Toyota FT-1 Sports Car Concept
[flagallery gid=12]Toyota used to be one of those car manufacturers I dismissed as being incredibly boring, making nothing more than a steady procession of cut price beige boxes, more interested in maintaining their reputation for reliability and producing utterly dull rep-mobiles than creating anything to get a petrol-head such as myself hot under the collar. It's a real shame too as in days gone by Toyota used to make some really exciting cars. Back in the 80's virtually everything was rear wheel drive, which of course helped petrol heads the world over flock to the brand and pledge their everlasting loyalty. The 90's we'll very much gloss over, except to point out the one sparkling gem that was the Supra, however by the time the year 2000 rocked around things were exceptionally barren with no hope of a revival in sight.
Thankfully we're in a much happier state of affairs these days, all down to the shining gem of the automotive world, the GT86. Even better it seems Toyota isn't happy to sit on its crown and gloat, and has instead come up with the alluring Toyota FT-1. While still a concept, Toyota has put a surprising amount of effort into the project and has even gone so far as to bring it to the ever popular Gran Turismo series for PlayStation. One can only hope then that the digital will become a reality. For now read on further for more details or alternatively just feast your eyes on the magnificence. – NH
Hot in the wheel tracks of the high-performance FT-1 'Vision GT' concept, Toyota has unveiled a new 'real-world' version.
The latest interpretation of the show-stopping concept coupe features new graphite paintwork in place of the vibrant red featured on the original concept, first seen at this year's Detroit motor show. There is also a new interior treatment, with saddle tan leather elements to give a more sophisticated feel.
The FT-1's interior designers drew their inspiration from modern superhero films, particularly their use of high-tech performance materials for the character's costumes, as opposed to the bright tights and garish colours sported by more traditional characters.
To achieve the FT-1's advanced-looking, intricately detailed interior, Toyota's CALTY design team in California compared leather thicknesses, grain sizes and textures to find the perfect combination. Raised metal mesh provides ventilation for the seats, while also lending a more textural, bold effect that compliments the cabin's metal accents. An embossed pattern on the instrument panel leather creates a 3-D, technical look.
Selene Lee, a CALTY designer, said: "From the start of the FT-1 project, we wanted the driver to have a feeling of 'flow' while at the wheel – to be able to focus on the road and nothing else.
"In the colour studio we help create the atmosphere of the vehicle, and our aim was to ensure everything supported the driver through efficient choices. The saddle leather maintains that same 'in the zone' driving intention, while bringing in a more premium feeling."
From this month, players of the Playstation® game Gran Turismo 6 will be able to download three different versions of the FT-1: both red and graphite models will be available, together with the high-performance 'Vision GT' edition.