DESERT MOUSE

Eco-friendly over hill and dale: That's the motto under which fahrmitgas.de presents the Daihatsu Terios Desert Mouse concept car, powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a power output of 105hp (77kW) converted to autogas operation. 

The advantages of the autogas conversion are apparent, not the least of which are cost savings of more than 50 percent at the pump depending on the price of gasoline. When operated on autogas, the engine's CO2 emissions are reduced by some ten percent for especially eco-friendly driving. Drivers can switch between operating modes at the push of a button in the cockpit.

The German autogas company has developed a high-end system with sequential injection that supplies each cylinder with autogas individually. The conversion also includes electronic precision engine controls and an electronic metering device for their innovative P1000 autogas additive which is the first product of its kind proven to protect intake and outlet valves.

The most conspicuous feature of the autogas system in the Terios is the safety tank. The tank is made from 3.5-millimeter thick steel and is designed to look like a spare wheel. It is mounted vertically in the trunk and has a capacity of 46 liters. Together with the unmodified 50-liter production fuel tank it gives the car an operating range of some 900 kilometers. In the DESERT MOUSE concept car the tank is fitted with a desert-camouflage-patterned fabric cover.

The five-door 4x4 SUV is also a true eye catcher: The small off-roader sets itself apart with a desert camouflage paintjob and with matte-black front brush guards and running boards from Cobra accessories as well as with auxiliary headlamps in the front and on the roof.

BF Goodrich all-terrain tires in size 225/75 R 16 mounted on size 7Jx16 wheels give the Desert Mouse optimal traction on loose ground. For a spectacular look the wheels are moved out from the hub dramatically using H &R wheel spacers.

The Desert Mouse lives up to its name in the interior as well. Included in the unique features are custom-tailored camouflage-design seat covers and an iPod Touch with integrated GPS navigation system and a number of selected apps that among other things can also direct the driver to the nearest autogas filling station.

The Daihatsu Terios Desert Mouse concept car is ready for production as a special model if the public response warrants it. Numerous components such as the autogas system, the add-on body parts and the wheels are already available in the Daihatsu accessories program.