Jan 14 Toyota FT-1 sports car concept for Detroit revealed – first pictures

The Toyota FT-1 sports car concept has been unwrapped at the Detroit motor show.

Toyota has taken the wraps off the FT-1 sports car concept at the Detroit motor show – and these are the first pictures. We have also found some great video of the process and some sneak peaks into what will more than likely become another of Toyota's new icons of the era.

This video, released by Toyota USA gives us an insight into the design process and some glimpses of what is to come. The video is high quality so click it into full screen on 720p with the sound up and enjoy dreaming!

Already the subject of months of fevered speculation, the Toyota FT-1 is the result of the Toyota's North American Design Research branch, Calty Design Studio‘s mission to create the ultimate sports car.

The California-based team, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2014, has produced a car that embodies striking modern design as well as referencing Toyota’s sports car history, going back to the legendary 1967 2000GT. It is heavily influenced by Toyota's long sports car tradition that also recently includes vehicles such as the Celica, Supra and in our showroom right now, the awesome GT-86. If the Lexus LFA and the GT-86 process are anything to go by we can expect a vehicle under the showroom lights in a few short years looking very similar to the concept.

The racecar-like exterior expresses powerful performance through its pronounced front wings and sharply contrasting lines as well as the large air intakes and exhaust ports, while the retractable rear wing points to its aerodynamic qualities, and has clear lineage to that of the Lexus LFA supercar.

The FT-1′s front engine / rear-wheel drive configuration allows the cockpit to be set towards the rear of the car, creating classic sports car proportions while optimising weight distribution. The wraparound windscreen and side glass arrangement are a clear nod to the design of the original Toyota 2000GT.

These images have been sourced from several different Toyota locations but give an excellent overview of a concept vehicle that we haven't seen too much of until now.

Inside, the ergonomics and layout of the cabin capitalise on the car’s low centre of gravity, maximising enjoyment for the driver. A delta-shaped display zone helps make the driver feel at the heart of the action, fully connected to the car. This quality is reinforced by the Formula 1-style steering wheel and a colour head-up display that projects key information onto the windscreen, just above the wheel. The designers have pushed the A-pillars as far back as possible, to increase visibility when cornering.

The design process for this concept car has been a little different with Calty Design Studio of California really leading the charge on this as one of Toyota's newly designated Design Research Branches. To make more successful, passionate designs Toyota's newly appointed global head of design Tokuo Fukuichihe, has instructed his considerable 800-strong global design team – based in Japan, France and the US – more freedom to be creative - and just look at what they come up with! Not only great design but also a cleverly well documented process for the likes of us to share and get our customers super excited.

Traditionally Toyota’s design decisions have been driven by consensus among a large group of people; yet for the FT-1 this process has been streamlined as part of a company movement to give Toyota products more energy and passion. This approach has been fundamental to the development of the FT-1, a concept that captures Toyota’s aim of creating cars that connect more deeply with customers on an emotional level and generate a more satisfying ownership experience.

Gran Turismo 6 Debut and teaser of a car looking likely to become a reality.

Beginning January 14, the Toyota FT-1 concept will be available as a download exclusively for PlayStation®3's Gran Turismo 6 (GT6) real driving simulator. Race fans and gamers can experience FT-1 in GT6, where they can test the concept's thrilling performance.

They also did something similar early on in the development of the Toyota GT-86 and look at how that turned out, with many naming it the Car of The Year when it hit the ground for sale.

We think that all of this points to a large scale emotional investment in a concept car that is quite well down the developmental path already, and we here at Bowater Toyota are super excited to think that this may be shining in all of it's stunning glory in our main showroom some day soon!