Al-Futtaim Motors brings the innovative Toyota CS&S concept car to Dubai

The CS&S is an exciting new concept in open-top sports car design, developed by Toyota's ED2 Design Studio in the south of France. Overall, the exterior styling uses clear contrasts between sharp angular lines, and fluid curves and arches, complemented by its short, wide and low-slung proportions. This is carried through into the interior, with arched front compartments that define the separate space for the driver and front passenger, and emphasise the car's sporting character.

At first glance, the CS&S appears to be a 2-seater. However, sliding rear canopies conceal a further 2 seats, making it a true 2+2 sports car. Another innovative design feature that enhances security, is the fact that the front seat backs can be pushed fully forward to form a secure cover for the cockpit area.

The car also features the 'Space Touch' system, an integrated multi-function driver information system that breaks new ground in human-machine interface technology. It is operated through a series of floating, holographic projections that the driver "touches" to control the air-conditioning, audio, satellite navigation and even internet connections. It is simple and intuitive to use, yet involves cutting-edge technology.

The car is powered by Toyota's advanced, next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive THS11 system. This combines a mid-mounted 1.5 litre petrol engine that drives the rear wheels, with a powerful electric motor to drive the front wheels. The CS&S proves that hybrid engine technology is not just environmentally-friendly, but can also provide exciting and enjoyable driving.

Conventional hybrid powertrains rely on a petrol or diesel engine to produce peak performance, and uses an electric motor as an ancillary power source. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system, also used in the very successful Prius, incorporates a more powerful 50kW electric motor, which means the car relies less on the petrol engine, even when extra performance is needed, as when accelerating or driving uphill. As the electric motor is much more efficient than the petrol engine, this provides better fuel economy, lower emissions, quieter driving, and impressive performance.

Four-wheel-drive, and the mid-ship mounting of the hybrid powertrain, further enhance the car's handling and road-holding performance. The car has a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127 mph), and accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds.

"The Toyota and Lexus vehicles displayed at this year's Motor Show are some of the most innovative and beautifully designed vehicles in the world. The CS&S concept car is another powerful example of the vision and skill of Toyota's designers and engineers," said Colin Leitch, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Motors and Group Director - Automotive for the Al-Futtaim Group.