Toyota FT-HS Concept Inspired By Motorsport
February 25, 2008 · Filed Under At A Glance, Concept Cars, Green, MotorSports, Toyota
Toyota’s FT-HS concept car has been sculpted to achieve sleek, taut surfaces and an aggressive triangular profile – a theme repeated throughout the design.
Designers have removed mass around key functional components to reduce weight and give the car a lightweight look.
They have also integrated flowing surfaces and hard edges to promote smooth airflow and reduce turbulence.
Paul Beranger, corporate manager of Toyota Style Australia, said FT-HS was inspired by Toyota’s 50 years’ experience in motorsport.
“It displays an aesthetic driven by function, with hard edges that are aerodynamically functional,” Mr Beranger said.
“As with Formula One cars, individual aerodynamic elements in FT-HS are more important than overall streamlining.”
The vehicle’s triangular profile has a floating “C” pillar, aerodynamic corners, a full upper-body pan and innovative open top.
The bonnet features a scalloped channel with the engine visible through an opening, designed to emphasise the hybrid technology.
Large air intakes ahead of the rear wheel wells are functional, directing cool air to the rear-mounted battery pack.
A full belly pan enhances aerodynamic slipperiness. The car rides on 21-inch carbon-fibre wheels with low-profile tyres.
The roof, made from carbon-fibre Kevlar®, has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room in key areas.
The retractable roof stows in the rear-seat space, pivoting fluidly with the back window in a downward motion.
Other exterior features include a speed-activated wing that elevates at high speed for additional stability and traction. The rear showcases a carbon fibre lower diffuser with integrated exhaust.
Aerospace-inspired lighting includes light-emitting diode (LED) clusters in the headlamps and the wing for energy-efficiency and decreased heat loss. The tail lamp unit spans the entire rear.
Mr Beranger said FT-HS expresses the core values of Toyota’s new design language, Vibrant Clarity.
“It is also inspired by the J-Factor, which is the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural sensibilities.”
Vibrant Clarity is the combination of perfect imbalance, freeform geometrics and integrated component architecture.
“The result of these three elements is subtractive mass, a minimalist style that is not only lightweight, but also looks lightweight,” Mr Beranger said.
Source: Toyota
