Toyota FT-86 concept press release for Geneva Motor Show 2010
The FT-86 concept european debut took place in Geneva Motor Show 2010. While the concept vehicle of FT-86 is the same as presented in Tokyo Motor Show 2009 and Toyota MegaWeb, the hype was high and the world was waiting for the FT-86 appearance. Toyota presented the FT86 along Toyota Auris hybrid, RAV4 and FT-EV2 vehicles. The event was also important as it proved the FT-86 redesign rumors to be false. Today we present all the official info Toyota has released.
Toyota FT-86 concept introduction video:Transcript for the video / press release:
Having introduced two new mainstream vehicles which deliver tangible customer benefits, let me end on a different note. From the Celica to the MR2, and the Supra, Toyota has created a heritage of exciting sports models. Now, with its distinctive front engine and real-wheel drive configuration, the FT-86 Concept is ready to introduce the next generation of Toyota sports cars. It is extremely light, with a low centre of gravity. This delivers an instant, precise response to even the slightest throttle and steering input. When we introduce the FT-86 Concept in early 2012, it will bring real joy in the Toyota showroom.
Toyota also prepared a full media guide for the Geneva Motor Show 2010 presented cars. We present you the part that covers the FT-86 concept:
FT-86 Concept
- FT-86 Concept previews a New Generation of Sports Car
- An Entirely Driver-Oriented Concept
- A Shape Generated Through the Constraints of Aerodynamics and Function
‘With the FT-86 concept, I wanted to pass on the same feeling of joyful driving which embodied the Corolla Levin AE86 model.’
Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada.
FT-86 Concept previews a New Generation of Sports Car
Toyota has a long and successful history of creating exciting, driver- focused sports cars such as the Celica, the MR2, the Supra and the Corolla Levin AE86.
With its reputation for delivering pure excitement and embodying the fundamental joy of driving, the Corolla Levin AE86 is the inspiration behind a new Toyota Sports Concept, the Future Toyota-86 concept.
The Corolla Levin AE86’s front engine, rear-wheel drive powertrain, compact dimensions, light weight, impeccable balance and superior power-to-weight ratio made it the must-have choice for rallying and circuit driving throughout its 1983-1987 production life. Even today, the AE86 is still a popular choice with private rallying teams. Sharing its predecessor’s front engine, rear-wheel drive credentials, the FT-86 concept previews a new generation of sports car which perfectly recaptures the exciting spirit of the last Corolla Levin AE86.
An Entirely Driver-Oriented Concept
The FT-86 concept is an entirely driver-oriented concept, designed to give form to the intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous responses to even the smallest throttle or steering input.
Rather than relying on a heavy, large displacement engine for its performance, it combines a free-revving, 2.0 litre petrol engine and a 6-speed manual transmission with compact dimensions, light weight and a low centre of gravity for the best possible driving experience.
The FT-86 concept’s front engine, rear-wheel drive format ofers highly engaging dynamic abilities and maximum driving pleasure.
A Shape Generated Through the Constraints of Aerodynamics and Function
The classic sports car form of the FT-86 concept has been generated entirely through the constraints of aerodynamics and function, a design concept that Toyota’s European Design Development centre -ED2- has dubbed ‘Functional Beauty’.
With a low, highly aerodynamic bodyshell stretched tight over the engineering hard points, the FT-86 concept’s muscular, 4,160 mm bodywork has been made as compact as possible.
The concept features an entirely functional, ergonomically ideal cockpit, with the widespread use of sporting, ultra-lightweight components and fnishes designed to further improve the FT-86 concept’s weight distribution and power-to-weight ratio.
Rather than regarding interior design as a stylised addition to the cabin framework, the FT-86 concept features a thin, simple, tight- ftting skin applied to the essential cockpit components, clearly visualised in the treatment of the dashboard and seat upholstery.
Specifcations
POWERTRAIN Fuel type Petrol Displacement (cc) 2000 Transmission 6-speed Manual DIMENSIONS Length (mm) 4160 Width (mm) 1760 Height (mm) 1260 Wheelbase (mm) 2570 SEATS Seat confguration 2+2 TYRES Front and Rear 225/40/R19
For the Geneva Motor Show 2010 FT-86 debut Toyota released a bunch of high quality images.
Toyota FT-86 concept in an hangar / warehouse photoshoot:
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Toyota Europe Design Development (ED2 studio) FT-86 concept design images - sketches, drawings and digital renders
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FT86 video:
Toyota FT-86 TV demo video
2010 Toyota FT-86 Concept - Geneva Motor Show internal video
For actual exhibition photos please visit FT-86 Geneva Motor Show 2010 forum discussion.
We hope you enjoyed this press release from Toyota, as finally the FT-86 concept is confirmed for production, wait till early 2012!
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