Toyota Motor Triathlon Race Car

The world's No 2 car maker will use the show to pull the wraps off the Motor Triathlon Race Car (MTRC), a hydrogen-powered concept that combines influences from the company's involvement in Formula One, rallying, sports car racing and other forms of motor sport.

Computer-game junkies -- Sony Playstation devotees, specifically -- will be familiar with the offbeat racer as it features in the popular Gran Turismo 4 game. In view of its intended purpose, the MTRC was conceived to compete in a 'triathlon' of different driving environments: a gnarly off-road course, a smooth racetrack and a narrow city street circuit.

Penned by Toyota's ED2 Studio in France, the open-wheeler offers seating for two -- but the occupants sit line astern, rather than abreast, so conversations may have to wait until the journey is over.

The unusual hoop-shaped wing is designed to produce aerodynamic downforce, while four electric motors -- each assigned to an individual wheel -- provide propulsion. These motors, in turn, are powered by a fuel cell stack that produces no harmful emissions -- water is the only by-product.

The vehicle uses an electronically controlled suspension system that constantly monitors the road conditions and raises the ride height and other settings accordingly, and it's complemented by 'Intelligent' tyres with built-in sensors that are claimed to maximise grip on any surface.

In addition, the car features innovative 'Mixed Reality' whereby the driver and passengers wear a special helmet that transmits information in a similar way to a Heads Up Display (HUD).

However, while a traditional HUD conveys information such as temperature or speed, the Canon/Denso-developed Mixed Reality interacts with the car's other systems to help the driver anticipate upcoming road conditions such as snow or ice.