Mitsui Chemicals and subsidiary ARRK Corporation announced that materials developed by Mitsui Chemicals have been employed in a pace car based on the Toyota Fortuner. Direct pellet-fed 3D-printed components jointly developed by Mitsui Chemicals and ARRK, and TAFNEX CF/PP – a unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin sheet developed by Mitsui Chemicals – have found application in the TOYOTA Hyper-F CONCEPT, which has been designed by TCD ASIA Co. 

The TOYOTA Hyper-F CONCEPT is a high-performance concept model with a styling design that incorporates the road handling and aerodynamic performance cultivated in the racing field by TCD ASIA’s motorsport business. The new materials have enabled the company to further reduce the concept car’s weight. In addition, the fitting of four sport seats provides a new mode of enjoyment that users cannot experience in a two-seater vehicle. 

Since its unveiling at Bangkok Auto Salon 2024, held in the Thai capital in June, the car has gone through proof of concept. It is now set to run as a fully operational safety car in the Idemitsu Super Endurance 25 Hours race, which will take place at Chang International Circuit in Thailand’s Buriram Province on December 21 and 22. 

In the drivable model, TAFNEX CF/PP has been used for the hood air vents, decorative components on part of the front bumper, and underbody panel. Additionally, direct pellet-fed 3D-printed components are fitted to the hood air duct bezels and rear overfender.