Frank Williksen is the veteran of the Broom editorial staff. He has worked as a car journalist for over 50 years and has tested a large number of cars at home and abroad.
Some cars he remembers better than others. Now Frank shares the memories with all of Broom’s readers. This time it’s a very special experimental car from Toyota:
Voice control of various functions in the car has spread widely over the last 10-15 years. This news has impressed many. I still think it’s cool that I can just say who I want to call – then the car’s Bluetooth fixes the rest!
But voice control in a car is far from something new. As early as 1984, I was able to tell Vi Menn’s readers about “the car that no longer just talks to you, but talks to you! Ask it to adjust the heat, and it does! It also accepts orders for lights, window cleaners and other functions, “I wrote.
The electronics impressed
The car I was talking about was the experimental model Toyota FX-1, which I had recently studied in more detail at one of the major car shows. It was, in my opinion, one of the most sensational of today’s experimental cars. And there were many of them at that time.
The car’s fantastic design, with a Cw at an unbelievably low 0.25, was naturally sensational – but it was and was the electronics that impressed the most.
Sensible family car – but you could have fun too
Start and stop window cleaners
In a clear first place here, came the advanced system for voice control. We had already for some years experienced voices from inside the dashboard that told us about the condition of various systems, such as low oil levels and the like.
But in the Toyota FX-1, this was taken a long step further, to a system that “could perceive and understand the human voice – and perform a variety of tasks on direct orders – such as regulating heating and ventilation systems, turning lights on and off, start and stop window cleaners and a number of other fun things that you can of course do very well yourself, that’s not it, “it read.
– This is how the Toyota FX-1 was presented in Vi Menn in 1984.
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End loneliness
My imagined user scenario was probably a bit out of possible practical use, but this is how I envisioned a “conversation” between driver and car at the time:
«You: – It’s starting to get a little cold here?
The car: – Should I put on more heat?
You: – Yes thank you, it could be nice.
The car (after a few minutes): – Is it better now?
You: – Yes, excellent. By the way, turn on the window cleaners a few strokes, it’s a little dizzy.
The car: – Well.
At all! End the loneliness during long, tiring trips along the country road – you can have a chat with the car, at least, “I could report, and added that” By the way, the conversation partner also keeps his monologues, for example to warn you that soon the petrol is gone, you forgot to turn off the light, forgot to put on your seat belt or have a faulty brake light. “
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Ryggesonar
The Toyota FX-1 had much more to offer, to show what Toyota had actually been developing in advanced electronics since the 1960s. The car had, for example, glare-free interior mirrors, keyless locks and ignition, control of the air conditioning, electronic control of the automatic transmission, self-diagnosis system and navigation!
Toyota had electronic cruise control already in 1967, but in the FX-1 this was further developed into a radar-controlled adaptive system that always ensured a safe minimum distance to the car in front.
Another big news with FX-1 was the back sonar: “It is also an exotic feature so far. It uses ultrasound waves to measure the distance to objects or other obstacles behind the car during reversing. Both warning lights and sound signals alert the driver to possible dangers, “I could tell.
Believe it or not – this car is 50 years old
Sensor signals
Magnetic cards for programming the exact best seat position and the correct strength of the air conditioning system were part of the long list of new equipment. There we also found automatic lighting that turned on and off the headlights controlled by the lighting conditions, and which also made sure to switch between low beam and high beam controlled by sensors in the front of the car.
The electronics were not only used for function control and comfort. It was also at that time of great importance for operating economy and consumption.
Toyota presented here its Toyota Computer Controlled System (TCCS), which was a control system for the engine and automatic transmission. The system worked on the basis of sensor signals and data stored in a small computer. This was, among other things, fed with data for optimal ignition adjustment under all possible operating conditions, and otherwise ensured that the idle speed was kept at the right level.
– Simultaneously with the introduction of the FX-1, Toyota also brought with it this design study – which two years later appeared as the MR-2. Photo: Toyota
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Three driving modes
“One of the most interesting things, however, is the system’s ability to give its own diagnosis if something wrong should occur. Results of such a diagnosis are stored in the computer’s memory, and remain stored even when the ignition is switched off.
Also interesting is the computer control of the automatic transmission. This ensures the most correct possible time for gear changes, which of course is important for the operating economy.
The system also offers alternatives: You can choose between a sporty (Power) and a financial position at the checkout – if you then do not choose to remain in “normal position”. ” Not bad, three driving modes already!
250hk–i 1984
Of course, the electronics were also in the chassis. Here sat an electronically controlled hydropneumatic suspension system that automatically determined the correct ground clearance, suspension characteristics and certain other functions.
And yes, the FX-1 also had an engine – a six with dual overhead camshafts 24 valves and two turbochargers. Toyota did not want any effect, but my guess was that “something special under 250 hp we doubt it has.” And 250 hp was a lot in 1984!
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