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The Forgotten Toyota Concept Car That Still Looks Futuristic Today
By ALVIN REYES
Toyota fans have long clamored for the return of what is arguably the most iconic Toyota sports car of all time: The Supra, particularly the MK IV, which had a starring role in the first “The Fast and the Furious” movie. Since 2001, sports car enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the Supra’s next incarnation, which finally came in the form of the Toyota FT-1 Sportscar concept.
The FT-1 debuted at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and eventually got the green light for production as the Toyota GR Supra in 2019. However, hardcore enthusiasts were scratching their heads upon learning the fifth-gen Supra had no 2JZ turbo engine, no manual gearbox, and no removable roof, but Toyota appeased drivers by giving it more power.
Fans, however, can thank another concept car for the GR Supra’s low-slung silhouettes and stylish looks: the Toyota FT-HS or Future Toyota Hybrid Sports, a forgotten design that first appeared in late 2006. The FT-HS was a rear-wheel drive, 2+2 sports car with a front-mounted hybrid V6 engine and zoomed from zero to 60 mph in under five seconds.
The FT-HS's smooth-wedge design and minimalist exterior remain eye-catching even after all these years. The concept's “freeform geometrics”' helps improve the airflow while minimizing turbulence, which is critical in both aspects of performance and efficiency. More importantly, the FT-HS has an open-top roof like the MK IV Supra, which can be stowed in the car’s rear.