Ultimate Web Troll Alert: Weird French Hybrid Anti-Global-Warming Baby Prius
Is the Toyota FT-CH the first car deliberately designed to be a troll? It combines all the trigger elements that have kept servers warm since teh interwebs tubes were first hooked up: French, Low-CO, anti-Global Warming, Hybrid, Prius, Toyota, and Questionable Styling. Did I miss something?
Toyota’s FT-CH concept raises more questions than it was expected to answer. The talk about creating brand extensions to the Prius goes back some two years, with lots of little hints about a city coupe or wagon/MPV. But this compact four door hybrid seems a little odd as the potential first extension. I’m guessing Toyota NA is going to pass on it, and that its intended market, if it gets built, is everywhere but NA. The Prius has not exactly set Europe on fire, partly because it’s a little long. That explains why Toyota has stuffed the Prius’ whole hybrid drive train into the Golf-sized Auris hatch.
This FT-CH is some 22 inches shorter than the Prius. And the fact that it was designed in France in what is called “8 bit” style (recalling nostalgia for old 8-bit video games) is a further indication of its (possible) intended market. And there’s more mystery; this car bears more than a passing resemblance to the Lexus LF-CH compact concept from last year. So color me skeptical; I think Toyota NA will pass, hoping the mother ship comes up with something a bit more Ameri-centric. But I wouldn’t be surprised if this little yellow troll generates a bit of buzz and speculation.
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That "Mazda 3-ish" c-pillar has always been a turn-off to me. In that case, the Aveo concept has got it right.
Having played with an Atari 2600 as a kid... don't get the 8-bit design in it. If we considerthe NES and Mario Bros neither.
Is a low CO2, anti-global warming French car one that emits fewer greenhouse gasses when set on fire?