Update: Toyota RND Was Brits Playing a Joke
Update 1/23/2015: Given the over-the-top press release, we all probably should have seen through this shit. Turns out the RND Concept was a joke orchestrated by Toyota’s British PR wing. RND actually stands for Red Nose Day. Here’s the description from the official site:
“Since its launch in 1988, Red Nose Day has become something of a British institution. It’s the day, every two years, when people across the land can get together and do something funny for money at home, school and work.”
According to Auto Evolution, who sourced Dutch site Autovisie, the spyshot is a Yaris with a red nose. Apparently you’ll be able to buy one and the proceeds will go to charity. So this is good news for impoverished folks, but but bad news for enthusiast hoping for a sub-FRS sports car or crazy trike city car.
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When I first read this, I saw “RND” as RWD—as in rear wheel drive—so I immediately thought, “Supra! Yes—it’s happening!” But even after I digested the name correctly, I was still excited, and sure as hell not because there’s anything that can really be gleaned from the teaser above. It’s because the press release contains some pretty interesting info.
First? This is a “concept” in name only. When Toyota unveils the RND Monday in the UK, it won’t be a design exercise, but a fully formed, ready-for-production car, which the bean counters have already developed a business case for—and nobody outside the company knows what it looks like.
“Also, the hyperbolic language surrounding the RND is—even by the standards of ridiculously inflated PR copy—batshit bonkers insane. ”
Also, the hyperbolic language surrounding the RND is—even by the standards of ridiculously inflated PR copy—batshit bonkers insane. How insane? Check these quotes from Toyota’s official press release:
“Instead of [ an international motor show ] its new RND Concept will make its world debut in the UK on 26th January, ready for fast-track development that should see it changing the face of motoring within weeks.”
“Toyota is confident, too, that the RND Concept’s impact will go far beyond its own model range, having the potential to transform the look of every vehicle on the road.”
The RND will also, according to the President of Toyota Great Britain “make a valuable contribution to the world we live in,” which is a pretty obvious clue that it’s electric, and could indicate some partnership with Tesla.
Also, the fact that’s going to “change the face of motoring” and “transform the look of every vehicle on the road” suggest that it might be a three-wheeler? The UK debut also makes me think small, urban transport that wouldn’t be practical for America’s SUV culture. Or, like, road legal here in the Colonies.
But I honestly have no clue as to what the RND might be. The iRoad has already been rolled out in tests on the Continent, so it’s not that. What do you think it is?
