Toyota FT-HS

One of the stars of the Detroit Motor Show was this FT-HS concept from Toyota, a front-engined, rear-drive two-plus-two sports car with projected 0-62mph acceleration figures in the four-second range. It's not just the fact that Toyota is finally poised to fill the void left in the sport car segment when it stopped making the Supra, but the way in which the company has chosen to do it that had auto journos excited.

The concept is powered by a potent 3.5-litre V6 engine coupled with a sports hybrid system claimed to create approximately 400-horsepower. Throw in poised and purposeful design language led by CALTY designer Alex Shen, and the concept's architecture takes the minimalist sports car style to a new level.

From a design perspective, the theme of the FT-HS achieves sleek, taut surfaces in its exterior features. The front and rear have been sculpted to remove mass around key functional components whilst the integration of fluid surfaces contrasting hard-edge “Aero-Corners” promote smooth airflow and reduce turbulence.

A scalloped channel in the bonnet exposes the hybrid engine and LED headlamp clusters tout energy-efficiency and decreased heat loss. The tail lamp unit spans the entire rear, and has an integrated retractable spoiler which elevates for stability and traction at speed. Other exterior features include a carbon fibre lower diffuser with integrated wide exhaust and carbon fibre wheels.

The roof, made from lightweight carbon fibre Kevlar, has a distinctive scooped-out section to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas. It also retracts in a downward motion and stows in the rear seat space, transforming the FT-HS into a targa.

The interior of the concept is equally breathtaking. Created by CALTY designer William Chergosky, the driver-oriented interior includes exposed cross-car instument panel made from high-tech materials such as carbon fibre and titanium. This is meant to exude sleekness, technology, and performance. Seating is optimised for a lightweight appearance and function and accommodates four with the roof in place (or a two-seater when retracted). A telescoping hub-less steering wheel incorporates semi-automatic paddle shifters and allows the instruments to be shifted forward in order minimize distraction and enhance driver focus.

Let's hope the FT-HS will make it to production in the near future.

More pictures and link.