Posted on 10/19/2023 8:27:42 AM PDT by Red Badger
The FT-Se concept’s interior shows a "steering apparatus" that may play into the same steer-by-wire EV system as the Lexus RZ.
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Toyota has been slow in adopting EVs; the bZ4X is the only current model. But the Japanese brand has big plans for EV battery tech, and Toyota may be poised to become a dominant player in the EV space.
What will that future look like? Toyota is previewing it with two new concepts at the Japan Mobility Show. There's no electric pickup yet. But one of the two concepts definitely looks like an electric Supra.
Meet the Toyota FT-Se Concept
Toyota calls the FT-Se its "high-performance sports BEV." It looks like a concept version of an electric Supra and carries GR branding like the GR Supra and GR86 sports cars. It shares a platform with Toyota's other EV concept being revealed, the FT-3e crossover.
Toyota described the concept as having "wide and low proportions" to reduce drag. One of the significant innovations with Toyota's next-gen battery pack will be reducing the height of battery packs for better aerodynamic efficiency.
The Toyota FT-Se has a yoke
The FT-Se concept uses a yoke-like steering apparatus. Toyota has been a proponent of this design with EVs. The Lexus RZ offers one with its steer-by-wire technology. And the related Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra have cockpits that look like they were designed for one.
The FT-Se features a driver-centric layout with the instrument display low and recessed and two screens flanking the steering apparatus to the right and left.
The FT-Se concept also offers knee pads
Toyota says the FT-Se Concept has "newly designed knee pads" that "protect the driver from G-forces during driving."
Will Toyota's electric sports car get a manual?
Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda confirmed in June 2023 that he had driven a prototype for a GR electric sports car and that it had featured a manual transmission with a clutch. Lexus's electric LFA successor has also been linked with having a manual transmission.
When will Toyota's electric sports car arrive?
Toyota has not announced when it will produce an electric sports car. The FT-Se concept looks a ways off being a production car. And we expect Toyota will prioritize more mass-market projects like the three-row SUV and electric pickup. Toyota is supposed to roll out its next-gen EV battery and platform technology in 2026, which could be when we see the sports car.
Me, too. I like being able to stow the seats and haul stuff. And the sliding doors take the worry out of hauling grandkids (no door dings).
Definitely seems so.
I mean they look cool and all, but still the same as the earliest cars. Four rubber tires, an engine, and a steering wheel. Let me know when we get something actually new.
I have no shame.
I like that it makes an impromptu tent.
No steering wheel..................
Good old Pintos. Had two used ones for commuters (all rural roads).
Late August 73, I was on I-70 west, on my way to Sterling KS. Somewhere between Topeka and Salina, where there were signs warning of crosswinds, a couple dudes in a Saab were trying to stay with my 71 Mach 1. I kept speeding up, eventually reaching 90 or so.
The north crosswinds were really strong, but the Mustang stayed put nicely. They tried passing me in a bad spot, where there were no hills to slow the wind down at all. As they were going by me my car blocked the wind. Then they came out of my windbreak....
The wind took them down into the median, where the driver almost lost it. My last view in the mirror was them back on the road and fading back out of sight.
they fixed that as long as the trailer is carrying another battery...
Those Kansas crosswinds are a bitch!......................
And a diesel generator to charge the batteries.
I can even see government telling us we can ONLY buy an EV.
When we say we cannot afford one, they’ll tell us, “Too bad! Then you must move to a 15-minute city where poor peasants like you have to walk or take public transportation. We’re the government, you’ll do what you’re told, comrade!”
How fast is it when it is plugged in?
I once owned a beautiful 87 burgundy/burgundy 5spd Supra Turbo drove it for almost 10 years, 300K miles.
A sweet solid ride, a GT cruiser and almost maintenance free.
These new Supras?
Expensive, ugly, made by BMW, no visibility, cant open the windows while driving, uncomfortable..
I would LOVE to have my old one back in new condition but have ZERO interest in these new ones.
Nice work Toyota..
see my post 73.
I was 23 when i bought it.
A VERY sweet car everybody was jealous the chicks loved it.
A very well built Beautiful car.
Would top out at a hair below 150 and drove soo smooth and straight as an arrow.
When i finally sold it the engine still purrrrred like the day i bought it.
I miss it
I've been getting around lately in a Hyndai Elantra - got over 136K miles on it now.
It's been very reliable. It has an excellent warranty - I've had to pay very little to keep on it the road.
But it's not a pickup truck, of course. And I've found that I can't NOT have a pickup truck.
I am very strongly considering a new Toyota Tundra.
Pretty pricey, though.
They are all dual turbo V6’s now. The days of a 200k+ miles are over for Toyota.
I have no shame.
Same here, actually. Too much chaos, public and private, to really GAF about what others think.or Feel.
Battery only cars were made obsolete 10 years ago.
Today’s EV’s are the same cars with prettier wrapping.
Let me ask - If you were going to buy a new pickup, WHAT would YOU buy? Eh?
Not buying a pickup truck at all is, of course, an acceptable answer.
Post #75 was meant for you. Oops.
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