Detroit Auto Show: Does the Toyota FT-HS look better than the Lexus concepts?
Toyota's FT-HS hybrid "21st Century sports car" didn't make quite the splash on AutoblogGreen the way the Chevy Volt or the Ford Airstream did. But we, of course covered is as did the UK media crew from Newspress. They just put together a little write-up on three upcoming Toyota and Lexus vehicles on display at the NAIAS, the Toyota FT-HS, the Lexus IS-F and an updated Lexus LF-A, along with three high-res pictures. Only the FT-HS has any green cred, but these three images give us a chance to compare the design effort that went into the green and the luxury models. Which one strikes you as the best?
It sure would be nice to see the words of Kevin Hunter, vice president of Toyota's Los Angeles-based CALTY Design center, which designed the FT-HS, actually applied to all concepts Toyota brings to future auto shows. "In addition to driving enjoyment, today's drivers are concerned about safety, ecology and social responsibility," he said. For a lot more high-res pictures of the FT-HS, click here.
click to enlarge
[Source: Newspress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CM 9:13PM (1/15/2007)
The Lexus IS-F is a conventional style, blends in nicely with the crowd. The Lexus LF-A is more daring, and the FT-HS is really exotic! I still prefer the looks of Toyotas "Allesandro Volta" concept - http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/volta.html - the Giugiaro studio has a knack for beautiful car design.
Concept cars can be divided into 3 categories:
1. Those that will go into production, perhaps with a litle modification.
2. Those that have design features that will make it into production, even if the concept doesn't.
3. Flights of fancy that will never make it into production.
I'm afraid the FT-HS, with it's odd roofline and complex front end, is a "flight of fancy".
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Phred 3:25AM (1/16/2007)
Lexus's styling is, as usual, very nice except for the "pulled-down"/"melting-off" nose, which is blatant on the LF-A. The IS-F's front is a bit better, though the hood has an ugly hump from that angle. But all-in-all, both look attractive and sporty.
The FT-HS looks great - sharp, modern, and fast - except what's outboard of the wheels. The rear end is nice, except from the side view, but the front is an ugly, mishmashed hodgepodge of odd angles and unattractive shapes. The only exceptions are the impossible-for-production lights, which are sleek and sharp, fitting with the middle of the car.
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Phred 4:14AM (1/16/2007)
After looking some more from different angles, I must admit the FT-HS has started to grow on me. The front and back still look pretty terrible in profile though, and no design should cause that much revulsion at first glance.
In reply to CM: I'm sure the nose, tail, and roof are flights of fancy (too bad about the roof), but the idea of a hybrid sports car roughly in the Supra's niche is great, and I'm sure it's under serious consideration.
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tactless 2:17PM (1/16/2007)
flight of fancy ... perhaps.
The rear end needs more or bigger tail lights. you don't want to get hit from the rear.
The odd angle display over the center counsole has to go. In the future people are going to want large displays for backing up view, GPS navigation, and were is the next plug in for your PHEV?
The seats are not designed for those of us who like to slide forward a tad. Traditional bucket seats would be a big improvement.
I was hoping the fad of large low profile tires would soon wear out.
They are very costly and do they actually give a better ride?
All in my opinion of course.
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