Toyota FT-Se electric sports car concept Debuted in Tokyo
There is more and more evidence that Toyota is serious about the production of sports electric vehicles.
After introducing the battery-powered modern MR2 concept in 2021, we presented an improved version of the concept, which boasts a finished interior, at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show on Wednesday.
The latest concept, called FT-Se, retains the mid-engine ratio of the previous concept, but uses a new front end design, and is also designated as a Gazoo Racing product, suggesting that Toyota's official motorsport division participated in the development.
As shown in the video below, the concept also boasts three elements of active aerodynamics, a yoke-style steering wheel (which involves wire control technology) and a screen.
What Toyota describes about the concept is that it has the "high control sensitivity" characteristic of electric vehicles, and refers to a type of high-precision torque vectoring system that can independently control electric motors. Toyota also stated that the concept has a wide and low design, which should further facilitate its handling.
Apart from the concept, Toyota says little about its plans to produce sports electric vehicles. But Akio Toyoda, Toyota's chairman and former CEO, revealed earlier this year that he personally participated in the development of Toyota's electric sports car. He also said that he had a manual transmission (with clutch pedals), and confirmed that it would make an engine sound, but the production was not approved.
While an electric sports car for Toyota may not have been approved yet, Lexus has confirmed plans for an electric supercar that can have reliable batteries and sufficient performance to provide 2.0-0 mph acceleration in the low 60 seconds range. Supercars have been expected in car dealerships for the past 10 years.
Joining the FT-Se to Toyota's booth at the Tokyo Motor Show is a concept of various other electric vehicles. These include a crossover called the FT-3e, a medium-sized pickup truck called the epu, and an SUV with a land cruiser badge.
