Toyota FT-1 concept shocks Detroit – the next Supra?

Toyota_FT1_Sports_Concept_Reveal1

Unleashed at the ongoing 2014 NAIAS in Detroit is the Toyota FT-1, a concept that harks back to the Japanese company’s past sports cars. Its dynamic proportions come courtesy of a traditional front-engined, RWD configuration, which allows for a very sports car-like cab-backward stance.

This helps weight distribution, and thanks to A-pillars that have been pushed as far back as possible, there’s more cornering visibility to be had, Toyota says. The FT-1 is the work of Toyota’s Calty design studio in California, aiming “to give Toyota products more energy and passion” as well as to create cars that “connect more deeply with customers and generate a more satisfying ownership experience.”

toyota-ft-1-au-0007

Prominent frontal intakes, an F1-style protruding nose and front wing, striking 21-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35 series rubber, large twin tailpipes and a retractable rear wing make no bones about its performance aspirations. The wrap-around windscreen and side glass openings are clear nods to the 2000GT of the 1960s, while the long bonnet has a transparent section through which the engine is visible.

The driver faces an F1-inspired steering wheel with gear indicator and an engine start button. Flanking it are shift paddles, and just above it sits a colour head-up display and a delta-shaped display zone. We can also see deep bucket seats, a swoopy centre console and what appears to be aluminium pedals.

No official tech details have been divulged, but Toyota hints that power will come from a combustion engine instead of a hybrid powertrain. The car is set to be released for download on the Gran Turismo 6 racing game, as part of the Vision series.

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • F1RST on Jan 15, 2014 at 4:02 pm

    F1RST.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 32
  • overdone..bit fugly

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 48
    • Can’t decide which is uglier… front or back!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 23
    • uncle Sam not LOo on Jan 16, 2014 at 8:05 am

      That happens when Japanese gives American to do design
      instead…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 8
  • Guilt79 on Jan 15, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    Look weird and stylish at the same time.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 2
    • i like the side mirror design

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
    • But knowing Japanese concepts, you will be happy if the real thing looks 50% like this.

      Whereas for the German concepts, when you see one, the real thing wont be that much different.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Tengu front end aside, it looks absolutely stunning everywhere else….espacially the rear 3/4. Heavily reminds me of the late TVR Segaris. Toyota is still heavily considering a GTR and NSX rival, and CEO Akio is very insisting on that happening. I do like Akio Toyoda savior plan to his family’s company, But…..will a production version really going to forgive them for 20 or so Sportscar-less vanilla they’ve become? For those still remember those great days.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 6
    • Jaybond on Jan 15, 2014 at 5:49 pm

      Obviously, the early 1990s were that great days, almost all the Japanese carmakers scrambled to produce their own supercars, which had shocked the European sportscar fraternity in terms of technology and performance.Unfortunately, Japan Inc. didn’t carry the momentum for the next 20 years or so , until now..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
      • frenzyaustin on Jan 15, 2014 at 9:23 pm

        It’s probably due to the economic situation the Japanese facing now. If they still pour in tons of money to develop something they can’t sell, they will go bankrupt. The company are now doing spend less earn more strategy to save the company but it’s coming to an end soon. Japanese car maker big 3 has a lot of interesting things coming soon like the NSX, FT-1 and probably the GT-R successor are developing now. Lexus started to play the game of the Premium brand to challenge the Germans and this generation of Lexus bringing quite a lot of surprise. Lexus LS successor probably unveiled in 2015 or 2016 and hope it likes it’s 1st gen that will send the S-Class back to drawing board.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
      • The fact that the early 90s, Japan’s economics were still growing strong, like FrenzyAustin said, they poured tons and tons of money into making cars that excite people. Add to that, motorsport were in (but neraing the end)of their glory days, there was still homologations, and brute power and raw talent were in demand, unlike today where regulations are as cownfusing and complicated as Fermat’s last Theoreum, and lawyer have bigger roles than the drivers in most races.

        The motorsport glory and Japan’s economics meant that Japan had the money and time to give the hairy-chested, elbow greese folks of the era the stuff they wanted, and also motorsport participation meant that those little tech fizzle into their normal production cars. Of courese than Japan went into an economic bubble, funding ceased and the makers turn their attention into cars that can actually make them money. And Corollas and Civics started to become more civilised and grown up, but also much duller. Let’s be honest we can say how much we desire a Skyline GTR or even a Civic type-R, but only a small fraction of the world will actually buy them, its nice that they exist but its not making them money and Japanese car makers are running a buisness, not a charitable organisation.

        Than we have the growing times, Japanese cars are known to be hairy chested and pure exhilerated fun, but they were never civilised or I dare say, good looking. So the world moved to a new millenieum, people now are more knowlegable and demand safety and comfort, and Japanese cars gave that(not Malaysia). The younger more narcissitic #Twiiter#Selfie genearation now wants a car that are aesthatically pleasing or SWAG so that they are able to present themselve better, cool gizmos in the car also helps, and lo and behold, the Koreans make their move.

        There was a saying that Koreans prioritized appearence more that anything else, and their car demonstrate that. Power and chassis dynamic becomes almost irralevent and the Koreans capitalised this growing Socialized world and put all their R&D into desgn and it pays off handsomely. The Forte and Genesis thou lacking in almost all departmemt forced the world’s attention to divert across the Tsuchima strait, and now that they have your curiosity, they want your attention. Agressive spending on marketing paid off and suddenly we have a world contender.

        Japan on the other hand isn’t so lucky, the emergence of China meant that Japan’s dirty past is hitting headlines again, and couple that with messy politics and Natural disasters meant that Japan is not getting any good names. Carmakers in Japan are suffering from heat at home and from the world. The world suddenly wants good looking car that is cheap and specced well, the Japanese don’t do good-looking well considering the internet associate with stuff that crazily weird with the japanese.

        Lately, the Japanese are picking up some steam, as frenzyaustin said, Lexus is designing cars that steals your attention weather you like it or not. Honda is coming out with new powertrain and Toyota is moving from dull to very agressive in line with Lexus, and also racing in the TS030 . Nissan also showed the world that it can defy physics with the GTR and captivate people with the idx concept. But even with all this, there are skeptism and downright hate on the internet, I really do hope it is not due to the current events in politics bringing up the old japanophobia, but Japan is at least showing some promising moves in tthe latest autoshows.

        Wow……thats an essay!!!hope PT puts this ina different article, haha.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
        • car tropper on Jan 16, 2014 at 8:45 am

          where did u find this article?

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
          • Oh, I wrote it this through my own thoughts and R&D. Excuse for the grammar mistakes

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
        • such long essay on Jan 16, 2014 at 9:46 am

          dont forget, the worldwide recall issue that affected Japanese carmakers P&L

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • AutoFrenz on Jan 15, 2014 at 4:19 pm

    6 words – Just Produce It As It Is

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 6
  • Very nice. Now, put it into the real world please.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 4
  • Reiner on Jan 15, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    Toyota. anyone?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 16
  • Sam Loo on Jan 15, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    Camry and Vios has more Rv than this.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 27
  • Hyundai De La Junk on Jan 15, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    This is what i call COOL sports car, compare with that KIA Eyeless GT4 which such a joke…lol

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 7
  • mystvearn on Jan 15, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    Looks like combination of a Dodge Viper and a McLaren Mercedes SLR to me

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 7
  • Compare this to the kia stinger…..that’s a joke

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 2
  • Maseratits on Jan 15, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    nice car but my fat ass can’t fit in the back seat of this shit

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • overdone like it can fly instead a 911 easily can smoke this. Such design is suitable if installed with jet propulsion for vertical airlifting and a pair of turboprops for moving forward.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 13
  • Jaybond on Jan 15, 2014 at 5:41 pm

    Hopefully Toyota can make it a production reality.We haven’t seen much from Japan Inc. that can challenge the Europe’s best mainstream sportscars ,other than the Nissan GTR. Honda’s new NSX is set to be ready sometime this year. We are yet to see something awesome from Toyota, this concept could be the first real indication of it and hopefully not just another pointless concept car..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • The “F1 nose” design looks a little weird to me. Nice steering design though.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • disgruntledBMWowner on Jan 15, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    Gosh what an ugly rear.. Too “beng” man

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 13
  • paucharsiew on Jan 15, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    there isn’t one particular angle that really stands out…but overall it just looks stunning

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • OhWhatAFeeling on Jan 15, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    Its designed by their American design studio, not by their Japanese designers as indicated. Therefore targeting American consumers, which are quite Ah Beng-ish also, considering the F&F movie franchise!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • niterunner99 on Jan 15, 2014 at 8:18 pm

    It may look like Toyota is trying to copy some designs from other makes (see through bonnet like Ferrari, or that rear machanical spoiler from many others).
    BUT I LIKE!!
    Personally now it looks like a car that can match other makes. Better looking than Lexus LFA!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • it has two cooling fans at front ^^

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Shaun on Jan 15, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    Finally something gorgeous looking from toyota after so long.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • qwerty on Jan 15, 2014 at 9:40 pm

    Toyota practically owned the Detroit show with the FT-1 and the Lexus RC-F.

    BTW, there are speculations where they think the FT-1 could come with a V10; by the looks of the engine cover, because they think it’s too big for a straight six and also too long for a V8.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • noturaverageguy on Jan 15, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    i’ll go for corvette Z06

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
    • you must be driving cheap plotong only.. u know that corvette wont come to this country?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Correction: This is not part of GT Vision for Toyota. This is a free car dlc in GT6 just like the BMW M4. Which you can get for free by playing the latest seasonal updates or you could just buy the car after the latest update.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jojovich on Jan 15, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    Looks like ft-86 on steroids…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • policeman on Jan 15, 2014 at 11:04 pm

    looks like my buttocks when its clenched.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Fahmi on Jan 15, 2014 at 11:12 pm

    The legend is back!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • very good looking car.. the rear and side of this car must be inspired from vios

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • fareast on Jan 16, 2014 at 12:53 am

    calty design has provide the shape and look, toyota turns is to provide good engine. this car going to be first choice being compared with other brand sports car ie 911, F-type, AMG-GT, stingray GT4, the new corvette. the idea should have this car above them in especially for engine performance. i must say

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • inrageous on Jan 16, 2014 at 1:08 am

    this is downright outrageous, a big departure from the rather drab designs in toyota’s stable – and heck that is a good thing! =)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • mizuru on Jan 16, 2014 at 4:40 am

    ONE WORD.FERRARI.THIS CONCEPT DIDNT HAVE ANY DISTINGUISHABLE FEATURE FROM THE ONE FROM FERRARI.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • tHe^CuLpRit on Jan 16, 2014 at 5:25 am

    you get to “drive” this on Gran Turismo 6 already :-)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Sam Dol on Jan 16, 2014 at 9:49 am

    Looks like a Dodge Viper that went through cosmetics surgery at Sunway body kits shops

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Denaihati on Jan 16, 2014 at 9:58 am

    nice concept and F1 on the road, looks attractive and so powerfull. i believe the performance also nearly or same a F1. also hope we can see as a f1 marshall car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • farizY on Jan 16, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    I’ve already driven this car…..in Gran Turismo 6; of course ;)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Inoran on Jan 16, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    Holy shit man…. but 1st car come to my mind , looks abit like D. Viper.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Head Hunter on Jan 19, 2014 at 4:58 pm

    Toyota FT 1
    F***ING TREMENDOUS 1!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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