Design studio in Nice, France, and French architect Jean-Marie Massaud.
So what is the ME.WE Concept? Well, Toyota describes it as being a pick-up, convertible, off-roader and small city car in one, adding that, “It is a no-extras package, conceived as an ‘anti-excess’ vehicle. In short, the Toyota ME.WE represents the transition from the culture of ‘more’ to the culture of ‘better'”.
At 3,440mm (135.4-inches) long, 1,750mm (68.9-inches) wide and 1,600mm (63-inches) tall, the ME.WE is shorter but wider and taller than the current Fiat Panda Mk3. A tubular aluminum chassis and the moulded polypropylene body panels help keep the weight down to 750kg (1,653 pounds), or about 20 per cent less than a conventional steel-built model. The interchangable body panels, which are 100 per cent recyclable, weight only 14kg (31 pounds).
Inside, priority is given to the driver and passengers with their luggage stowed on the roof beneath a fold-out, weatherproof neoprene cover, or alternatively, in a retractable platform at the back. The rear seat bench is mounted on floor rails and can be removed and even used as a picnic seating. The floor itself is made of bamboo, while another feature is the very simple design of the instrumentation, which comprises a single screen above the steering wheel.
According to Toyota, heating and air conditioning are delivered by a low-energy air pump and electric seat heaters to reduce power consumption, while all windows can be opened, including the windscreen.
For its motivation, the ME.WE relies on the same four in-wheel motors as the Toyota i-ROAD, which can be operated in two or four-wheel drive mode, with batteries located under the floor.
The ME.WE will be showcased at the Japanese brand’s Le Rendez-vous Toyota experience center on the Champs Elysées in Paris.
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