Toyota
FT-1 Concept
The 2014 North American International Auto Show is
off to a BIG start in many ways and Toyota has captivated us with its new
Toyota FT-1 Concept Car. Dare we say this is the return of the Supra – starting
up those rumors would be digging up that dead horse and beating its bones into
fine powder at this point. But hope is still there as the FT-1 shows forward
movement off of the heals of the 2007 FT-HS and 2012 Lexus LF-LC concept
vehicles.
“Function-sculpting” design language yields curved,
muscular, expressive body forms seemingly shaped by the wind. Inlets, ducting,
and vents are features of the exterior design that help reinforce its
track–ready nature with elements of purposeful airflow management. At higher
speeds a retractable rear wing deploys and tilts forward to create additional
downforce. The body’s athleticism is expressed with taut surfaces and dramatic
fender forms that seduce the eyes when covered in an unapologetically red hue.
The new Toyota FT-1 Concept Car is said to a
track-focused sports car created by the CALTY Design Research center. It
continues the tradition of sports cars in the brand following the 2000GT,
Celica, Supra and the recent Scion FR-S/Toyota FT-86.
The interior is a focused, highly functional “place
of business” that locates the driver at the controls behind an F1 inspired
steering-wheel. The intimate, low slung cockpit has its A-pillars set far back
to help optimize cornering vision and sensation of the cabin’s intimacy. A
delta-shaped display zone surrounds and integrates the driver to provide an
exhilarating sense of being connected to the vehicle. The cockpit’s sense of
minimalism adds to the purposefulness of the driver-focused environment with an
emphasis on light weight components such as the composite seat covered with
just the right amount of padding in only the areas that come into contact with
the driver. A color heads-up display keeps the driver’s attention on the road
ahead, with vital information projected just above the steering wheel within
the driver’s line of sight.
Toyota has released just a bit of information on
this vehicle being powered by a balanced internal combustion front-engine and a
rear-wheel-drive layout. This particular concept will be available to drive
‘virtually’ on Gran Turismo 6 as new downloadable content.
