Toyota FT-HS
Encyclopedia
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. FT-HS stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sport.
The goal of the rear wheel drive hybrid powertrain
is to produce 400 hp and achieve 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. This is accomplished by combining a 3.5 L V6
and an electric motor in a manner similar 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 capacitor system designed specifically for quick charging and increased performance. Since the debut of this concept, Toyota has exhibited such technology in the Supra HV-R race car.
The 2+2 vehicle features a unique retractable roof similar to a targa top
. The rear seats would be folded down when the roof is retracted however.
In spite of the FT-HS being only a concept vehicle, Toyota's desired starting price for such a vehicle is stated to be in the mid $30,000 range.
An August 2008 article from Automotive News indicated that a production version was no longer being considered. However, a January 2009 article from Edmunds Inside Line
states that "the V6 Supra replacement is still in the pipeline and is set for an early 2011 debut". However as of late 2011 neither the FT-HS or any Supra replacements have been put into production.
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:...
sports car
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
concept
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
introduced at the 2007 North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
. Calty Design Research
Calty Design Research
Calty Design Research Incorporated is a Toyota design studio established in 1973. They have two facilities: one in Newport Beach, California and another in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Calty's primary focus is exterior styling...
designed the concept. FT-HS stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sport.
The goal of the rear wheel drive hybrid powertrain
Powertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
is to produce 400 hp and achieve 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. This is accomplished by combining a 3.5 L V6
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
and an electric motor in a manner similar 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 capacitor system designed specifically for quick charging and increased performance. Since the debut of this concept, Toyota has exhibited such technology in the Supra HV-R race car.
The 2+2 vehicle features a unique retractable roof similar to a targa top
Targa top
Targa top, targa for short, is a semi-convertible car body style with a removable roof section and a full width roll bar behind the seats. The term was first used on the 1966 Porsche 911 Targa, and it remains a registered trademark of Porsche AG....
. The rear seats would be folded down when the roof is retracted however.
In spite of the FT-HS being only a concept vehicle, Toyota's desired starting price for such a vehicle is stated to be in the mid $30,000 range.
An August 2008 article from Automotive News indicated that a production version was no longer being considered. However, a January 2009 article from Edmunds Inside Line
Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com is a provider of automotive information via Web sites, books, and other media. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California and maintains an office outside of Detroit, Michigan...
states that "the V6 Supra replacement is still in the pipeline and is set for an early 2011 debut". However as of late 2011 neither the FT-HS or any Supra replacements have been put into production.