The Japan Mobility Show 2023 has commenced and we finally get to lay our eyes upon the Toyota FT-Se concept. Of course, it is showcased with many other models by Toyota, but the Ft-Se is perhaps the most eye-catching of them all. Having seen it in real life, it is best described as a GR86-sized battery electric vehicle (BEV).
Yes, the Toyota FT-Se is an EV sports car that will most likely succeed the legacy sports car models of the brand. With its design finally unveiled, we can confirm that it is not a carbon copy of the Toyota Sports EV concept that debuted back in December 2021. Toyota has yet to reveal more information on the FT-SE, but its design itself is worthy of addressing.
The front end presents a very new look to the brand. Despite being a fully electric car, the Toyota FT-Se sports a huge lower grille and cooling vents near its headlights. One drastic design element is the DRL or positioning light design which stretches vertically from the headlights all the way down to the front lip. The overall shape of the car also suggests a midship runabout-like weight distribution, although no details have been shared just yet.
What we can tell at least from Toyota’s presentation today is that its BEVs will have their own “flavour of driving fun” and “automotive seasoning”. Toyota says that BEVs have the specialty of combining both a low centre of gravity and a spacious interior.
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The surfaces of the Toyota Ft-Se give it a shrink wrapped -like appearance. Being a concept car, Toyota has also taken the liberty of giving it very small side mirrors and flush door handles. Around the rear end of the car, the FT-Se sports an extremely dramatic look – with its taillights having a horn-like design paired with a dramatic ducktail spoiler. The vents on the back are also dramatic to match. As for the wheel size, the concept FT-Se sits on a set of 20-inch wheels.
In today’s presentation, Toyota President and CEO, Koji Sato said, “I know, you will find your future among Toyota’s cars. Today I’m going to talk about 3 future car stories that are driven by mobility. The 1st story is about our future life with BEV. They are not only eco-friendly. Electric cars also offer their own flavour of driving fun and automotive seasoning, and they can deliver diverse experience value. This is our vision for BEVs.”
“We are making BEVs like only a true carmaker can. This means revisiting the fundamental principles of car making. And delivering basic performance like driving range as well as value that only BEvs can offer. One example is making cars with both a low centre of gravity and a spacious interior, which was not possible in the past.”
“To do this we need to make the main components much smaller and lighter and deploy our strength as a carmaker to put them together in the best package possible. Achieving this means that the design, the driving feel, and everything else can be transformed.”
“In these cars, the scenery looks completely different. The Lexus brand will first produce cars that tell this story. Of course, Toyota and GR brand cars like with these 2 models here will also change. If we have the technology to make cars smaller lower and lighter from sports cars and SUVs to pickup trucks and small vans, we can create a diverse lineup with outstanding qualities.”
More information will be added here as Toyota reveals more information on the FT-Se.
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