Tokyo 2007 Preview: Toyota hints at future minivan with FT-MV
click above image for gallery of the FT-MV Concept
While most of the concepts you've seen so far from Toyota have been of the pie-in-the-sky variety, the FT-MV minivan concept seems much more grounded and closer to production. It's not like Toyota's trying to hide that fact, either. The concept's name, FT-MV, basically stands for "Future Minivan". Our insiders tell us that we could see a production minivan inspired by the FT-MV sometime in 2008, though we hope the design is toned down a mite in the meantime. While the exterior is fairly flamboyant, the interior actually looks ready for primetime save for a few futuristic features. The second- and third-row seats, for instance, fully recline and passengers can kick their feet up on motorized ottoman-like foot rests that pop out of the seatbacks. The center console, as well, is a single, flat surface that can display any interface required for the task at hand. There's also some purplish interior mood lighting for effect. Fancy features for sure, but all are surrounded by what appears to be a pretty common upscale minivan interior. Soccer moms of the future, you're chariot awaits.
[Source: Toyota]
Gallery: Toyota FT-MV Concept
PRESS RELEASE:
FT-MV
The FT-MV makes its presence felt as a first-class, new-generation minivan.
- Boasts a bold, vibrant and stately exterior.
- Includes luxurious, second-row seats with fully automatic ottomans, using soft ambient lighting to create an elegant space.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alister 5:08AM (10/10/2007)
That looks like a preview of the Alphard's replacement. Has similar, but rounder lines and it looks like it's the same size as it.
PS: for those who don't know what an Alphard is, it is Toyota's luxury minivan, basically the Lexus of minivans.
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Jimbo 9:09AM (10/10/2007)
Looks a lot like the old Ford Aerostar, especially in the side glass.
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joe23521 10:08AM (10/10/2007)
Damn! Beat me to it.
Judy Zik 1:24PM (10/10/2007)
Me too!
It's like someone stuck an Odyessy nose on an old Aerostar. Not that the net effect is as horrible as some of the other concepts lately.
94 taurus owner 5:26PM (10/10/2007)
Hmm yes it does have a slight resemblence to the aerostar but remember that toyota minivan around the same time as the aerostar?it resembles that more than the aerostar.
David 10:27AM (10/10/2007)
Lol I was also about to mention that it looks like the next generation Toyota Alphard, which is one of the best minivans I've ever ridden in. I really hope they bring it over to North America - either as a Lexus or a Toyota.
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macmanic 10:59AM (10/10/2007)
Bring on the minivans! This is a market that should absolutely see a resurgence if the automakers would only turn out more models. Minivans are great and not at all just for soccer moms! Real outdoor enthusiasts long ago shunned the poser idiocy of the Madison Ave. created macho SUVs and discovered how much more utility, comfort and efficiency a minivan offers.
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theSAWzall 11:15AM (10/10/2007)
Hey Toyota, the Accord called, it wants it's ugly grille back.
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Eljay 1:00AM (10/11/2007)
I wish they'd bring it to Europe as we don't get the Previa anymore,but I seriously doubt it.
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SPG 3:18PM (10/10/2007)
Bland yet overdone at the same time.
I do see the Accord and the Aerostar in this thing.
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ebm14 5:10PM (10/10/2007)
It looks much better than we they build and sell here in the US. They really need to update our version and add these elements to them...
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obie 6:21PM (10/10/2007)
if vans were invented back in the day this would be what Leonidis drove into battle!
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