Suzuki Mobile Terrace Concept
What's Special About It?
The Mobile Terrace utilizes General Motor's Hy-Wire platform. The Hy-Wire platform is intended to allow maximum flexibility and interchangeability while at the same time using fuel-cell technology to power the vehicle. The Hy-Wire platform uses plenty of unique packaging as well as steer and brake-by-wire setups to maximize interior space. The fuel cell and motor are placed under the floor thereby making the Mobile Terrace a six-passenger vehicle using three rows of seats. If you had any doubt that increased versatility is as much a theme in this year's Tokyo show as hybrid technology, you needn't look any further than the Mobile Terrace's instrument panel that can change into a table. There's also a 22-inch touchscreen monitor for vehicle information as well as sliding side doors for easier access to the interior.
Of course, the fuel cell is all well and good, but really this car is about style. With its large glass panels and soft round shape, the Mobile Terrace stands out it looks like something Malibu Barbie might be driving in about 20 years. While it might not win any beauty contests, you've got to admire those huge whitewall tires and abundant use of Avocado Green. I'm sensing a post-modern VW 21-window bus. Sorry, VW, 2007 is too long to wait for your concept.
Why Should You Care?
The future of fuel-cell technology still seems unclear, but here is a fuel-cell-powered concept that is noteworthy because of its styling and ease of entry. Maybe my wife was right after all when she said, "No one cares how their car gets from home to work, they just want it to look cool and carry all their stuff with ease." Brian Moody

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