Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI), unveiled the FTX full-size gasoline-electric hybrid pickup truck concept today at the 2005 Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS), in Toronto.
"The FTX full-size hybrid pickup truck concept was developed to make a bold statement about Toyota's future full-size pickup truck plans," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of TCI. "FTX promises brute power to match its bold new styling and ample proportions, and thanks to advanced hybrid technology by Toyota, environmental impact is kept to a minimum. With concepts like FTX, we're showing that Toyota is serious about building tough trucks and expanding its share of the truck market in Canada," adds Wearing.
The FTX concept was developed jointly by Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design centre located in Newport Beach, California and the Advanced Product Strategy Group at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
"Toyota has a strong heritage of building trucks that are rugged, yet playful," said Kevin Hunter, Calty Vice President. "Our goal with the FTX was to capture the spirit and soul of this legacy and reassert Toyota's truck brand image with a full-size pickup aimed at the very core of the segment."
At nearly 5.8 metres (19 ft) in length, 2.1 metres (7 ft) in width, and 2 metres (6.5 ft) in height, the FTX offers ample proportions. The FTX is a full-fledged body-on-frame, "Super-C-Cab" 4x4 pickup truck. It has the interior room of a double cab, yet opens 90 degrees with access doors.
Stylistically, the FTX features a massive front-end that integrates into the body-side, creating a unified statement of power. The sculptured body gives a rich high-quality feel that elevates the FTX beyond a mere work truck. Massive metal extruded bumpers and rocker panels add an element of toughness and durability.
The FTX was developed to raise the idea of functionality to a new level by including a surprising array of sensible features aimed at both work and play. Exterior features include bumpers with integrated tow hooks and special hideaway universal carabiner-type tie-down hooks in the truck bed. Underneath the rear skid-plate is a multi-functional unit that houses an electric generator, an air compressor and other outlets. Inside the bed is a solid metal collapsible hidden job box that can be erected for safe storage of tools and supplies. Finally, hidden away in the rear tailgate is a smooth operating hideaway ramp that extends to the ground when the gate is open, allowing heavy items to be rolled into the bed, instead of being lifted.
The interior displays a pure fusion of brawny structure, luxurious materials, and new technology specific to a big truck. The instrument panel and centre console arch bend outward, wrapping around each occupant to form two protective cells. The wide centre console contains an armrest-mounted control-arm that includes all instrumentation and an operational lever that is angled toward the driver, creating the effect of an operator station.
The seat height and steering wheel angle of the FTX are positioned extremely high, giving the driver a feeling of total command. Suspension seats isolate the driver and passenger from rough terrain and include deep centre pads styled after a saddle for comfort. Low-effort control switches and minimal operational levers are the key to operational simplicity. All vital
information is accessed through a three-dimensional central display screen.
Foldaway rear seats are styled after recreational boats. The rear seat base is affixed to a centre beam, suspending the seats off the floor for under-seat storage. Oversized door and pillar pull handles and seat mounted grips assist in ingress and egress. A large overhead track lamp can be pulled down and slide side-to-side across the cabin.
The brawniness of the FTX is complemented with a powerplant that is more than capable of hauling a heavy-duty pickup. Under the hood, the FTX is powered by a large-displacement V8 hybrid gasoline-electric engine that pumps out loads of torque while delivering V6 fuel efficiency.
The FTX truck concept joins the North American-built Tundra in the full-size pickup category. Tundra is currently built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) but production will expand in mid-2006 with the opening of a new pickup plant in San Antonio, Texas.
Toyota Unveils FTX Full-Size Hybrid Pickup Concept at 2005 CIAS!
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