At ten past noon on Sunday, January 7th, Toyota will take the wraps off its newest design study in Detroit. The FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept will supposedly foretell the future of the automaker's performance offerings, but until then, we'll have to make due with the 50+ computer generated pics that we have available in our gallery.
As we reported over the weekend, the HSC will develop over 400 HP, via a 3.5-liter DOHC V6, mated to an assumed 650V, water-cooled electric motor. Although the weight of the concept hasn't been disclosed, extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum should give the HSC the ability to return a mid-four-second 0-60 sprint.
The Newport Beach, California-based studio have designed a 2+2 coupe that will measure 170.3 inches in length, 73.2 inches wide and 50.8 inches high, with the engine being visible through a plastic panel mounted on the hood. A retractable roof has been designed to open up the occupants to the elements, by sliding back and then covering the two, rear seats.
Although many in the press are christening this as the next Supra, we're still a bit skeptical if such a vehicle would carry the storied moniker. But, considering the anticipated $30,000 price tag, the HSC will certainly fill a niche that has long been neglected in Toyota's lineup.
Be sure to check out the gallery here and look for more details on the HSC in Detroit in just shy of two weeks.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
stj @ Dec 26th 2006 7:47AM
that thing is crazy i want one.
RG @ Dec 26th 2006 8:05AM
As I was reading through the description, I was nodding my head, clearly impressed. I nearly spit out my coffee though when they said it would be $30,000.
A 400-hp, mid 4 sec 0-60 time, hybrid technology, a body that looks like that and a targa? If cars like this are in Toyota's plan for world domination, count me in.
Although I must say the interior has a long way to go and I think that body is going to be toned down a LOT before it reaches production, especially at $30k.
curtis @ Dec 26th 2006 8:27AM
This car looks a lot like the Celica, if anything I think it would be better named as a Celica rather than a Supra. The side body lines that go towards the tail lights look reminiscent of the last gen Celica, as does the hood and grill. In fact the more I look at it, the more I think Celica, I doubt this concept could resurrect the Supra's name plate, something else a lot better than this will have to do that, that's not saying I don't like it though, this would make a great Celica.
Carguy @ Dec 26th 2006 8:44AM
Now for the much more likely scenario:
This car will come out wearing a corporate V-6 with a little bit of tuning, for around 300 horse. The V-6 will be optional, along with an optional I-4/hybrid driveline (to keep overall weight down for that model), for a combined horsepower of a little bit more, a la Lexus GS-400h. If we are going to hit a 30k price point, it will be de-contented to look more like today's Celica (it will gain door handles and usable mirrors, say buh-bye to those brakes and wheels, and the carbon fiber is out). And, oh ya, it will be called a Celica, not a Supra.
stj @ Dec 26th 2006 9:43AM
Supra is a beter name for this car because it hase 400bhp and its rwd the celica was ff since the 80's
and this is a sports car the celica was wanabe sports car.
sp @ Dec 26th 2006 10:48AM
of course, there is no way that it will be 30k... even starting at 35k would be too cheap, so lets wait for official Toyota PR on it...
also, interior is concept only...
Mike from Scarborough @ Dec 26th 2006 11:56AM
As usual,Toyota will scew it up,not puting a v-8 in it.Anyway if this is the most exiting car they can design,,well i guess it's on par with the other boring vehicles they produce.
Sue Esponte @ Dec 26th 2006 12:15PM
A 400hp hybrid won't happen for $30K any time soon. But, if they can otherwise sell THAT car for $30K, I'd send them my down payment now...hell, I'd send them the $30K right now if it would get the car here sooner!
Alpha3 @ Dec 26th 2006 1:10PM
This is a freakin audi R8.....The front lights and the intake under them......the same in the rear.......do i need to coment the the sides a simple rip-off, come on some one plz take the disigner christmas presents back.......he´s been a bad boy
V @ Dec 26th 2006 5:52PM
Doesn't matter if they call it a Tercel. If they don't water this down (looks and power) too much, it'll sell big.
joe @ Dec 27th 2006 12:24PM
They should have gone with sketch nr.5, much better looking imo.
trans_am02 @ Dec 28th 2006 9:28PM
hhhmmmm... A 400 hp Celica for close to 30-35k (if they ever even make it), a 2009 Camaro Z28 w/ 400 hp for less than 30k (which they are making), a 2009 Challenger with 350 hp for less than 30k, or a 2009 Mustang GT with 390hp for about 26k. And weighing (pun intended) that the Celica will not have "extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber", it will not be close to producing a "mid-four second" 0-60 time. And if, by chance, Toyota does make it with those materials, then the price range is gonna be between 50-65k. Oh yeah, I can buy a Corvette Z06 with (by that time) nearly 600 hp.
So while I may be saving just a few bucks each time at the pump with a (OMG) hybrid sports car, I would much rather knock the socks off of any Japanese car with a true American muscle car.
st165 @ Dec 31st 2006 3:20PM
and for those of us who like to buy quality vehicles, instead of american, it would be a welcome addition to the toyota lineup...which admittedly has been boring for almost 10 years now. toyota quality still surpasses any other comparable make that i've driven or ridden in. especially american. i'm sorry, but that's just my experience.
fernandez @ Jan 6th 2007 6:32PM
i love the looks of the car and i think Toyota should keep with the design and run with it. if this car can get high 20mpg it will sell. as for the corvette guy... i got a supra that will destroy any american muscle it will run in to.
Jackson @ Jan 7th 2007 1:53PM
What a fugly piece of crap...
J Finz @ Jan 8th 2007 12:16AM
fernandez ur supra is stock and/or NA?
I like what toyota is at least attempting to do here, but I need to hear v8 rumble and growl and it appears that toyota will not give me this for anything under 55-60K. Sorry toyota but i guess this has me still looking at a v8 camaro, mustang, or challenger.
JasonSK @ Jan 9th 2007 11:55PM
ya know, i love american iron, I own a gt500(10 second, yes 10 second, check streetfire.net) and a magnum srt-8(12.8 on the track), I love the power, I love the fact that any import I line up against dies, yes even your beloved wrx sti(against the magnum, lmfao!), it can run me off the line but I ALWAYS run it down.
but this car.. this is SAWEEETT!! this is what I have been waiting for, a beast of a performer, probably 40+mpg, an AWSOMe interior(dodge.. ford.. nuff said about my cars) I dont CARE about the passengers, I want a freaking fighter cockpit for an interior.
if they build this, I will buy it, PERIOD
if this is the way of the future then ya, big 2.5, get on board or die out. I"m not supporting your asses.
Jera @ Jan 13th 2007 11:10PM
Gees, someone who said the design been ripped off from audi R8 obviously have a bit of difficulty in distinguishing design.
I honestly think it looks better than the R8. The R8 design is probably one of the least attractive design in this era; hate it when saw it first time and still never like it( oh yes maybe because its Audi?) The latest TT is beatiful though.
If this car is not badged Toyota but Audi instead alot of people will concur. I guess?
supra @ Jul 16th 2007 8:37AM
I loved supra style. $30 grand for 400hp......WOooooooooow. I can't hardly waited until 2009. The rumour i heard could be around $150 grand after 2009. I wouldn't even drive supra for winter....NO WAY!!!!!. I need to sign up too.