In reality the Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. has joined with the Surfrider Foundation to produce a particularly customized Camry Hybrid fuelled by compressed natural gas (CNG), pondering Toyota participation with environment awareness. The Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG and two tailored Prius gas-electric hybrid fomites are on show in the Environmental Lifestyle Zone of the Toyota fomite exhibit at the 2009 SEMA Show. The Prius constitutes Toyota’s present dedication to the environs while the Camry Hybrid CNG forces the gasbag on alternative fuel theories.

At the finale of the 2009 SEMA Show Toyota will endow with a production edition of the Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG to the Surfrider Foundation. The fomite will be driven to, and exhibited at several outreach campaigns, education plans and beach cleaning events.

Engineers substituted the petrol fuel system with a CNG unit situated in the extra tyre well. The exterior was procured out by a multi-colour wrap with CNG and Surfrider logos, a tradition front grille, 20-inch alloy wheels and a back shock absorber that blankets both tailpipe and exhaust fumes system. The ride height was let down on a changeable coilover suspension system. The interior includes grey suede leather and black leather covering, and a dependable watching window for the exhibit of CNG fuel cylinders.

The present gains of CNG are exaggerated by quickly changing market circumstances and a step-up in consumer environmental consciousness. As a transportation fuel, natural gas is a dirt-free and protected gasoline option. It can potentially decrease U.S. reliance on foreign oil and decrease vehicle operating costs. At present, more than 99% of natural gas utilized in the U.S. comes from home and other American sources.

The CNG arrangement was constructed by Metal Crafters of Fountain Valley, Calif. To alter the stock Camry Hybrid to a CNG vehicle, the gasoline fuel system was substituted with a CNG system in the extra tire well area.

Toyota also teamed up with Street Image to promote modification the Camry Hybrid CNG Show Car for the 2009 SEMA Show. The outside of the fomite was provided a sportier conception appearance with the setting up of a belligerent body kit having a tradition front grill and exceptional rear buffer that blankets the tail pipe and exhaust system. The overall ride altitude was brought down on a changeable coilover suspension, providing the car to cuddle the set of 20-inch alloy wheels rolling on Toyo Proxy 4 tires. New multi-coloured fomites enfold that characteristics CNG and Surfrider logos finishes the unparalleled look.

The Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG Specifications Preliminary is as follows:

Power train

2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive®

Gasoline fuel system replaced by CNG system

Estimated Fuel Economy

City/Highway/Combined = 32/24/33*

*Actual mileage will vary

Net Horsepower

Engine + Electric Motor + Generator + Power Storage = 170 HP

CNG System

Two Lincoln composite Type 4 tanks – plastic liner with carbon fiber wrapped exterior tanks installed in spare tire well area with maximum 3,600 psi

Capacity

Proposed eight gallon gasoline equivalent

Range

250+ miles

Dimensions (inches)

Overall Length:          191.2

Overall Width:             71.7

Overall Height:             57.5

Overall Wheelbase:     109.3

Other tools which is included are ABS, driver, passenger and frontage side curtain airbags, forepart and back end electric windows, air conditioning, steering wheel and gear knob wrapped up in leather, front daze lamps, colour-keyed glasses and roof rails.

Its engine is of 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol 147 bhp, and is obtainable in metallic Cadmium Green, Argenta Silver or Astral Black paint. 3 and 5 door variants are accessible, and mechanical transmission priced at £1000 is optional.

Prices begin from £18,495 for 3 door manual and £19,995 for 5 door manual, with metallic paint an additional £350.

Fuel-cell engineering is believed to be a up-to-date answer to cut down carbon dioxide discharges. It brings forth electricity by blending fuel which is normally hydrogen with oxygen, and thus giving out only water. Toyota started selling limited versions of fuel-cell hybrid fomite in 2002 in the US and Japan. The technology from its Prius hybrids  are used as an inspiration.

The present financial year could turn out to be more worse with the net loss anticipated to be 550 billion yen. The vehicle sales are anticipated to drop to 6.5 million. The company is projecting to spread out its line of hybrids and decrease costs to return to the green zone.

With the Camry concept they want to confirm their interest in building CNG-powered vehicles, like the Camry.
Toyota spokesman Irv Miller said:”Natural gas and an expanded retail-friendly CNG infrastructure could be seen as a model for future hydrogen infrastructure.”

Well, we are glad to see more and more car brands start building CNG-powered cars.

Source: Business week