2014 Detroit: Virtual Toyota FT-1 is a real blast

Story and photos by John LeBlanc DETROIT – While the new Toyota FT-1 Concept sports car can be virtually driven today, its acronym breaks down as “Future Toyota” and the number “1” representing the ultimate Toyota sports car. As the long-awaited successor to the 1990s’ Toyota Supra sports car, the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive FT-1 Concept seems bound for production. Here in Detroit, though, the focus was on the Toyota concept’s theoretical nature. Supposedly riffing off Toyota’s sports coupe history — ‘60s 2000GT, ‘70s Celica, ‘90s Supra and MR2, today’s Toyota FT-86/Scion FR-S and recent concept’s like the 2007 FT-HS and 2012 — Alex Shen from Toyota’s California-based Calty Design Research Calty’s Studio said, “The FT-1 is a dream-project for a designer and car enthusiast like myself. It is an aggressive, track-focused sports car concept with a presence that has been amplified for shock and awe.” Seemingly targeted at rival Japanese super cars like the forthcoming 2015 Acura NSX and existing Nissan GT-R, the FT-1 looks like a no-holds-barred attempt by Toyota to create a halo car that will sell in low numbers but garner plenty of attention from the influential motoring media and customers. Similar to the Supra, Toyota says the FT-1’s front engine rear-wheel drive configuration locates the cockpit “far rearward within the wheelbase to improve weight distribution.” It also displays the classic, long-hood/sort rear-deck sports car proportions. (In profile, it’s as if Calty’s designers morphed the FR-S and the last Supra). While the FT-1’s cockpit’s wraparound windshield and side glass openings are said to be in honour the 2000GT. Toyota’s designers also took a unique approach in pitching the FT-1 to Toyota president Akio Toyoda. Working with Polyphony Digital, makers of the Gran Turismo driving simulator game, they built the FT-1 as a virtually drivable vehicle, and offered Toyoda and other execs virtual “laps” around Japan’s Fuji Speedway. Apparently, Toyoda — known for his mettle behind a racecar — was “quicker” in the FT-1 than in a Lexus LF-A. To generate added interest, the FT-1 will be available as a GranTurismo download for non-Toyota execs to try and beat Toyoda’s lap time. For now, Toyota is not releasing any FT-1 technical specifications. Beneath a transparent glass front hood, an engine cover hides a virtual powerplant left. Could be gerbils in there, for all we know. But don’t be surprised if the FT-1 eventually makes it into production.

Comments