A Commemorative Model for the 40th Anniversary of the North American Design Division

Toyota's "FT-1" was developed by Calty Design Research, Toyota's North American design division in Newport Beach, California, as a downloadable vehicle for the PlayStation driving simulation game "Gran Turismo 6 (GT6)". It has been available in an updated version of the game since January 14th.


The concept car unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show this time not only recreates that virtual machine in realistic 3D, but also serves as a design study to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Calty Design Research, which has produced Toyota's "Celica" andLexus"SC400". In its development, the design was crafted to achieve peak sports car performance in GT6, while also drawing inspiration from Toyota's sports car history, dating back to the Toyota "2000GT", to infuse new passion into its sports car design.


The car's name, "FT-1", signifies "Future Toyota", with the "1" representing the pinnacle. Calty Design Research President Kevin Hunter stated at the unveiling, "Starting today, anyone can easily enjoy driving the high-performance machine 'FT-1' on the track in Gran Turismo 6. However, this exciting concept model is not just a virtual machine; it is also a spiritual pace car for building Toyota's future." This suggests the potential for it to represent the direction of future Toyota sports car design.

While detailed dimensions and specifications of the vehicle have not yet been released, its appeal as a sports car is undeniable, with a front-midship engine peeking from under the hood, a flowing form characteristic of a long-hood, short-deck FR sports car, large-diameter tires positioned at the four corners, and a windshield shape and variable rear wing reminiscent of the legendary Toyota "2000GT".


The boldly sculpted front fenders and wing-shaped front spoiler evoke the "TS030 Hybrid" prototype racing machine that competes in WEC. Meanwhile, the interior features a steering wheel design inspired by F1 cars and meters designed around a triangular motif, creating a sporty impression.


The gently curved windshield and the rearward placement of the A-pillars are said to ensure visibility during cornering. Furthermore, all essential driving information is displayed directly above the steering wheel, with a design that minimizes driver eye movement.


While Toyota currently only has the86in its sports car lineup, developed jointly with Subaru, we hope this "FT-1" will serve as a trigger for the revival of full-fledged sports models.