Toyota at the Melbourne International Motor Show
Published by admin on Tagged Released
Sports cars will thrive in the 21st century world of rising fuel prices and environmental responsibility, judging by a concept car unveiled today by Toyota Australia.The FT-HS - which stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sports - is a futuristic sports-car concept with a sleek, aerodynamic profile and a potent petrol-electric hybrid engine.
Its front-engine, rear-drive layout provides revolutionary hybrid acceleration and optimal performance with a projected 0-100km/h dash in the four-second range.
It also features the fuel-saving benefits and ultra-low emissions of Toyota’s hybrid technology. Toyota Australia’s corporate manager product planning Peter Evans said the FT-HS is exhilarating to drive while having eco-friendly benefits such as impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions.
“To really appreciate FT-HS, think of it as a ‘Prius on steroids’. “Alternatively, it could be a vision for a Toyota Supra of the future,” Mr Evans said. “FT-HS shows what Toyota can achieve by combining its 50 years in motorsport with more than a decade of hybrid experience and development. “The ability to enjoy the ultimate driving pleasure with a clear conscience makes FT-HS the ideal sports car for the 21st century. “It will appeal to an emerging group of buyers who are environmentally aware and regard technology as a necessity, not a luxury.”
Toyota is the global leader in hybrid technology, having sold more than one million units of the world’s first mass-produced hybrid, Prius.
The new concept car mates an electric motor to a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, which is similar to that used in several production models. Its combined power output target is about 300kW - or almost 50 per cent more than the V6 petrol-only engine in the Aurion family car, Kluger mid-size SUV, Tarago people mover and RAV4 compact SUV. FT-HS was produced by Calty, Toyota’s California research and design centre.
The centre set out to develop 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?”
Australians can view the FT-HS concept on Toyota’s stand at the Melbourne International Motor Show (29 February to 10 March).
TOYOTA FT-HS CONCEPT VEHICLE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
- Drivetrain
- 3.5-litre V6 hybrid electric
- Target output: around 300kW
- Projected 0-100kmh time: mid four-second range
- Dimensions
- Overall length: 4325mm (170.27 in)
- Overall width: 1860mm (73.23 in)
- Overall height: 1290mm (50.79 in)
- Wheelbase: 2650mm (104.33 in)
- Tracks - front: 1600mm (63.0 in); rear: 1555mm (61.2 in)
- Wheels: Carbon fibre
- Tyres - front: 245/35R21; rear 285/30R21
[source toyota]
Leave a Comment