IIMS 2014: Toyota FT-1 Concept is one curvy stunner

Toyota FT-1 IIMS 6

It wasn’t a world debut, but the Toyota FT-1 Concept was THE stunner of the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS), which we just got home from. Sitting at the welcoming edge of Toyota’s stand at JI Expo, this was the car everyone wanted a selfie with.

With good reason, because the front-engined, rear-driven FT-1 is a stunning blend of dramatic curves and classic sports car proportions. Toyota’s preview of a future halo model made its debut at Detroit 2014 earlier this year, but that car was in red. This unit, in gorgeous graphite grey, was first shown at the 2014 Pebble Beach car show in August, so it’s hot off the press.

Managing to secure such a display is quite an impressive feat for the local Indonesian arm, but I guess that when you control over half of what could grow to be one of the world’s biggest markets (Toyota and Daihatsu combined), you have reasonable clout.

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.”

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.

Toyota FT-1 IIMS 14

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.

There are also two deep bucket seats (lined with brown natural-grain leather for this grey car) and a swoopy centre console, but we can’t show you all of that – the car was on a raised platform that was out of bounds.

One can already drive the Toyota FT-1 and its racing sister in Gran Turismo 6, but let’s all pray for the real thing. New Supra? Yes, please!

Toyota FT-1 Graphite

Toyota FT-1 from Detroit 2014

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • ProtonGSC on Sep 23, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    Stunning this car look like it can fly.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
    • Proton macai especially Peyno will claim that Toyota is copying Dodge Viper.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
    • Same L0rrr on Sep 23, 2014 at 2:20 pm

      Now Proton “smokers” who believe the Iriz can smoke chicken wings smoke Christmas turkey they all keep silent.

      Real Same L0rrr has no problem with kampung/city people, but on cars with poor build quality and money begging car maker.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • zuchie on Sep 23, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    Wow…the beast…perfect for Batman mobile.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • niterunner99 on Sep 23, 2014 at 1:22 pm

    Put a few more wings & it’s ready for next Batman movie!
    Put this into production!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • kzm (Member) on Sep 23, 2014 at 1:39 pm

    Wow..I tot batmobile..look very garang

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • nabill (Member) on Sep 23, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    aah , any topic which is NOT axia related is always refreashing!
    jus how many percent of this is will actually make it to production i wonder??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • long live the supra

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Jaybond on Sep 23, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    Hopefully Toyota can finally transform this concept into the production reality but still staying true to the concept car design details. The Lexus RC-F was a big disappointment styling-wise, which deviated too much from the Lexus RC concept styling. But looking at this Toyota FT-1, it looks like it’s almost production-ready. The world needs more supercars from Japan Inc , other than the GT-R..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • BLT_Club on Sep 23, 2014 at 2:44 pm

    When will Proton rebadge this?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Sep 23, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    umw version comes with 2 airbags

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 1
    • Jimmy on Sep 23, 2014 at 9:47 pm

      Do you mean 2 hundred percent profit margin? or 2 litre NA with no turbo at all?
      BTW, to me this car is ugly.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • Terryble on Sep 23, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    The front looks a bit~~weird and over do~~~
    wonder what will it like when the real car come out..

    but the rear looks very nice~~

    modify the front a bit but keep the rear!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • TheDean on Sep 23, 2014 at 11:13 pm

    It appears we now know where all the designers from Toyota have disappeared to….. THIS PROJECT! Leaving the other models (Camry especially) to Transformers fans.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Sep 24, 2014 at 12:28 am

    Lexus nx production model is a better looking car than the concept…
    Hopefully the same could be said about the upcoming Supra,….

    Altho the LFA is uglier than the concept in pursuit of performance….

    I fear the looks of the ft-1 may be toned down to cut costs or to improve performance to chase the inevitable arrival of the r36 gt-r…..

    I’d say….keep the looks…godzilla is on another planet already, the carbon bodied LFA couldnt keep with it…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • wow so fast they bring it to a car show…unfortunately not in KL show

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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