Toyota FT-HS

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Toyota FT-HS Concept

Manufacturer	Toyota
Parent company	Toyota
Predecessor	Toyota Supra
Body style	2+2 coupe
Layout	Front-engine, RWD
Engine	3.5L V6 hybrid electric
Wheelbase	104.33 inches
Length	170.27 inches
Width	73.23 inches
Height	50.79 inches

The Toyota FT-HS is a hybrid sports car concept introduced at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Calty Design Research designed the concept and suggests that it could fill the place of the Toyota Supra.^[1] FT-HS stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sport.^[2]

The goal of the rear wheel drive hybrid powertrain is to produce 400 horsepower and achieve 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. This is accomplished with by combining a 3.5 L V6 and an electric motor in a similar manner to the Lexus GS450h. Unlike the GS (and virtually all other current hybrids), a production version of the FT-HS would make use of a new system designed specifically for increased performance.^[3]

The 2+2 vehicle features a unique retractable roof similar to a targa top. The rear seats appear to be unusable when the roof is retracted however.

In spite of the FT-HS being only a concept vehicle, Toyota's desired price range for such a vehicle is stated to be in the mid $30,000 range.^[4]

[edit] References

^ "Toyota hasn't had a sports car since the Supra was dropped in 1997. We need some emotional punch in our lineup, a halo product." Kevin Hunter - vice president of Calty Design Research (from this article)
^ Toyota FT-HS World Premiere ROADandTRACK.com accessed January 3 2007
^ Straightline - Detroit Auto Show: Toyota FT-HS, the responsible supercar accessed January 8 2007
^ It's only a concept car for the Detroit auto show, but it might become the next Supra edmunds.com Inside Line accessed on December 27, 2006