Youme brought me to a nice French restaurant in Harajuku for a belated birthday treat (유미씨 고마워요!). She read about this new place, Restaurant-I, in Brutus Casa, a Japanese Design mag. In fact, the restaurant opened just one day before we visited, and it was rather well-hidden within the secluded Park Court Jingumae apartments.
On our way out, we saw a Lotus showroom, but it looked kinda empty and unfinished. The new Lotus Evora is supposed to be on sale this summer, and it looks like they will be importing it soon. I should check it out next time I'm in the neighbourhood.
Sadly no Evora, only two Elises, one Europa, and one vintage
Lotus 7 in the otherwise empty and closed showroom.
Toyota City Showcase (23 May, Saturday)
The new 3rd Generation Toyota Prius hybrid electric car debut just a week before I visited the Showcase, located at MEGA WEB (no, it's not a giant website :P) in Palette Town, Odaiba. The Showcase itself has two floors, presenting Toyota cars past, present and future (maybe).
The new Prius is more aerodynamic and much better looking
than its predecessors
Nice navigation system, and two cup holders :)
Nice interior ergonomics too
The i-Unit and i-Foot (bottom right) concept vehicles.
(Actually the bottom two photos were taken at the
Universal Design Center)
(Actually the bottom two photos were taken at the
Universal Design Center)
The Pod, wonder why they didn't add an "i" in front? XD
E-com Ride (in MEGA WEB)
The Toyota E-com electric vehicle (EV) is not new, but the ride uses the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) technology - Toyota's solution to traffic congestion, air pollution and traffic accidents. Using a combination of untrasound and magnetic sensors, CCD camera, wireless antenna, and magnets embedded in the track, the cars in this ride literally drive themselves.
The E-com EV on display (left) and on the road (right).
The ride is surprisingly smooth, though the speed didn't go very high. When turning corners, the steering wheel jerks and stutters, but the vehicle itself decelerates, turns and accelerates smoothly and steadily. There is hope for automatic driving systems yet.
Toyota Universal Design Showcase (in MEGA WEB)
Universal Design is a design approach that tries to accomodate the differences in how individuals use the same product. The Showcase contains exhibits that explain the importance of Universal Design not just in cars, but also products we use in daily life. The following are some photos of various concept designs exploring space, ergonomics and wheelchair friendliness.
History Garage (in MEGA WEB)
The History Garage is a great place to visit if you love old cars. One floor below is a shop that sells car related products, and a cafe where you can have a drink while admiring famous racing vehicles from F1 to Rally cars. Thanks to Maisie for recommending this place.
Left: Ferrari Dino 246 GTS (1973)
Center: Even the decor has a period feel
Right: Porsche 356 (1964)
Left: Ferrari Dino 246 GTS (1973)
Center: Even the decor has a period feel
Right: Porsche 356 (1964)
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