Toyota Sports Car Concept, FT-1

[Kchrpm]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m5O05VthIjg/UtQKd7Mwo6I/AAAAAAAALWs/DAKGmY73oUo/w885-h590-no/d48cef2a-5d30-4e63-82de-856abcd30f40

http://jalopnik.com/the-toyota-ft-1-the-next-toyota-supra-1500153174

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/19cf41kus69sajpg/original.jpg

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/19cf2woxpsftwjpg/original.jpg

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/19cf994qb6mopjpg/original.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/future/concept_vehicles/1403_toyota_ft_1_concept_first_look/66843714/Toyota-FT-1-rear-three-quarter-02.jpg

Perhaps just the first concept of multiple that will lead to a new Supra?

[Kchrpm]

Video and some interior pics from http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_vehicles/1403_toyota_ft_1_concept_first_look/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLGvTvFzdMg_OIya3r7lFUJvdvtXSZmdD5&v=GO0T-eb1jrI&feature=player_embedded

http://image.motortrend.com/f/future/concept_vehicles/1403_toyota_ft_1_concept_first_look/66843765/Toyota-FT-1-steering-wheel-controls.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/future/concept_vehicles/1403_toyota_ft_1_concept_first_look/66843684/Toyota-FT-1-interior-03.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/future/concept_vehicles/1403_toyota_ft_1_concept_first_look/66843669/Toyota-FT-1-headup-unit-display.jpg

[Mr Wonder]

Oh yeah!

The front is a little ungainly, the wingmirrors are fucking hideous, but the rest of it is magnificent. The rear looks particularly good. Where do I sign?

[Rob]

Profile only.

Face and arse are not great.

[MR2 Fan]

I like it....yes,it's a bit extreme, but that usually gets toned down a bit.

The mere fact that Toyota is trying to be sporting again is a huge plus for me (now if they can only make one with the engine in the proper place ;) )

[MR2 Fan]

BTW, the interior is badass

[JoshInKC]

What Rob said.

[The359]

But the question is, what is the motor? Hard to tell from the little window in the hood. I wonder how much this car actually shares with the Lexus RC-F.

[Impreza]

Coming to GT6 tomorrow, apparently.

[MR2 Fan]

I hope I can paint it black in GT6, something tells me it would look good in black

[Rob]

I hope I can paint it black in GT6, something tells me it would look good in black

All cars look better in black, dude. Even horrors like the Aztek.

[Kchrpm]

My guess is this is purely a styling concept and whatever engine is in there is purely to get it moving around for photo shoots and his little to nothing to do with what might get produced.

[Freude am Fahren]

They should have put the LFA V10 in it just for shits and giggles.

[MR2 Fan]

They're talking about I-6 engines randomly, but there's also the new joint project with BMW....maybe a BMW I-6 engine?

[Impreza]

I6 twin turbo would be acceptable.

[novicius]

Fabulous Toyota FT-1 Concept Is Ready to Drive January 14 (http://toyotanewsroom.com/releases/toyota+ft-1+concept+ready+drive+jan14.htm)


Owners of GT6 will be the first to test-drive the FT-1 as a free online update beginning January 14. Upon downloading the latest update, a unique seasonal event featuring the Toyota FT-1 will be made available in the game. Receive a bronze or better in the FT-1 challenge at Laguna Seca and you will receive the car. Drivers will also be able to purchase the vehicle from the Toyota dealership in the simulator without having to complete the seasonal event.

I'm in love. :up: :up:

It won't be quicker than a GT-R but I wouldn't be surprised if it feels better. Possibly the goal is to be at least competitive in track times, offering better bang-for-the-buck than the GT-R does?

From Virtual to Reality? Toyota FT-1 Concept Sets the Pace for Future Design (http://toyotanewsroom.com/releases/2014+naias+toyota+ft-1+concept+reveal.htm)


In preparation for pitching the concept to Toyota management, Calty worked with Polyphony Digital, creators of the popular Gran Turismo driving simulator, to bring FT-1 to life in a virtual world that captured the excitement, passion and performance conveyed by the concept model. Toyota executives were offered the opportunity to take FT-1 for a timed lap around a computer-generated Fuji Speedway. Behind the wheel of the concept, Toyota president Akio Toyoda, an accomplished race car driver, completed the virtual circuit faster than his best real-world lap time at Fuji in his LFA. From that moment, he was convinced and the concept was approved to be built in model-form for the international auto show circuit.
As fast as an LFA for ~$60,000? Good benchmark. Heh, at that price and with that angular ass, it's a Japanese Stingray! :D

[CudaMan]

I bet if he drove a virtual LFA in Gran Turismo, he'd beat his real life LFA lap time, too. Especially if GT6 Racing tires were involved.

This Toy is decent in proportion, disappointing in details and execution. It's fussy. Inelegant. These are not the stylistic qualities of a Supra.

Also, needs moar pedals.

[The359]

http://www.dupontregistry.com/photos/detailslarge/nc-panoz-abruzzi-spirit-of-le-mans-(7).jpg

Son...?

[MR2 Fan]

I bet if he drove a virtual LFA in Gran Turismo, he'd beat his real life LFA lap time, too. Especially if GT6 Racing tires were involved.

This Toy is decent in proportion, disappointing in details and execution. It's fussy. Inelegant. These are not the stylistic qualities of a Supra.

Also, needs moar pedals.

I don't disagree with you, but I think it can look a lot better with some minor tweaking

I'll probably try some photoshopping later (then maybe Calty will hire me, haha)

[novicius]

This Toy is decent in proportion, disappointing in details and execution. It's fussy. Inelegant. These are not the stylistic qualities of a Supra.
Anyone can tack on a tall Supra spoiler and call it a day but the FT-1 is also sporting a 2+2 layout (where it didn't necessarily have to be), the long prow/fastback-to-ducktail line, and a greatly expanded side-scoop in front of the rear tires that is also on the MKIV. I'm not saying that these elements alone make it a Supra, just that there are some similarities. The three-pane hood design could also be included as well.

Also, there are some elements of the LFA design language here (the piston-popping spoiler, the horizontal taillights), as well as the rear end's "inverted" scoop design also shared with the Lexus LF-LC. Outside of the huge front intakes housing the twin fans (which will never make production like that), it still holds a strong family resemblance. IMO.

...and yeah, the Big Cock F1-esq nose is hilarious and full of F&F swagger. :lol: :up:


Data points:


1998 Toyota Supra Turbo: "320" HP (Quarter-mile MPH/Weight calculators report HP ratings of around 360, fwiw) and a curb weight of around 3,417 lbs.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: MSRP $51,994 | 450 HP | curb weight of around 3,443 lbs.

[Fogelhund]

An interesting concept car... at least a good base to start with for a road car. The show car has no engine apparently.

[novicius]

I6 twin turbo would be acceptable.
There's rumors of a new 5.0L Lexus GS coming (http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/2015-lexus-gs-f-spied-lapping-the-ring-244125/) (probably using a new turbocharged version of the 5.0L 2UR-GSE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_UR_engine#2UR-GSE) that the IS F does) and this being a real Corvette fighter, it could slot that crazy-for-Toyota mill in there. But at this price point I'm going to guess that we see first a normally aspirated 3.5L 2GR-FSE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_GR_engine#2GR-FSE) and then an all-new twin-turbo V6 variant.

Totally my personal fantasy, I haven't read anything about the existence of such a motor.

[The359]

They can't price it too high or it'll just compete with the RC-F.

[novicius]

Right -- from Kch's link (http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_vehicles/1403_toyota_ft_1_concept_first_look/):


For Alex Shen, studio chief designer at Toyota's Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, the words describing the sports car's styling concept came first -- words like "sexy," "honest," "organic," "kick-ass." Followed by proportions -- front/mid-engine, rear drive, just the right scale. And a wild guess at price -- maybe $60,000? "It's a Toyota," says Shen. "It ought to be affordable."

[Drachen596]

to me it honestly looks like an LFA with a McLaren SLResqe body kit..

[Phil_SS]

The side and rear profile are nice but the front is hideous.

[Random]

Profile is :up:, back end is :), front end is :twitch:, IMO.

[MR2 Fan]

At the risk of making it look too viper-ish....my first PS attempt

https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1484278_10152276929301874_953542601_n.jpg

[The359]

Now it's reminding me of the Alfa Romeo TZ3.

[Alan P]

I have to agree with Rob. In profile view it looks great. Shades of 370z in there but the front and rear are just horrid. I want to like it but I just don't. I guess the same way I feel about the Supra itself. Amazing technology but you couldn't even give me one.

[IMOA]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/892801_10151990572981263_1660249364_o.jpg

It's a concept car, they'll pull back on some of the extreme styling of the front and rear but if they can deliver this side profile with decent performance and a reasonable price they're on a winner

[Yw-slayer]

Looks fine to me. I generally agree with Greg. Most of you are way too fussy...

[Rob]

At the risk of making it look too viper-ish....my first PS attempt

https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1484278_10152276929301874_953542601_n.jpg

Now it looks like they've fucked the bumper off on a drift that went wrong.

[M4FFU]

Profile only.

Face and arse are not great.

Arse not calls of TVR, which is a good thing?

[novicius]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/19cf2woxpsftwjpg/original.jpg

Heh, if anything the designers are going to fill-in these front intakes with mesh-covered crumple zones.

Also you need to 'shop in a higher road height, smaller rims in every dimension, bigger rear view mirrors and probably smaller/shallower rear intakes. ;)

[Fogelhund]

Throw in the Inline 6 turbo that the M3/M4 uses and you've got a winner, depending on the details of what changes are required to make it road legal. The general profile I prefer over the current competition, I'm fine with the rear.. the front could use a bit of work.

[Rob]

Arse not calls of TVR, which is a good thing?

I did think Sagaris for a second, but then it was washed away by the Ridge Racer ugliness.

[21Kid]

MMMmmmm

[Dicknose]

The side seems to be dominated by the scoop in front of the rear wheel arch.
Its a lot of scoop for a front engine car. Cant think the rear brakes need that much cooling!

The front is a bit too much "Im a X2014".
Also a long overhang for a low car, going to lose a lot of front lips of bumps and driveways.

But it is an amazing looking car and good sign if it is going ahead that the actual car will look sporty.
Hopefully the success of the 86 will also mean they care about handling.
Throw in a decent amount of power and it could be a good mid range sports car.

[CudaMan]

Anyone can tack on a tall Supra spoiler and call it a day but the FT-1 is also sporting a 2+2 layout (where it didn't necessarily have to be), the long prow/fastback-to-ducktail line, and a greatly expanded side-scoop in front of the rear tires that is also on the MKIV. I'm not saying that these elements alone make it a Supra, just that there are some similarities. The three-pane hood design could also be included as well.

Also, there are some elements of the LFA design language here (the piston-popping spoiler, the horizontal taillights), as well as the rear end's "inverted" scoop design also shared with the Lexus LF-LC. Outside of the huge front intakes housing the twin fans (which will never make production like that), it still holds a strong family resemblance. IMO.

There is resemblance and homage for sure. The upward bow of the trunk lid is the most obvious one to me. But what I'm getting at is the presentation of the details and theme. The long hood, short deck, classic profile, all of that is good. It just really needs to be cleaned up and grow up a bit. Granted it's a concept car so it's extra wild but some of the ideas are too outrageous. Supras are supposed to look a bit aggressive, but elegantly so. This is most inelegant.

Toyota's been playing around with a beak nose for some time now, and it never looks good. They should really abandon that, yesterday.

I don't see why the side scoops are so deep on this FT-1, unless it has rear radiators like the LFA.

[CudaMan]

And speaking of the LFA, it's one of the rare cars (no others come to mind at the moment but they probably exist) where the production version looks better than any of the concepts.

Let's hope Toy's next sports car is the same way.

[Freude am Fahren]

Surprisingly, I think the R35 fits that bill.

[SkylineObsession]

I really like it it, and hope it doesn't change too much if/when it gets on the production line.

[Rare White Ape]

Take note:

FT86 concept:

http://p5.focus.de/img/fotos/origs1013746/5951794363-w811-h541-o-q75-p5/121277-Hybridversion-des-Toyota-Auris-zeigt-sich-in-Genf.jpg

What the GT86 eventually became:

http://www.carsbase.com/news/Toyota-mk6/Toyota_GT_86_bpic_490.jpg

Only a few styling queues will carry over, and the only solid info you can take from this is the general size, shape and layout of a production car if they go ahead with it.

[The359]

Yeah, and that was after three years and countless concepts to whittle it down. Same with the Lexus LF-LC and RC-F.

[neanderthal]

Um. In one word. Yuck.

I like the profile, but a lot of the details need a mega shit ton of work before I could give it a thumbs up. It could use less of Jay Leno's chin too...

[samoht]

GT86's problem is that it went to production with front McPherson struts, hence the depth of the wing above the front arches. Double wishbones don't just work better, they look better too :-)


I like the FT-1 overall.

Some specifications from GT6: 493bhp, 1322kg
Length 4675mm, Width 1970mm, Height 1225mm, Wheelbase 2740mm.

Doesn't mean that's what it will be, but gives an indication of Toyota's thinking at this stage, I guess.

In reality I'd expect it to gain ~100kgs or so, but seems like we can expect around 500hp. Would be pretty cool, and a fitting successor to the last Supra.

(Power is displayed when choosing the car in arcade mode. Weight can be worked out by setting online race performance filters and seeing when it passes/fails them. Dimensions are included in the car description.)

[The359]

If you look at the information in GT6, Polyphony state that the power and weight are completely made up.

[SkylineObsession]

But to be competitive in the market, it really needs some sort of performance/go like it does in the game. Maybe not a GT-R beater, but it could certainly at least almost keep up with it.

And the GT86/BRZ etc turned out better looking than the concept in my opinion. Best looking car Toyota have done since the MK.IV Supra.

[novicius]

Some specifications from GT6: 493bhp, 1322kg
Yeah, I can see why Akio beat his track time in his LFA -- the FT-1 is listed at 2900 lbs, yet it's both longer and wider than the 3,400 lbs. MKIV? No way. :lol:

The easiest route for Toyota is to offer a retuned normally aspirated 3.5L 2GR-FSE V6 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_GR_engine#2GR-FSE) rated at around 330 hp (Hyundai's 3.8L GDI Lambda V6 makes 348 hp) and then an all-new twin-turbo V6 variant rated at around 450 hp. Maybe they step up to Godzilla's current 542 hp... but I doubt it. Instead, I bet they're going to supersize the Toyota 86 plan and offer a bigger, faster car that feels great to drive without putting out crazy magazine performance numbers.

[Kchrpm]

Concept cars don't have to have sound deadening, sound equipment or realistic use of materials, so that imaginary weight number would be a little easier.

[novicius]

No, that imaginary weight number is just that: imaginary. :lol:

[novicius]

Free Toyota FT-1 Concept Coupe Coming to Gran Turismo 6 on January 14 via Update (http://news.softpedia.com/newsImage/Free-Toyota-FT-1-Concept-Coupe-Coming-to-Gran-Turismo-6-on-January-14-via-Update-416418-2.jpg/)

For those that haven't logged on yet, Sony released a few screenies of the FT-1.

http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news2/Free-Toyota-FT-1-Concept-Coupe-Coming-to-Gran-Turismo-6-on-January-14-via-Update-416418-2.jpg

http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news2/Free-Toyota-FT-1-Concept-Coupe-Coming-to-Gran-Turismo-6-on-January-14-via-Update-416418-3.jpg

http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news2/Free-Toyota-FT-1-Concept-Coupe-Coming-to-Gran-Turismo-6-on-January-14-via-Update-416418-4.jpg

http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news2/Free-Toyota-FT-1-Concept-Coupe-Coming-to-Gran-Turismo-6-on-January-14-via-Update-416418-5.jpg

[Impreza]

I saw it last night... checked it out at the dealership, but it's a prize if you Gold the Season Event that runs it.

[MR2 Fan]

I saw it last night... checked it out at the dealership, but it's a prize if you Gold the Season Event that runs it.

..or Silver as I did last night

[The359]

Actually you get the car even for getting a Bronze. It's an award simply for completing the event.

If I recall correctly, the performance of the original FT-86 concept in GT5/GT6 is actually better than the production 86s as well.

[novicius]

If you've got it, go take some pics and post them here! :D #carp0rn

[LHutton]

Looks nice apart from the transparent hood.

[LHutton]

http://wpmedia.driving.ca/2014/01/ft-6.jpg?w=1024&h=660

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1555426_10203003419596150_1641440108_n.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kwdHn2kw1hI

[samoht]

Apparently Toyota are now officially saying that the FT-1 will become the new Supra.

Yay!

[LHutton]

http://www.motoring.com.au/news/sports/toyota/confirmed-toyota-ft-1-is-next-supra-41509


The entry-level variant is expected to incorporate a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol-four from the upcoming Lexus NX, while the flagship will employ a 2.5-litre turbo V6 hybrid powertrain generating more than 300kW.

[thesameguy]

What?


“Priced at around $16,000 (in the US), this entry-level sports coupe will slot into the line-up under the successful 86,” says our insider.

[Freude am Fahren]

A different car. I think they announced, or at least hinted at this one a while ago. So three total. <$20k, $25-30k (86), and then the Supra (my guess is $60-70k). I wonder if they would move the 86 a small bit up market if introducing this new one. Also will it be RWD?

Also, with the GT-R's price bloating every year, I wonder if a Supra with really good performance for under $80k could drive it back down. (Honestly, does it really cost $30k more to make than it did when it was introduced? I know the performance has increased as well, quite a bit too, but still, I think most of the increase is because they can with its other competitors really being $200k and up)

[Crazed_Insanity]

Doesn't make sense. One would think there's a gap between the FRS and the Supra that needs to be filled? Do we really need a $16k sports car? Chances are, it won't be very good. And IF it really IS that good, then it'd most likely eat into the sales # of the FRS. Don't understand their marketing strategy.

But it's good to know that this is going to be the new Supra! :)

[FaultyMario]

The way I understand it... Success of 86 allows Toyota to build a new Corvette rival/killer/bullybythenumbers.
Also, success of 86 allows Toyota to sell new Yariz-type sporty-ish hybrid thing for the wannabes.

[Freude am Fahren]

Yeah, and the whole concept of a car "eating into" the sales of another is extinct. Just look at the German line-ups. BMW has 4 door versions of the coupe versions of their 5 and 3 series 4 doors. What to automakers care if the profits come from car A or car B? It seems like these days they're all about having the biggest line-up more than anything.

[Crazed_Insanity]

How does one build a decent $16k sports car? Could one buy a Celica for $16k back then when it's still available? Can Toyota really all of a sudden build a new car that's better and cheaper than the Celica? Yaris platform is a joke. It sucks as a car, it sucks as a hybrid car, and I doubt it'd be an awesome sports car. Scion tC is not bad, but last I checked, it was not priced at $16k. Heck, even most Corollas are priced above $16k! I just don't understand how they can achieve what they set out to do.

BMW's strategy is baffling to me too. I just don't understand how huge line-ups can be sustainable..., but perhaps BMW's assembly lines can produce variety of models? Considering they have higher profit margins and lower volume, perhaps their factories can quickly make changes when orders change. The huge variety of design giving customers more choice is certainly good for us, but they just have to carefully manage their line-ups so they they won't end up with too many money losing models. I don't think volume makers such as Toyota or Honda can pull off what BMW's doing. GM is a good example of having huge line ups won't always work.

[Kchrpm]

Perhaps they'll do the unthinkable and actually make a decontented car. No/tiny stereo, no A/C, very little sound deadening, etc.

I'm not sure how else they would make a RWD sporty car at that price nowadays, but it doesn't seem realistic.

[TheBenior]

Yeah, and the whole concept of a car "eating into" the sales of another is extinct. Just look at the German line-ups. BMW has 4 door versions of the coupe versions of their 5 and 3 series 4 doors. What to automakers care if the profits come from car A or car B? It seems like these days they're all about having the biggest line-up more than anything.
Extra vehicles cost extra development money. Some costs will likely be reduced by platform and drivetrain sharing, but if a model doesn't increase sales or profit margins, there's no point in spending the extra costs on tooling, development, testing, and market certification. The Jeep Commander went away because it didn't steal any sales from Ford or Chevy, but it did reduce Grand Cherokee sales. The Commander sold fairly well in it's first two years on the market, but Grand Cherokee sales dropped quite a bit as well.

BMW and the other luxury German makes have had model lineup explosions over the past decade, but they also have much fatter profit margins than more plebian nameplates, and don't need to trade on volume. The reduction in platforms (If you include Mini, BMW is down to 3 basic platforms in the US, IIRC) makes this sort of experimentation less risky. BMW has never sold more than 6749 X6 models in the US or 46,404 globally in any year, but the platform sharing with the X5/E60 5-series and luxury car profit margins let them get away with such low sales figures. Non-luxury, and especially low volume automakers like, say, Mazda have a tougher time getting away with model lineup bloat, which is why you'll see more partnerships with other brands for low volume vehicles like the Toyobaru twins and the next Miata, which will share platforms with an Alfa Romeo.

[MR2 Fan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v_FA0cjwuo

[21Kid]

Nice!