Toyota has unveiled a new sportscar concept at the Detroit motor show called the FT-1 which is inspired by past classic Toyotas such as the Supra. The vehicle marks the start in the new chapter of Toyota design philosophy.
The car is described by the company as "a true enthusiast's track car in the lineage of the 2000GT and Supra". The name FT-1 stands for 'Future Toyota', with the number one representing "the ultimate world-class sports car with the ultimate performance envelope".
Company sources confirmed that it has a combustion engine only, with no hybrid system.
The Toyota FT-1's front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration allows the cockpit to sit further towards the rear of the car, within the wheelbase, helping to improve weight distribution and creating classic sports car proportions. The wraparound windscreen and side glass arrangement are a clear nod to the design of the original 2000GT.
The cockpit is described as a "delta-shaped display zone. This helps to make the driver feel at the heart of the action, fully connected to the car". It features a Formula 1-inspired steering wheel and a colour head-up display that projects key information just above the wheel.
The FT-1 was conceived at Toyota's Calty design research centre in California. Calty president Kevin Hunter said the philosophy behind the car marked a radical change in the way Toyota's products are designed. "Beyond its obvious visual impact, FT-1 is symbolic of a new chapter for Toyota global design. This concept truly captures the passion, excitement and energy of the Toyota we are evolving into. It embodies elements of the emotion and performance that we will imprint upon future production designs."