Toyota to Show Hybrid Sports Car Concept in Detroit

3 January 2007

Toyota’s FT-HS.

Toyota will introduce its FT-HS hybrid sports car concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.

This two-plus-two concept is a front-engine, rear-drive sports car with a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range. A powerful V6, 3.5L-engine is coupled with a sports hybrid system with a target power output of approximately 400 hp (298 kW).

The FT-HS concept was a joint undertaking of Calty, Toyota’s North American-based, research and design center 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-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?”

Drivers today are not satisfied with cars that are simply fast. In addition to driving enjoyment, today’s drivers are concerned about safety, ecology and social responsibility.

—Kevin Hunter, vice president, Calty Design Research

The front and rear have been sculpted to remove mass around key functional components. Freeform geometrics define the integration of fluid surfaces contrasting hard-edge Aero-Corners which promote smooth airflow and reduce turbulence.

The roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas. Made from carbon fiber Kevlar, the roof retracts so that the roof panel and back window pivot fluidly in a downward motion to stow in the rear seat space.

A speed-activated wing elevates at high speed for additional stability and traction.