Toyota Shows 'prius On Steroids

[dascrow]

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

[EchoHoLiK]

Wow, I can't believe the Aussies are so late into seeing this concept.

I think it'd be a waste if Toyota doesn't come out with some sort of a car that at least resembles what this FT-HS looks like (cough cough Celica revival hint hint).

[ELL]

What is that spaceship

[=Bullit=]

I dunno, but I think mentioning the name Supra in that article is blasphemous lol

[AZNWOKZ]

Man these concepts these days are getting more odder of shape everyday.

Well we have to start somewhere until the world can figure out the new fuel for the Fuel industry to cover. They just had to find that shift the new market.

It might be a Celica-Supra ish thing. They split and rejoin to whatever layout it is. Man sport car sounds will never be the same again.

Man Aussies are really making and getting some good cars now.

[MR2_Fan]

Would love to see this in production

[Supra7m]

That would be awesome, the body design will be a little different but V6 with HSD will be very torquey powerplant. Highlander hybrid powerplant in a little car like that will be a beast., not to mention what japanese tunners can do with the computers these days on the prius to save fuel, this one is going to be to benefit the power. I can see it leaving a vette.

[blacken]

bonus to electric motor : instant go
while most combustion engine need a little time to rev up electric can be made to just go
proper tuning on the electric motor can have it pump out massive power instantly XD

they need to make the daam thing alredy

[Streaker]

Great cow-catcher

[ECale3]

i saw a video of that thing, its hot.

[xokimfryeox]

I've seen this, everybody keeps saying that it's the new "Supra"...Either way, im not too fond of it.

[TRDToyota]

I think this is a great idea. The look is a little awkward, but remember that concepts are always more radical than their production counterparts. I would much rather drive something like this than a huge 8 liter monster. I just wonder how much it will cost......

[thomasz]

Love that but only look it.