Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports concept will make its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto.
Pair a powerful hybrid powertrain with essential sports car fundamentals, the FT-HS concept was a joint effort of Calty, Toyota's North American hub for research and design located in Newport Beach, Calif., and Toyota's California-based Advanced Product Strategy Group. The design team was assigned the task of creating a mid-range sports car that integrates ecology and emotion in a concept that answers the question "What is the suitable sports car for the 21st century?"
"Drivers today are not satisfied with just a quick car," said Kevin Hunter, vice president, Calty Design Research "In addition to driving enjoyment, today's drivers. Concerned about the responsibility for the development of safety, ecological and social."
FT-HS incorporates hybrid capability while maintaining the essence of sports cars, such as a sleek profile, lightweight aero-dynamic materials, and the acceleration of advanced high-performance powertrain for revolutionary performance. This 21st century sports car that is fun to drive with eco-benefits such as ultra-low emissions and fuel efficiency. FT-HS appeals to an emerging buyer who grew up eco-conscious and perceives technology as a necessity not a luxury.
The concept is two-plus-two is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car with acceleration of zero to 60 is projected in the range of four seconds. A powerful V6, 3.5L engine is mated to a hybrid system of the 21st century sports a target output of approximately 400 horsepower. At the position in the market mid-range FT-HS would be a true "attainable exotic" with 21st Century performance.FT-HS expresses the core values of the Toyota brand design strategy that combines two key elements: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. J-Factor refers to the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural sensibilities. Vibrant Clarity is the design language used to express the J-factor much in the same way that L-Finesse is the language of the Lexus division. This is the perfect combination of equilibrium geometry, free-form and integrated component architecture. The results of these three elements is subtractive mass, a minimalist style that is not only light, but it also seems light.
The exterior design was led by Calty designer, Alex Shen. From a design standpoint, the theme of the FT-HS achieves sleek, taut surfaces in its exterior features - especially in the doors and body style. The front and rear have been sculpted to remove mass on the main functional components. Freeform geometry defines the integration of fluid surfaces contrasting hard-edge "Aero-Corners" which promote smooth airflow and reduce turbulence.
The roof has a distinctive concave section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room key areas. Made from carbon fiber Kevlar, the roof retracts so that the roof panel and back window pivot fluidly in a downward motion in the space to store back.
Vehicle triangular profile has a floating "C" pillar, aero corners, a full upper-body pan, and innovative open top. A hood features a scalloped channel, exposing the hybrid engine. Integrated component architecture can be seen in the aerospace-inspired lighting. Tail lamp covers the entire back and has an integrated retractable spoiler. Emitting diode (LED) clusters are located in the headlamps and the wing for energy efficiency and decreased heat loss. Other exterior features include a speed-activated wing that elevates at high speed for additional stability and traction. Carbon fiber rear diffuser has a lower wheel width integral exhaust and carbon fiber.
Driver-focused interior was created by Calty designer, William breathe Chergosky and sleekness, technology and performance. The lean skeletal look is achieved with exposed cross-car architecture and high-tech materials like carbon fiber and titanium. FT-HS Interior features "make a special driver's cockpit which include subtractive mass expressions such as cross-car instrument panel structure and delta wing pod pilot. Delta wing driver pod to integrate many useful functions into a lightweight structural. All the important functions and details are presented almost exclusively to the driver. For example, touch-trace sensors which surround the driver and act as tactile guides for finger controls when traveling at high speed.
