At Gresham Toyota, we’re fortunate to constantly experience the latest and greatest technology that Toyota offers. Our fleet of vehicles always receives some annual improvements, but Toyota recently displayed a concept car that surpassed any jump in technology we’ve ever seen. Concept cars are often nothing more than lofty dreams, but if even a few elements of this new design go into production, we may all witness a significant mark in the automotive industry.

Called the NS4, the car premiered at January’s 2012 Detroit Show without much publicity. On first glance, the car seemed to be nothing more than an advanced Prius plug-in. Toyota promised it would drive faster, longer, and with less recharging needs. Since the vehicle is a concept and specifics weren’t released, that advancement alone didn’t stir much interest. It’s the intuitive technology that people began talking about. Some have called the NS4 an iPhone car, because like the latest Apple features, it almost has a mind of its own.

The NS4 actually engages with its driver: learns habits, quirks, and even faults. The computer system within the NS4 would make any drive more enjoyable, and also much safer. If the car thinks a driver has lost control, a radar and camera system will kick in to steer and apply brakes. Additionally, if the car strikes a pedestrian, its hood will automatically pop up from the rear to protect against head injuries. Features like these have been seen before, but they were limited to luxury vehicles that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Incorporating this futuristic technology hasn’t been implemented in mass-production scale—but according to analysts, the NS4 won’t be produced for at least a few years.

The model displayed in Detroit wasn’t yet fit for the road, so we have some waiting to do before the NS4 enters our lots. In the meantime, we’re content with the hybrid technology Toyota already has in the Prius. If you’re looking for your own hybrid Toyota car, truck or SUV, check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @greshamtoyota.com!

source: caranddriver.com