Toyota FT-86 Concept
FT-86 Concept will debut at the Tokyo motor show later this month
Toyota and Subaru have been collaborating for some time on a jointly developed sport coupe model. Now, we get a preview of the FT-86 Concept, which is set to debut at the Tokyo motor show later this month.
The sport coupe's dimensions are fairly compact with a length of 4,16 meters and a height of 1,26 m (width and wheelbase are 1,76 and 2,57 meters, respectively) and a low center of gravity. The FT-86 was created by Toyota's Europe Design Development and it's objective was to fashion a car with a "functional utility" design theme.
Uncharacteristic for the times, this concept does not feature any new technology of the hybrid or electric kind. The goal for both Japanese automakers was to create a sports model that is simple, fun-to-drive and fuel efficient. The FT-86 will feature Subaru's 2.0 liter Boxer gasoline/petrol engine, which develops only 160 hp, although, there have been hints that it may be dialed up to about 200. It also uses a 6-speed manual transmission and ADVICS brakes.
We can only guess that the FT-86's agility and speed will come from a low curb weight. We will just have to wait for the numbers on that.
Press Release (Click to expand)
A Small FR Sports Concept Vehicle that Combines Environmental Performance and the Joy of Driving
TMC seeks to develop the ultimate earth-conscious environmentally-considerate vehicle with a focus on hybrid technologies without losing sight of the appeal of cars themselves or the joy of driving.
Over the past several years, the need has been rising for motor vehicles that take into consideration global warming and other environmental issues, while there has also been concern that there have been too few new sports cars that make the heart beat faster and that the time is right for a new generation of sports cars. In response to these needs, TMC has developed the FT-86 Concept, a sports car equipped with a 2,000cc, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated gasoline engine that evokes the joy of driving a car and the pleasure of vehicle ownership.
As the name "Future Toyota 86 Concept" implies, the FT-86 Concept, which will be exhibited at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, is a new 86 Toyota with a flash red finish. It is a compact, rear-wheel drive sports concept car that embodies speed and the excitement of driving that give cars their appeal as well as environmental performance.
A Toyota Sports Car for a New Era when the Driver Plays the Main Role
The FT-86 Concept is 4,160mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,260mm high with a wheelbase of 2,570mm, giving it a compact feeling that is easy for the driver to handle while able to accommodate four occupants. In addition to being light and having a low center of gravity, the FT-86 Concept boasts the handling of a racing car as well as a 6-speed manual transmission and ADVICS brakes.
The stylish concept captures the heart with the "functional utility" of its highly-refined body. It is the creation of Toyota Europe Design Development known as ED2, which has established body lines that take into consideration a low center of gravity and aerodynamics. The interior is distinctive, featuring an instrument panel with a gray and white base, gauges with red neon lights and digital displays, and a navigation system. In addition, a zipper that evokes an image of interior lapping with minimal covering of a highly-refined body presents a striking display.
It is necessary to create a vehicle in which the driver plays the main role in order to have as many people as possible experience the joy of driving.
The FT-86 Concept is neither an electric vehicle nor a hybrid vehicle, but is a sports model with a gasoline engine developed to convey the essential appeal of automobiles in a new era. It is a must-see concept car that expresses TMC's desire to once again create a Toyota sports car.
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super_car_muscle_man
October 6, 2009 12:53 PM
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