Toyota announced today that it has begun nationwide sales in Japan of the completely redesigned bB passenger vehicle. The first-generation bB, launched in 2000, was developed as an individualistic, compact hatchback and sold under the Scion xB name in the United States. (No word on U.S. availability for the new model yet). The new bB retains the strengths of the previous bB and “strives to embody the lifestyle of people who want to be surrounded by music.” Accordingly, Toyota is adopting the development theme of “A Car-shaped Music Player.” With an emphasis on “sound”, “illumination”, and “relaxation”, the new bB seeks to create an interior space in which one can be completely immersed in music. To achieve this, the bB incorporates an audio system that uses the latest in acoustic technology and features interior lighting that flashes in rhythm to the music, while newly developed front seats help create a sense of privacy.
With an emphasis on “sound”, “illumination” and “relaxation”, the new bB focuses on the feeling of relaxation and establishes a creative interior space for the enjoyment of music.
The instrument panel employs a large and smooth, stadium-like shape with a subwoofer in the center console and tweeters on both sides, forming a space akin to an enclosed DJ booth.
Sound
Nine speakers are optimally located around the interior – a subwoofer in the center console, and speakers and tweeters in the left and right front doors, instrument panel and front pillars – treating powerful bass tones and the feeling of being surrounded 360 degrees by music in a high-quality sound space.
Four different audio modes, using surround DSP (digital signal processing) technology, accommodate listener preferences and the situation at hand.
An input jack facilitates a direct connection with portable music players to input music from a variety of sources.
Illumination
Illumination is installed in 11 locations, including around the speakers, and in the cup holders and door trim, and it flashes in rhythm to the music, creating an atmosphere akin to a nightclub or live music concert.
Three kinds of illumination modes are available to choose from, to accommodate one’s personal preferences and the surrounding environment.
The newly developed “Mattari-mode seats” (“laid-back” mode seats) in the front not only recline, they sink about 80mm to create a couch-like feeling. This delivers an unprecedented feeling of relaxation and privacy.
Exterior
Based on the Toyota -brand design philosophy “Vibrant Clarity,” an all-new, three-dimensional structure and surface expression are adopted to craft an individualistic form.
The door profile and front and rear of the vehicle feature contours that create distinctive shadows. The high character lines that form an arc from the front to the rear express a “sensually edgy attitude”. The unique hatchback creates a “wild” atmosphere with a strong sense of presence to express the identity of the bB.
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Although the overall length has been shortened, the wheelbase is extended to create an interior space like that of the previous bB, and there are numerous, highly functional storage spaces.
Driving
Brisk and comfortable driving performance and fuel economy are achieved through the use of a newly developed 1.5-liter VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine or an improved-output 1.3-liter VVT-i engine and a smooth and responsive, super-intelligent, four-speed automatic transmission, or Super ECT.
Despite a longer wheelbase, wider wheel tread and wide tires, the minimum turning radius is just 4.9 meters (0.6 meters less than the previous model), greatly improving maneuverability.
Body rigidity has been increased and vibration-controlling and sound-blocking materials have been optimally installed in various parts of the body to reduce engine noise while driving and vibration while idling.
Safety
The GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) construction has been further evolved to create a body structure that effectively absorbs collision impact. During collision tests, the speed was increased to 55km/h from the previous 50km/h, with collision energy also increased approximately 20%, and the vehicle was subjected to omni-directional, vehicle-to-vehicle collision tests under stricter-than-normal collision standards. Through the use of a body structure that effectively absorbs collision impact, Toyota satisfied all independent targets for survival space and crash dummy injury.
The pedestrian-injury-lessening body structure has been evolved to further reduce pedestrian head injuries in an effort to achieve one of the highest levels of protection in its class.
n the event of a rear-end collision, the WIL (Whiplash-injury Lessening) concept has been adopted for the front seats, with added backrest give and the head and back supported to reduce stress on the neck.
By using Toyota’s original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system known as Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System), environmental targets were set in the development stage and a life cycle assessment was conducted to allow the reduction of CO2 emissions throughout all stages of the vehicle’s life from production and use to disposal.
In addition to using materials with superior recycling properties, additional attention has been paid to the environment by, among other means, restricting the emission of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and reducing the use of substances of environmental concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium and others.
