The Toyota FT-HS is a hybrid sports car concept that made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Here are some key things to know about this ambitious prototype:
- Hybrid Powertrain:
- The FT-HS combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 400 horsepower (298 kW).
- The goal was to achieve a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of around 4 seconds, which was made possible by the hybrid powertrain and a capacitor system designed for quick charging and increased performance.
- This hybrid setup was similar to the one used in the Lexus GS450h and later showcased in the Toyota Supra HV-R race car.
- Unique Design:
- The FT-HS features a 2+2 seating configuration, with a retractable roof that functions similarly to a targa top.
- The rear seats are designed to fold down when the roof is retracted, enhancing the car’s aerodynamic profile and performance.
- Affordability:
- Despite being a concept, Toyota stated that the production version of the FT-HS would be priced in the mid-$30,000 range, making it an attractive option for hybrid sports car enthusiasts.
- Production Uncertainty:
- Although the FT-HS generated a lot of buzz, a production version was ultimately not pursued, as indicated by an August 2008 report from Automotive News.
- However, in 2009, rumors resurfaced that the FT-HS’s V6-powered successor, set to replace the Supra, was still in development, with an expected debut in 2011.
- Legacy:
- While the FT-HS concept didn’t directly lead to a production car, it was succeeded by the Toyota FT-1 concept in 2014, which heavily influenced the design of the fifth-generation Toyota Supra, which entered production in 2019.
- Many of the FT-HS’s styling cues also made their way into the Toyota 86 series, a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru.
The Toyota FT-HS remains an important part of Toyota’s history as a showcase of hybrid sports car potential and a precursor to the iconic Toyota Supra.