2002 Toyota ES Cubed Concept

When Toyota introduced their ES 3 (Eco Spirit cubed), it was intended to be the world's most fuel economical 4-passenger car. It was powered by a 1.4-liter engine that was expected to get 88 mpg. The diesel engine was designed to comply with tough exhaust emissions standards and to meet recyclability expectations. 'It comes close to becoming the first car manufactured using edible materials, because biodegradable plastics used for the interior are manufactured from plants such as the sweet potato, while natural fibers such as bamboo and flax are used for the interior trim,' says UK Times motoring correspondent Jesse Crosse.

To help achieve excellent fuel economy, the car was kept small, measuring a mere 3.5-meters long. It had the lowest coefficient of drag (Cd) in the world for a practical four-seater.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008