Toyota plans on teasing us at the upcoming NAIAS with its FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept, which could hint at what the next Supra might be like.
It's got a tweaked 3.5L V6, much like that found in the Lexus GS 450h. Unlike the 292-hp Lexus, this hybrid powertrain is tuned to put out 400 ponies.
One more thing: The thought of a hybrid-powered sports car doesn't even seem strange anymore...
If anything it almost sound natural. What's this world coming to?
Here's Inside Line's take: It's only a concept car for the Detroit auto show, but it might become the next Supra.
Here's Inside Line's take: It's only a concept car for the Detroit auto show, but it might become the next Supra.
estreka says:
03:13 PM, 12/26/06
It still seems odd to me. Heavy batteries are really going to hurt performance.
hondacura4 says:
03:59 PM, 12/26/06
The 3.5L V6 is a great motor but I just cant see how the added Hybrid system will elevate the driving experience....oh hold on its a Toyota!
drjames says:
09:27 PM, 12/26/06
Wow hondacura4, commenting on how the Hybrid Synergy sysytem and it's effect on the 'driving experience' on a car that doesn't even exist yet, is priceless.
navigator89 says:
02:52 PM, 12/28/06
Wow this thing is overstyled. But it does prove Toyotas can be somewhat stylish when they want to, making me wonder why their entire lineup is bland except for the FJ. Anyways I hope the Supra comes to production soon, with this styling toned down a bit. Price it right, make it look right, and make it handle tight and it's winner.
hondacura4 says:
04:11 PM, 12/31/06
DrJames, given that Ive driven all Toyotas/Lexus Hybrids and the fact that my father is a product planner for Toyota (office in Erlanger, Ky) means I can back up my statement. Its a great idea but its hard to imagine it would be fun to drive.
royce2006 says:
04:59 PM, 01/ 5/07
Looks odd to me, if this is the competition to Saturn SKY, I think the Sky will win.
estreka says:
10:23 PM, 01/ 5/07
Motor Trend had an article on this (sorry Edmunds). They absolutely trashed the exterior. It's not Aztek ugly, and many of the lines are admiable, but the flow doesn't seem quite right. I also don't imagine that C-pillar is strong enough. I commend Chiharu Tamura for developing a concept unlike anything else in the Toyota lineup. I also hope thatmany of these design elements find their way into future models, just not all at once. Also, I LOVE those rims. Reminds me of razors.
Also, just to contribute to the rumor mill: "Toyota North American executives desperately want the car to plug the gap left by the demise of the '98 Supra."
Finally, this car is not intended to compete with the Sky/Solstice. The Supra has always been competitive with the likes of the Skyline, 911, and M-series. This car will not find itself winning over Solstice/Sky owners. It's a much higher level than that.