What's the news?
Could we be looking at the new Toyota Supra? We certainly hope so, as this stunning creation is the Toyota FT-1 Concept, star of the carmaker's stand at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) currently running in Detroit. Come on, Toyota, you know this has to become a production reality...
Exterior
The mission given to Toyota's California-based Calty design studio was to create the ultimate sports car. And we think it has hit the nail on the head, as the FT-1 is incredible. It references a whole litany of Toyota's coupés past and present, such as the 2000GT, the aforementioned Supra and the existing GT86, while at the same time having a striking look all of its very own.
While details of the mechanicals are limited, Toyota did reveal that the car is front-engined and rear-wheel drive. This configuration allowed the cockpit to be set towards the rear of the concept, within the wheelbase - which is ideal for perfect weight distribution. The FT-1 also has visual punch thanks to a wraparound windscreen, what is described as a 'curvilinear' exterior form with pronounced front wings and that sweeping side contour, along with aerodynamic nods such as large air intakes, exhaust ports and a retractable rear wing.
Interior
The cabin is focused around the driver, with a delta-shaped display zone helping to keep them at the centre of the action. There's an F1-inspired steering wheel and colour head-up display to ensure eyes are on the road ahead, while those A-pillars - pushed back for the wide windscreen - help increase visibility when cornering.
Anything else?
The FT-1's amazing looks are part of Toyota's movement to inject more energy and passion into its products. As such, design by consensus - the old way of doing things - is being dropped in favour of a more streamlined process. If the outcome of this concept is that future Toyota road car designs are half as sensational as the FT-1, we think that can only be A Very Good Thing.