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Rumours, gossip, and more rumours.

Where do we find this material? Well, let us say that we have our sources.

The latest rumours:

i-swing -- is it a car, is it a scooter?
A hybrid replacement for the Celica in 2008
Will this be the new Corolla in 2008?

i-swing

Toyota's i-swing concept is a new personal mobility vehicle which takes the PMV idea several steps further. It is able to operate in a similar manner to the Segway in two wheeled mode at walking pace on a footpath thus taking up little space, or can be transformed into a three-wheeled mode for road speeds. Using joystick control, the i-swing is controlled by body weight movements.

The i-swing concept proposes using Artificial Intelligence to enable the vehicle to learn the habits and preferences of individual users.

The single-person vehicle features a low-resistance urethane body covered in cloth for safety while operating near people. The machine is able to keep pace with someone on foot.

Celica replacement in 2008

The Toyota Celica is going but will be back --- although not before 2008.

According to the British magazine The Autocar, Toyota is developing a mid-engined, 4WD hybrid car with four seats to replace both the MR2 and Celica. Both cars are nearing the end of their production lives and may be withdrawn by the end of 2006.

It could be called a Celica and it will be based on the CS+S concept car.

A departure for a sports car, the car may use a 105bhp gasoline engine, as in the Prius. Behind the engine will be a continuously variable transmission with artificial gear-change steps to make it feel more conventional. There will be a two 400lb-ft of torque electric motors, one for each pair of wheels.

Also planned are a folding metal roof, the first in a mid-engined car.

Why the delay? Toyota's hybrid program has been so successful the supply of hybrid power trains must be increased to meet this additional need.

A new Corolla in 2008?