I recent comment on an old post, regarding the Toyota IQ Car, brought my attention back to this little beasty.  The comment mentioned that this was not intended to actually be a hybrid, rather a small gasoline engine or diesel.  After some further research, it looks like Toyota does plan on making a very small motorcycle engine, to power this pimple on wheels.

The Toyota IQ was originally announced and shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.  Midgets and kids shrieked in excitement at the possibility of finally getting to drive a go-kart on the highways and biways.  However, it looks like the IQ will be focused on European markets, where traffic studies show the average speed is in the teens.  So, a tiny motor cycle engine will be sufficient to push the little tin can down the road.

Videos of Toyota IQ Car

Looking for something slightly larger than a golf cart to tool around in?  Well you are the target buyer for Toyota's latest creation, the 09 iQ.  This teeny tiny 4 seater will be available this fall in Japan and European markets, so the US will have to wait for this glorified go-cart.

Although small in size the 09 Toyota iQ is big on safety features.  First it's all steel frame makes this baby weigh in at almost 1900lbs and sports a whopping 12 airbags, including the worlds first rear window air bag.

The 09 iQ is of course a hybrid, which will help Toyota meet it's goals of building 1 million hybrid vehicles a year by 2010.

G FORCE Racing Gear Hybrid XXL White Snell SA2000    US $.99

EF9 2923 IM A HYBRID I RUN ON BEER AND BIKER PATCH    US $4.15

CADILLAC Escalade ESV EXT CTS STS DTS XLR SRX Hybrid V    US $4.99

Toyota has announced the development of a new safety feature, which will come as an option in their upcoming iQ vehicle.  The Rear Window Air Bag will act as a curtain to protect rear seat passengers from debris in the case of a rear end collission.

It's a world first from Toyota who wants to make side air bags and shield air bags 'standard' equipment on all new vehicles.

Rear Window Air Bags in iQ