Toyota FT-HS looks set to be new Supra with hybrid for power not efficiency
Click on the photo for a high-res gallery of the FT-HS concept
It looks like the Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports car concept that appeared at the Detroit Auto Show may become a reality to compete with Nissan 350Z. The problem is it's looking like Toyota is primarily using the hybrid system as means of improving performance rather than efficiency. Apparently Toyota will offer two versions of the car, the base model using a 330hp version of their 3.5L V-6 to match the Z, and a higher performance 400hp version with the hybrid powertrain.
Although the hybrid version is probably more efficient than a comparable 400hp conventional drivetrain, if Toyota is serious about being an environmental leader they would say the 330hp (or less) is enough and do a hybrid with a smaller ICE and better efficiency and emissions than the Nissan at comparable performance levels. But even mighty Toyota is susceptible to the schizophrenia (I know it is surely the wrong medical term, but most people will get my meaning) that afflicts most carmakers who want to be seen as green while still appealing to as large and as profitable a customer base as possible.
Gallery: Toyota FT-HS-large
[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tony Belding 10:31AM (5/29/2007)
As others have noted, it's a brutally ugly car. Maybe it should be called the Toyota Stormtrooper? While granting that they are in different price classes, I've got to say this Toyota is a laughable effort in comparison with the Tesla Roadster.
BTW, I suspect the psychological term you were looking for might be "cognitive dissonance".
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small-wee-wee 12:07PM (5/29/2007)
Instead of people buying 400HP cars why not go get some therapy for whatever image complex you may think you have?
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frank78 1:49PM (5/29/2007)
Well said, #2 post. I'd tell that person to go lift some weights or go running.
If Toyota does indeed get anywhere near that 400 number, that ought to put a nice big hole in the middle of their 'green' image. Combined with their ever enlarging other autos and suddenly Honda looks even greener.
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Der Alte 2:35PM (5/29/2007)
I too am disappointed as to where this is going. I thought the idea of it being a "green" sports car was going to be its main feature. Now its just reduced to being a penis extending frill that pisses away a lot of fuel no matter which way you go. I was never expecting this to be a Tesla....but maybe a half way point between a Tesla and a regular sports car....now its not even that.
The new Tundra was my first disappointment with its honking V8. I was prepared to cut them some slack because Toyota wanted to make a bigger impact in that market than the Honda Ridgeline did...figuring they might come out with a serious pick up truck hybrid a little further down the road.
The frustrating thing is that Toyota appears to have the best hybrid system on the market because it is capable of moving the vehicle on electric power alone, which most systems cannot say. On the surface, turning the current Toyota synergy drive system into a PHEV looks to be as simple as addiing a few more batteries, a plug and updating the software. It would not take them much to be a green leader in the market....yet they choose not to be.
Honda has been declared the greenest, but that is largely by virtue of their not selling any V8s. Their hybrid system is unfortunately nothing special and cannot power the car on electric alone. They do have a new diesel coming out (already out in some markets) that does not rely on urea to clean the exhaust. I just wish they'd put my resources into their hybrid system to make it a more plug in friendly design. A Honda diesel PHEV could clean up very well in the marketplace.
Suprisingly, GM seems to be the only company that is publically going in that direction (in North America...I doubt we'll see Peugeots in NA). How serious they are on this and what sort of quality the E flex platform will be is up for debate. They might just catch Honda and Toyota with their pants down on this. For the sake of GMs future, they better do a job and hope Honda and Toyota are asleep at the switch with E-flex. Personally I think its GMs last and best chance to stave off irrelevance and regain their crown once again.
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Murc 10:43PM (5/29/2007)
400hp.....nice.
I think the car looks pretty good, the part that looks..."off" is the bottom of the hood where it meets the bumper...I dont like how they tie into each other...that part kinda resembles a beetle...which isn't good.
I am curious though, being a hybrid sports car….what the mpg would be.(?)
While I'm sure Toyota wants to keep its "green" fan base, they (like every company that has ever existed) still want to expand their market base...meaning: GM has the vette & (soon) Camaro, Ford has mustang & GT, Chrysler has Viper & Crossfire. Toyota has.........
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