Posted on 01/04/2007 7:22:58 AM PST by Red Badger
Toyota will introduce its FT-HS hybrid sports car concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.
This two-plus-two concept is a front-engine, rear-drive sports car with a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range. A powerful V6, 3.5L-engine is coupled with a sports hybrid system with a target power output of approximately 400 hp (298 kW).
The FT-HS concept was a joint undertaking of Calty, Toyota’s North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif., and Toyota’s California-based Advanced Product Strategy Group.
The design team was assigned the task of creating a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion in a concept that addresses the question “What is a suitable sports car for the 21st Century?”
Drivers today are not satisfied with cars that are simply fast. In addition to driving enjoyment, today’s drivers are concerned about safety, ecology and social responsibility. —Kevin Hunter, vice president, Calty Design Research
The front and rear have been sculpted to remove mass around key functional components. Freeform geometrics define the integration of fluid surfaces contrasting hard-edge Aero-Corners which promote smooth airflow and reduce turbulence.
The roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas. Made from carbon fiber Kevlar, the roof retracts so that the roof panel and back window pivot fluidly in a downward motion to stow in the rear seat space.
A speed-activated wing elevates at high speed for additional stability and traction.
Hybrid Sports car ping!.......
Is it an Imperial Storm Trooper?
A 3.5L motor and it produces 400HP? Must be supercharged, ay?
Even Lucas couldn't come up with this!......
Pimp My Vader.
I think they're counting the gas engine and the electric motors running together.
No, it just dresses like one.
"A powerful V6, 3.5L" <- why make that a hybrid?
"Freeform geometrics define the integration of fluid surfaces contrasting hard-edge Aero-Corners which promote smooth airflow and reduce turbulence. The roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag"
Wow - aerodymanics, that's innovative :-/
"A speed-activated wing elevates at high speed for additional stability and traction."
Yeah - RICER WING!!
One more interesting point, the electric motor has maximum efficiency at the low end of the torque curve (where the gasoline engine is least efficient), so the two technologies complement each other.
Not bad looking... for Toyota.
I assume the electric motor is for slow speed driving........
Because the non-hybrid version with the same engine already exists: the Lexus IS350. This car sounds like it has the exact same guts as the existing Lexus GS450H hybrid, just different sheet metal.
"slow speed driving........"
Cause that's why's people buy sports cars, right?
I just don't get the logic in a hybrid sports car
In our town, 25 mph is the speed limit unless otherwise posted.........
we're not talking about the British electronics firm here, are we?
Which company would that be?........
Imagine that car in black.
Yes, but they also provide additional power at high speeds.
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