Toyota unveiled the FT-1 Concept a vehicle what wasn’t specifically design to be the next Supra but pays tribute to the history of Toyota sports cars. FT-1 stands for “Future Toyota” while the number “1” represents the ultimate. Drawing inspiration from the FT-HS (2007) and the Lexus LF-LC (2012), the new FT-1 Concept has a front engine rear-wheel drive configuration that locates the cockpit far reward within the wheelbase in order to improve weight distribution. The cockpit’s wraparound windshield and the side glass opening are inspired by the legendary Toyota 2000GT. The interior is a highly-functional “place of business” that locates the driver at the controls begind an F1-inspired steering-wheel.
The cockpit comes with A-pillars set far back to help optimize cornering vision, while the delta-shaped display zone surrounds and integrates the driver in order to provide a sense of being connected to the vehicle. There is also a color heads-up display that delivers vital information just above the steering wheel. The show car comes with a battery pack that can push it on the stage, but that’s just for this concept.
If built, this model could see a V6 or a bigger V8, but could also be a hybrid. Moreover, it could get an inline-six engine from BMW.
“Sports cars represent the ultimate driving expression in its purest form. As car enthusiasts ourselves, this is the kind of project we dream about working on,” said Calty Design Research president Kevin Hunter. Beyond its obvious five-alarm visual impact, FT-1 is symbolic of a new chapter for Toyota Global Design. This provocative concept truly captures the passion, excitement, and energy of the Toyota we are evolving into and embodies elements of the emotion and performance that Toyota will imprint upon future production designs.”
