The Toyota FT-1 concept is Toyota’s Calty design studio’s vision of the ultimate sports car, and it is already being hailed as the symbol of Toyota’s design future. Indeed, the alpha designation ‘FT’ stands for Future Toyota.
The California-based team produced a car that embodies striking modern design. It also makes subtle visual references to Toyota’s sports car history, going back to the legendary 2000GT of 1967.
The racecar-like exterior expresses powerful performance through its pronounced front wings and sharply contrasting lines as well as the large air intakes and exhaust ports, while the retractable rear wing points to its aerodynamic qualities.
The FT-1’s front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration allows the cockpit to be set towards the rear of the car, creating classic sports car proportions while optimising weight distribution. The wraparound windscreen and side glass treatment are a clear nod to the design of the original Toyota 2000GT.
Inside, the ergonomics and cabin layout capitalise on the car’s low centre of gravity, maximising enjoyment for the driver. A delta-shaped display zone reinforces the feeling that the driver is at the heart of the action, fully connected to the car. This quality is enhanced by the Formula 1-style steering wheel and a colour head-up display that projects key information onto the windscreen, just above the wheel. The design pushes the A-pillars as far back as possible, to increase visibility when cornering.
Traditionally, Toyota’s design decisions have been driven by consensus among a large group of people. Yet for the FT-1 this process was streamlined as part of a company-wide movement to give Toyota products more energy and passion. This approach has been fundamental to the development of the FT-1, a concept that captures Toyota’s aim of creating cars that connect more deeply with customers on an emotional level and generate a more satisfying ownership experience.
CAN I DRIVE THE TOYOTA FT-1?
Yes, but only in the virtual world. The Toyota FT-1 concept car is a playable car in Gran Turismo game.
WHAT HAS THE MEDIA SAID ABOUT THE TOYOTA FT-1?
The Toyota FT-1’s status as a show-stealer at the Detroit motor show in 2014 was confirmed by comments from the UK’s media.
Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief of Auto Express, put the FT-1 at the top of his list of best show cars in Detroit, describing it as the ‘undoubted star of the show’.
Jim Holder, editor of Autocar commented that it ‘embodies a sea change at Toyota’.
What Car? editor John McIlroy described the FT-1 as ‘a fabulous achievement.’
Richard Hammond in the Daily Mirror said the FT-1 is about ‘Toyota making cars that people will fall in love with’, while Top Gear colleague Paul Horrell described the concept car as a ‘serious, high-end sports car; beautiful, too.’
It wasn’t just the motoring press that reacted positively to the FT-1. Electrical product review site Pocket-Lint said the FT-1 was ‘definitely something to get excited about’, and technology site T3 hopes Toyota turns the concept ‘into a real car’.
On GT6 FT-1 has 518hp. I hope that will be true in real life as well. Use a V6 TT like others have said. And please please have a manual transmission. Price it no higher than $70k. Release it soon Toyota!!! Honda and Nissan are coming out with the new NSX and R36 GT-R. But I guess better late than never.
Thanks Blake.
The FT-1 is a great concept and showcase of what Toyota can do. We emplore you, Toyota, to build this vehicle. An upgraded version of the 2GR V6, Twin Turbocharged of course, making at least 500hp. The alternative could be the BMW Sourced 3.0 I6 Turbo (though I know many will call this blasphemy). If the team can manage to keep the weight low, centered around 2900lbs, that would really be competitive and nimble, with great driver feedback. I will buy this car. Keep it as close to the concept as possible. Much like the GT86.
Thanks for the post Dvon.
We do appreciate your feedback on this concept.
I hope it stays as close to the concept as possible. I found it visually stunning and exciting to look at. I would hope that the power plant is up to specs with the competition out today, namely the R35 GTR and Corvette Z06. The car needs to have a powerful motor that can handle alot of horsepower reliably like the Supra it replaces! I have owned 5 Supras in my life. I haven’t bought a brand new car because I cant see myself in anything but a Supra. Toyota if you build this car I will be first in line to purchase it, thats a guarantee.
Thanks Cedric
We appreciate your post. Not sure if anyone can beat five Supras over the years! Thank you for your commitment over the years.
I think Toyota should develop a new inline 6 and do what they did with Mk4. They could have a naturally aspirated I6 for the base version or could put it in sedans like the JZ motor which was used in several costs. This next supra has to live up to the tuning potential that the old one did and as the GTR currently does. A ~400hp I6 turbo would be sufficient if the price is around 45-50k, if pushed to 60-75k I would expect no less than 450 and for it to be closer to 500. The design is flowing, however the front is very controversial. I think it would have a better following with a more FRS/GT86 type front end with the “fangs” and large opening in the middle. Lastly I think making the car with a little less power and a little less money would be a good thing. ~400hp at <1500kg at $45k would be perfect.
Thanks Shelby
We appreciate your comments.
I am a buyer if it features a toyota (or yamaha) designed inline 6 turbo engine. In my opinion using a V motor would ruin the lineage to the supra and 2000 GT. Ideally using a bottom end that is compariable to the 2jzgte but with an improvded head design would be all it takes. 3jzgte 4 liter twin turbo would sell these cars like hot cakes.
Whatever Toyota decides (V6 TT or I6 TT), just don’t make it a hybrid. I repeat NO HYBRID. Also, I would like to see the Supra nameplate return. Give FT-1 (MK5 Supra) a real name, unlike with the Scion FR-S. That was just a bunch of letters…
Hi Ann
Point taken Ann but we do use Hybrid at Le Mans so this technology can be adapted for performance use.
I have to agreed with Ann, hybrid system will add more weight :/
Owning a TT Supra I’m proud be part of the heritage!
Everyone’s telling you to make it, that must count for something?
I agree with those saying continue the heritage by making something like a 4L I6 Twin Turbo including your hybrid, or why not push the boundaries again by inventing a Tri-Turbo system? 2 small ones like the supra but include a larger one. The 2 small ones will keep lag down while the larger one gives the biggest power gain.
Heck anything is possible nowadays!
Thanks for the post Callum and glad you enjoy owning your twin turbo Supra. We thought the trend was to ditch the twins and go for just one bigger turbo?
Love the suggestion about a Tri-Turbo though!
a larger single turbo is the standard for upgrading supras. however the lag that comes with a big single does not make a car that could be sold to the public. What would be really cool is to see Toyota use a variable vane turbo (like the porsche turbo features) on the future supra, errrr, I mean FT-1
Thanks for the reply Scotty, we appreciate the feedback.
I’ve been waiting for a new “Supra” for 13 YEARS, ever since I sold my ’97 TT 6-spd.
Hoping the new one has:
– inline 6 with ONE turbo for top end power
– hybrid assist for low end
– 6-spd manual or a 7+ speed DUAL CLUTCH, with large paddles on the COLUMN, not the wheel
– an open roof available (targa, sunroof, T-tops, I don’t care…)
– 2+2 so that small kids can ride along when needed
Thank for your post Bryan.
We do appreciate and value all the feedback we receive even though FT-1 is only a concept car. Also noticing quite a number of previous owners of TT Supra commenting here.
Because Supra owners are some of the most loyal Toyota consumer out there.
Thanks Jonh, we are seeing some extremely positive posts.
Toyota, Please build the FT-1, and make a true sports car, keep it light, and give it atleast 450 HP, and I will be first in line to buy it.
It’s been 16 years since you sold a true sports car in the US, and I actually owned a 1998 Supra twin turbo and still regret the day I sold the car.
Thank you Nick.
Make it!!!