NAIAS 2014: Toyota FT-1 Concept, Bigger Brother To FRS?

by Phillip Thomas

Updated: February 5th, 2014 Published: January 13th, 2014

naias 2014 toyota ft 1 concept bigger brother to frs

The “Future Toyota” numero uno, or FT-1, is supposed to be Toyota’s top RWD sports car. At least in concept form. What we get is a taste of Toyota’s future design language, calling the FT-1 the “spiritual pace car for Toyota Global Design.” It’s almost a caricature of the FRS, with its spin on long hood/short deck styling, but with attention paid to housing some interesting aerodynamic tricks. Strategically placed vents that point at the use of extractors, and rear diffuser work stand out. There’s even some F1 styling cues: obviously in the powerful nose, but also in the rear LED “ rain light.” Powertrain options are held quiet, but out of the hood peeks a longitudinally mounted engine for everyone to place bets on…

Is that an intake housing a velocity-stacked V10? Certainly looks too wide to be a valve cover for some inline motor, sorry 2JZ fans. The interior carries on the F1 theme in the control layout over the wheel, with a fighter jet inspired glass Heads Up Display (HUD) high up in the dash.

What ever it is, it’s aimed to be Toyota’s halo car. With the next NSX around the corner, could we see a return of the mighty Supra name plate? See the video for a quick look at the interior details and displays.

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Phillip Thomas

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RollaRider10 on Jan 13, 2014

Screw the Supra, this is the new GT-One!

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JMII on Jan 16, 2014

This car is in Gran Turismo 6 now so you study it in digital detail and do a virtual test drive. My quick review: don't turn off the traction control! This thing tried to kill me multiple times. I spun it at least 6 times in the first 6 laps around Laguna Seca and I'm all gold GT license test driver.

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