Toyota has unveiled the Setsuna, an unusual roadster concept made primarily from wood.
Setsuna means “moment” in Japanese and refers to the collective experiences of the car’s passengers.
Wood was chosen as the primary material because its characteristics will change as it ages and is affected by the environment.
The interchangeable exterior panels are made from Japanese cedar, while the frame is constructed from Japanese birch.
Using the okuriari process, the wood car was assembled without using any nails.
There’s a 100-year meter on the dashboard, because the Setsuna is envisioned as a car that will be handed down from one family generation to the next.
Four years ago, Toyota also showcased another family-oriented roadster concept called the Camatte (blue car above).
Aimed at helping children to understand how cars are built, the exterior is made of interchangeable plastic panels that also allow kids to customise the styling.
The Camatte has a “1+2” seating arrangement, which lets a child drive the electrically powered car while his parents sit in the rear and provide guidance.
SPANISH AWAKENING
Singapore has its fair share of Spanish restaurants, but when it comes to cars, the Spanish brands have been having a “siesta”.
The arrival of Spania GTA last month, however, means that the “siesta” is over. The carmaker’s sole model is the GTA Spano (right), a supercar with a 7.9-litre V10 that produces 925bhp and 1220Nm. Its top speed is claimed to be in excess of 370km/h.
The GTA Spano is limited to 99 units and the car is sold by EuroSports Auto, which also holds the franchises for Pagani Mazda has introduced the MX-5 RF (retractable fastback), the hardtop variant of the MX-5 roadster. Like the Porsche 911 Targa, the MX-5 RF’s roof is stowed below the rear deck, which goes up whenever the roof is and Lamborghini.
On the other hand, ordinary folks who want a new Spanish car can acquire one from Vertex Automobile (the official agent for Chery in Singapore), which will start retailing Seat models (below) in July.
A variety of vehicles, ranging from hatchbacks to MPVs and SUVs, will be available. Seat is owned by Volkswagen and its cars are based on VW models. The last time Seat was in Singapore was in 2003, when it was represented by Comfort Group before its merger with DelGro.
MIATA “TARGA”
Mazda has introduced the MX-5 RF (retractable fastback), the hardtop variant of the MX-5 roadster.
Like the Porsche 911 Targa, the MX-5 RF’s roof is stowed below the rear deck, which goes up whenever the roof is being opened or closed.
Although the MX-5 RF doesn’t have a large wraparound rear windscreen, the roof can be operated while the car is being driven (up to 10km/h only). You can’t do the same in the 911 Targa, which must remain stationary while converting.
Also unique to the MX-5 RF is the optional Machine Grey paintwork seen here. It consists of three coats and incorporates aluminium flakes for an even shinier finish.
