Toyota Envisions Smartphone Technology For Cars

One of the hardest decisions when buying a new car, is deciding on the exterior and interior color. Once you own it, there is no changing either, unless you want to go through an expensive paint job or re-upholstering. However, should Toyota's Fun-Vii (Vehicle Interactive Internet) ever become a reality, things could change dramatically!

Described by the manufacturer as a 'Smartphone on Wheels', the concept car envisions allowing the owner to download images from their phones onto the exterior, so that the look of the car could be changed instantly. It would also be smart enough to unlock with a wave of the hand and even, greet the owner as he/she approach the vehicle. The customization feature would extend inside too, so that the driver could change it to reflect his/her mood.

Also, as the name indicates, the Vii would be fully connected to the internet giving its three passengers plenty of entertainment options and also, be hooked up to other cars via a mobile network. The latter would help make for safer roads, since the driver would be fully aware of any hazards that lie on the journey ahead.

If all this sounds too magical to be true, it is - At least for now. The Fun-Vii was introduced just as a concept car at the recently held Tokyo Motor Show, to demonstrate what future Toyotas may look like. But the good news is, that many parts of the technology are already available - It is now just a matter of putting it all together, which the company promises will be done by the year 20XX!

Resources: news.cnet.com, dailymail.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk