>>Toyota WiLL

Toyota WiLL

The Toyota WiLL series consists of three individually-designed cars, based on the mechanicals of other Toyota models. The series was intended to appeal to markets that were not covered by Toyota's mainstream range, and to discover how commercially feasible such unusual designs were. The American Scion range is based on a similar concept.

Vi

WiLL Vi

The Toyota WiLL Vi is a compact car, with distinctive styling combining elements of many cars. The bonnet and headlights seem to have prefigured the Citroen C2, while the reverse-slope rear window is reminiscent of cars from the 1960s such as the 105E Ford Anglia and the Citroen Ami 6, and the curvy styling of the roof and boot are similar to the Renault 4CV. The car features column shift automatic and a split bench seat in the front, centrally-mounted instruments and the 1,300 cc 2NZ engine from the Vitz/Yaris on which it is based.

WiLL VS

The Vi's bigger brother, the Toyota WiLL VS was years ahead of its rivals in car design when it was first introduced in 2001.

In the years to follow, several other vehicles have taken styling cues from the WiLL VS, most notably the 2004 Vauxhall Astra and the Renault Megane. Inspiration for the design of the WiLL VS was said to have been derived from the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter. In spite of its success in the Japanese market where the WiLL VS had a cult following, the model was never released overseas. Production of the WiLL VS was stopped circa 2004 and a replacement model was never announced, much to the disappointment of its fans. Nevertheless, some would argue that there was no need to replace the WiLL VS for at least another decade given its futuristic design that some of the newer cars were only beginning to adopt. This would include trend-setting features such as the rakish body shape, aerodynamic angles, projector-style headlamp cluster (regarded as revolutionary in 2001), illuminated speedometer and clear LED tail lights.

The WiLL VS came in 3 levels of trim. The top of the range model came with alloy wheels, fog-lamps, body kit and tiptronic gearshift. All models were only available in automatic transmission, powered by Toyota's 1800cc VVT-I engine.

The WiLL VS will probably be remembered as one of the few concept vehicles that went into production, albeit only in small numbers.

WiLL Cypha

The WiLL Cypha was produced from 2002 to 2005. It shared many of its mechanicals, including the 1.3-litre 2NZ and 1.5-litre 1NZ engines, with the Ist. Its styling developed themes seen in the Vitz/Yaris, but has a more angular look. Notable features are the rear lights placed level with the rear window, giving a look of the Renault Megane II, and the distinctive headlights which have four lamps per side arranged vertically. The interior used a rounded theme, with items such as the door pulls and the central console being circular.

Gallery

VS

Cypha

Cypha