Toyota FT-HS

The FT-HS incorporates hybrid capability while maintaining sports car essentials, such as a sleek profile, lightweight aero-dynamic materials, and an advanced high-output powertrain for revolutionary acceleration and optimal performance. This 21st century sports car is fun-to-drive with eco-friendly benefits such as ultra-low emissions and fuel efficiency. The FT-HS appeals to an emerging buyer who grew up eco-conscious and perceives technology as a necessity, not a luxury.

"Drivers today are not satisfied with cars that are simply fast," said Kevin Hunter, vice president, Calty Design Research. "In addition to driving enjoyment, today's drivers are concerned about safety, ecology and social responsibility."

The June '07 print edition of Automobile casually drops a bit of a bombshell in page 30. They report that Toyota has given the FT-HS hybrid sports car the green light for production. You should remember the FT-HS concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show, where it was one of the most significant unveilings. The Calty-designed production version will make its debut in 2009. Essentially a successor to the Supra, the two-seater will leverage the automaker's Hybrid Synergy Drive and a to-be-determined gasoline engine (the concept utilized a 3.5-liter V6). Power and pricing are still a mystery, but the concept sported 400 horses and was designed to sell at a mid-level dollar amounts. If those numbers (or similar ones) carry through to production, you won't hear any complaints from us. If you've been waiting for a hybrid sports car, it looks as if Toyota's getting ready to give you exactly that.


Toyota FT-HS Concept Specifications

Chassis
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/disc
Tires F-R:	245/35 R21 - 285/30 R21
Driveline:	Rear Wheel Drive
Engine
Type:	V6 Hybrid
Displacement cu in (cc):	214 (3500)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	400(298) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	n.a.
Redline at RPM:	n.a.
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:	170.2 × 73.2 × 50.8
Weight lb (kg):	n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s:	Approx. 4
Top Speed mph (km/h):	n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):	n.a.