Toyota FT-HS


The Toyota FT-HS is a hybrid sports car concept introduced at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Calty Design Research designed the concept. FT-HS stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sport.
The goal of the rear wheel drive hybrid powertrain is to produce and achieve 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. This is accomplished by combining a 3.5 L V6 and an electric motor in a manner similar to the Lexus GS450h. Unlike the GS, a production version of the FT-HS would make use of a capacitor system designed specifically for quick charging and increased performance. Since the debut of this concept, Toyota has exhibited such technology in the Supra HV-R race car.
The 2+2 vehicle features a unique retractable roof similar to a targa top. The rear seats would be folded down when the roof is retracted, however.
In spite of the FT-HS being only a concept vehicle, Toyota's desired starting price for such a vehicle is stated to be in the mid $30,000 range.
An August 2008 article from Automotive News indicated that a production version was no longer being considered. However, a January 2009 article from Edmunds Inside Line states that "the V6 Supra replacement is still in the pipeline and is set for an early 2011 debut". However, as of 2012 neither the FT-HS nor any Supra replacements have been put into production. However, many of the concept's styling cues were used in the production of the Toyota 86 series developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru.