Toyota hints FT-HS concept could inspire next Supra
Click above to view more high-res pics of the Toyota FT-HS Concept
Usually we would have no reason to report on a concept that we've already seen debut. Hence, the Australian debut of Toyota's hybrid FT-HS sports car concept at the Melbourne Auto Show isn't really news. It becomes news, however, when a suit from Toyota Australia makes a veiled comment about the next Supra and its possible ties to the FT-HS. Peter Evans, corporate manger of product planning for Toyota Australia, said "To really appreciate the FT-HS, think of it as a 'Prius on steroids'. Alternatively, it could be a vision for a Toyota Supra of the future." Whaa?
Had this quote been given on the show floor amidst a throng of journalists, one might be able to pass it off as a slip of the tongue. The quote, however, appears in Toyota Australia's press release for the FT-HS debut down under, which can be read in full after the jump. This means it passed by the eyes of countless PR people whose job it is to vet press releases for embarrassing mistakes. This suggests that the quote is not a case of Evans opening his mouth and inserting foot, but rather was meant to be there, perhaps to whet our appetites, stoke our interest and get us all talking. Job well done, Toyota, because otherwise we would have completely ignored the umpteeth debut of the FT-HS in another country.
Gallery: Toyota FT-HS Concept
[Source: Toyota via Motor Authority]
PRESS RELEASE
TOYOTA SHOWS 'PRIUS ON STEROIDS'
Sports cars will thrive in the 21st century world of rising fuel prices and environmental responsibility, judging by a concept car unveiled today by Toyota Australia.
The FT-HS - which stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sports - is a futuristic sports-car concept with a sleek, aerodynamic profile and a potent petrol-electric hybrid engine.
Its front-engine, rear-drive layout provides revolutionary hybrid acceleration and optimal performance with a projected 0-100km/h dash in the four-second range.
It also features the fuel-saving benefits and ultra-low emissions of Toyota's hybrid technology.
Toyota Australia's corporate manager product planning Peter Evans said the FT-HS is exhilarating to drive while having eco-friendly benefits such as impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions.
"To really appreciate FT-HS, think of it as a 'Prius on steroids'.
"Alternatively, it could be a vision for a Toyota Supra of the future," Mr Evans said.
"FT-HS shows what Toyota can achieve by combining its 50 years in motorsport with more than a decade of hybrid experience and development.
"The ability to enjoy the ultimate driving pleasure with a clear conscience makes FT-HS the ideal sports car for the 21st century.
"It will appeal to an emerging group of buyers who are environmentally aware and regard technology as a necessity, not a luxury."
Toyota is the global leader in hybrid technology, having sold more than one million units of the world's first mass-produced hybrid, Prius.
The new concept car mates an electric motor to a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, which is similar to that used in several production models.
Its combined power output target is about 300kW - or almost 50 per cent more than the V6 petrol-only engine in the Aurion family car, Kluger mid-size SUV, Tarago people mover and RAV4 compact SUV.
FT-HS was produced by Calty, Toyota's California research and design centre.
The centre set out to develop a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion in a concept that addresses the question: "What is a suitable sports car for the 21st century?"
Australians can view the FT-HS concept on Toyota's stand at the Melbourne International Motor Show (29 February to 10 March).
TOYOTA FT-HS CONCEPT VEHICLE
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Drivetrain
3.5-litre V6 hybrid electric
Target output: around 300kW
Projected 0-100kmh time: mid four-second range
Dimensions
Overall length: 4325mm (170.27 in)
Overall width: 1860mm (73.23 in)
Overall height: 1290mm (50.79 in)
Wheelbase: 2650mm (104.33 in)
Tracks - front: 1600mm (63.0 in); rear: 1555mm (61.2 in)
Wheels: Carbon fibre
Tyres - front: 245/35R21; rear 285/30R21
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Andrew L 12:36PM (2/28/2008)
didnt you guys already report this... I could have sworn I heard this before
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BAMF 4:02PM (2/28/2008)
Yeah, I heard this around the time the concept was first released. Not exactly NEWs.
CMDR 12:44PM (2/28/2008)
hopefully they aren't inspired to make it look too similar captain planet ft-hs spaceship
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icu812ru469 12:46PM (2/28/2008)
Hohum... at this point... BORING !!!! Who cares and if there is a Supra, will be nothing like this anyway.
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May 12:47PM (2/28/2008)
nice! I like the idea that toyota is looking to move forward in creating cars which is appealing to car enthusiasts and eco-friendly at the same time :)
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Corey W. 12:50PM (2/28/2008)
I really wish Toyota would make an affordable sports car to complete in classes like Camaro, Challenger, 350, WRX, or Evo. and make it under 40 fully loaded, save the luxury version for Lexus...
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John R 12:51PM (2/28/2008)
I'll beleive it when I see that and this Celica GT I've been hearing about.
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Ligor 12:53PM (2/28/2008)
ever since the Supra toyota has had nothing to make me wanna visit their dealer
I guess the IS350 or the IS-F is a good reason to visit Lexus, but pricewise the Supra should be cheaper and bring a reason to visit a toyota dealership
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rav3 12:54PM (2/28/2008)
Hopefully they'll remove the giant silver wedge going into the driver's arm.
And looks interesting but goodness, the blind spot!
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Seoultrain 1:19PM (2/28/2008)
don't worry. If by some minuscule chance they produce a supra, it will look almost nothing like this concept.
Steve_S 12:53PM (2/28/2008)
Its been a long while since Toyota has had a perfromance car of any worth. Lexus still doesn't have one (IS-F? maybe but it needs a manual and I'll take an M3 over it).
I would like Toyota, the purveyor of automotive appliances to prove me wrong but I don't think they will.
I have more hope that Nissan will make a baby GT-R (needs 4 seats) that I might be able to afford (slot in between the 370z and current GT-R).
Toyota, home of the bland and reliable, make an involved, fast, drivier oriented performance car? Excuse em if I don't hold my breath.
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EGS 1:11PM (2/28/2008)
Toyota will never have another toyota branded sports car. they will either be Scion or Lexus.
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MajorGeek 2:21PM (2/28/2008)
Since Toyota is into Nascar, I would not be suprised to see them make a new sports car.
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naggs 3:16PM (2/28/2008)
when was the last time a nascar actually shared anything in common with the sticker on the spec body?
i seriously cant think of the a 2 door v8 rwd car that had a stock car equivalent, its has to have been at least 15 years
i would be stunned if nascar had anything to do with any manufacturer producing anything sporty
naggs 3:12PM (2/28/2008)
i really like the styling of the car
it is very new and original (like most japanese concepts) but unlike those it actually looks good
i hope this is the next toyota sports car, above the Subae86 (TM) and below the v10 lexus supercar
i also hope that the idea of a hybrid sports car dies now and forever, terrible idea doomed to fail either on the drawing board or in the market place
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tranism 3:23PM (2/28/2008)
And I like your dolphin.
tankd0g 4:09PM (2/28/2008)
Yawn. I'm getting pretty tired of this rumor.
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mikomi 4:15PM (2/28/2008)
Toyota, just update the suspension, powertrain, power plant, the interior, add the necessary safety equipment, and do the necessary changes to meet today's standards and we'll call it a deal if you keep the exterior mostly the same. You don't always have to try to be radical, you've proved you can't make designs enthusiasts can fawn over since the last Supra.
That's just wishful thinking. But I'm glad to see they're starting to see the light after seeing the GT-R's success and it's not even out in the states yet.
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Taylor 4:35PM (2/28/2008)
Isn't that what the Concept was for originally? As well as proving Hybrids could go fast?
>_>
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Johnny 4:49PM (2/28/2008)
Bring back the supra! it was the one and only real mans toyota!
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