Toyota Shows Off Surfrider Camry CNG Hybrid at SEMA 2009

Instead of showing off this vehicle, we wish Toyota had this car production ready.

From Green Car Congress:

Surfrider Camry CNG Hybrid. Click to enlarge.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to create a specially modified Camry Hybrid fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). The Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG and two modified Prius gas-electric hybrid vehicles are on display in the Environmental Lifestyle Zone of the Toyota vehicle display at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The CNG system in the Surfrider Camry hybrid was built by Metal Crafters of Fountain Valley, Calif.; Metal Crafters also built the CNG Camry Hybrid concept in 2008. To convert the stock Camry Hybrid to a CNG vehicle, the gasoline fuel system was replaced with a CNG system in the spare tire well area.

The CNG Camry Hybrid retains the 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine with Hybrid Synergy Drive. The concept delivers net (all power sources) 170 hp (127 kW); the production Camry Hybrid delivers net 187 hp (139 kW). Range for the CNG hybrid is projected to be 250+ miles.

Toyota also teamed with Street Image to further modify the Camry Hybrid CNG Show Car for the 2009 SEMA Show. The exterior of the vehicle was given a sportier concept look with the installation of an aggressive body kit featuring a custom front grill and unique rear bumper that covers the tail pipe and exhaust system. The overall ride height was lowered on an adjustable coilover suspension, allowing the car to hug the set of 20-inch alloy wheels rolling on Toyo Proxy 4 tires. A new multi-colored vehicle wrap that features CNG and Surfrider logos completes the unique look.

At the conclusion of the 2009 SEMA Show Toyota will provide a production version of the Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG to the Surfrider Foundation. The vehicle will be driven to, and displayed at numerous outreach campaigns, education programs and beach cleanup events.

Toyota Prius Aerius and Aemulus. Toyota also publicly debuted two uniquely modified Prius gas-electric hybrids at the 2009 SEMA Show. The Prius Aerius (Latin for “belonging to the air”) is a show car that integrates performance and design modifications with environmental elements, which embody the principals of sustainability. The Prius Aemulus (meaning “envious imitation”) is a drivable close replica of the Prius Aerius that has been donated to the Environmental Media Association (EMA) for a charity auction.

Built on two third-generation 2010 Prius, Five Axis Design created a four-piece Aero Kit using polyurethane and partially recycled materials manufactured by 3D Carbon. The kit includes a front lip spoiler, side skirts, and a rear lower valance. The Aero Kit was designed and aerodynamically tested by using state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software by Swift Engineering to ensure the kit maintained the Prius’ 0.25 coefficient of drag.

The Prius Aerius Show Car rides on Yokohama Super E-Spec low rolling resistance tires made from 80% non-petroleum materials and feature a special tread with leaf graphics. The special tires are mounted to unique Five Axis, FIVE:AD S6:F 19-inch wheels, with smooth, clear covers that reduce the coefficient of drag. The Prius Aemulus Auction Car rides on factory wheels with an exclusive art design that includes body color-keyed accents and a special two-tone treatment.

The side and rear glass on both vehicles receive a Crystalline Automotive Window Film, the latest in window film technology from 3M. The special window treatment blocks 99.9% of UV light and has a SPF rating equivalent to well over 1,000.

The Prius Aerius Show Car is installed with an interior seat fabric provided by True Textiles that is made from 100% consumer recycled polyester. Polyurethane produced by Ultrafabrics was provided for the design of the bolster and seatback. Ultrafabrics uses a polyurethane manufacturing process that captures and recycles over 99 percent of solvents used in production, leading to almost zero pollutants. Interior accents of the Prius Aerius are made from 3form’s eco-recycled resin, which is comprised of reclaimed birch trees and 40 percent post-industrial recycled content.