Toyota Unveils Its Futuristic FT-1 Concept at the Detroit Auto Show

BALTIMORE, 01/20/2014 / SubmitMyPR /

Toyota managed to cross the threshold from a virtual world into reality when it revealed its FT-1 Concept at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month. Calty Design Research, a U.S.-based design studio that has recently been tasked with spicing up vehicles like the Toyota Avalon, first created the Toyota FT-1 Concept within a Sony PlayStation video game, basing its styling largely on earlier Toyota sports car models. The main idea behind the concept is to offer drivers a car that blends the reliability that is expected from Toyota with something they can connect with emotionally.

With its daring design, the Toyota FT-1 Concept was able to stand out immediately at the Detroit Auto Show. An athletic body, expressive curves and a retractable rear wing that deploys at higher speeds give the FT-1 a futuristic feel. Inside, the cockpit nods to the Toyota 2000GT with a wraparound windshield and side glass openings, while controls mounted directly on the Formula 1-inspired steering wheel and a color-schemed heads-up display system add forward-looking functionality. Though there are currently no plans for the FT-1 to go into production, its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive design could influence future sports cars from Toyota.

"Maryland drivers know that when they buy a Toyota they're getting something they can own for years, but the FT-1 would make them feel like they're experiencing the thrill of driving for the first time whenever they get behind the wheel," said Wade Sterry, general manager of Russel Toyota, a Baltimore Toyota dealer. "A household sports-car nameplate is really the only thing the Toyota brand is missing at the moment, and a vehicle like the FT-1 could eventually fill that void."

Calty Design Research, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, began developing the FT-1 Concept nearly two years ago using PlayStation's popular "Gran Turismo" video game, allowing Toyota executives to take the sports car for a virtual test-drive long before it was brought to life in Detroit. The design center used past and present Toyota, Lexus and Scion sports car models, especially the Toyota Celica and Supra, as muses for the FT-1 Concept.

About Russel Toyota:
For more than 40 years, Russel Toyota has relied on a customer-first approach to provide Maryland drivers with only rewarding experiences when it comes to Toyota sales, service and parts. In addition to the dealership’s broad selection of cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans, Baltimore Toyota owners can also take advantage of Russel Toyota’s affordable and thorough maintenance services from their expert team of technicians. Browse their inventory online at www.russeltoyota.com or in person at their Baltimore, Maryland Toyota dealership, located at 6324 Baltimore National Pike. They can also be reached by phone at 410-788-8400 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RusselToyota.