What the hell is this?
A four-seat sports coupé made out of seaweed. Nori means seaweed in Japanese and that's what makes up the bulk of the one-piece body and chassis.
Any new technology?
Toyota's designers coined a new phrase for the NORI concept: 'podular'. Basically the body and chassis are one, formed of a bio-plastic that is mostly made up of farmed seaweed. Solar cells are woven into the body to help charge up the removable battery pack. That in turn powers the four electric motors, which are wheel-mounted.
Could it replace a current model?
Tough one. It's more like a Toyota Supra than anything currently on sale.
The Toyota NORI is one of nine designs competing for honours in the 2010 LA Design Challenge.