Concept models offer a fascinating insight into where leading automakers think the market will be headed in future years. Often exhibiting top-notch technology that may or may not exist yet, the concept models from Toyota are triumphs of design. We’ve listed our top five favorite concept models from Toyota that we hope to see on the road soon.
FT-1
Sleek and aggressive, the FT-1 Concept is designed for the track. It’s body hugs the ground and is molded for maximum aerodynamic performance, without sacrificing aesthetics. This concept vehicle draws from Toyota’s race car past yet embodies Toyota’s vision of racing’s future.
The design lines of the FT-1 are clearly tied to the track. Shark-like mouths vent the air from under the hood, equipped with additional fans to keep the roaring engine cool. The interior is all understated leather with pops of red of a competitive, sporty feel.
Kikai
The Kikai has a decidedly steampunk feel, with style and body lines that harken back to early 20th century vehicles, but with upgraded tech more at home with science fiction. Carefully chosen cutaways reveal the inner workings of the engine, displaying the arms and springs that power the vehicle to turn them from simple machine components to part of the overall vehicle aesthetic. Instead of the typical side-oriented driver’s seat, the Kikai has the driver placed squarely in the middle, with a window between the feet that shows the passing road and the vehicle’s wheels.
S-FR
A play on the Scion build, the S-FR is modular yet sleek, designed to be a consumer-friendly roadster with a racing lean. The modular styling is a nod to the auto designs of the 1970s, but the overall vehicle has been updated and designed enough not to create an overly vintage feel, but rather an homage from the future. The vehicle would run off a six-speed manual for the true racing driving experience.
Concept-i
One of the more modular and surprising vehicles put out by Toyota’s concept car team, the Concept-i is pod-shaped with gull-wing doors for a hyper-stylized, science fiction feel. This little car may be strange looking, but it’s an embodiment of the shift the auto industry is taking towards autonomous vehicles.
Self-piloting, the Concept-i is guided by an interface Toyota has dubbed Yui. This AI system works to create a customized, comfortable, and safe driving experience for its handler. For example, if the Yui system senses the driver getting distracted, it speaks to engage the driver again with the road and keep them attentive.
FCV Plus
Exhibiting futuristic fuel cells, the FCV Plus is a futuristic concept vehicle that utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell stack that turns hydrogen into electricity to power the engine. Each of the wheels has its own individual electric engine to add an extra power boost, plus they eliminate the need for drive axles that would take up extra space in the vehicle. As a result, the FCV is surprisingly roomy despite its compact frame.
These five vehicles are just a small sample of the concept cars that Toyota has developed. With futuristic details and superb styling, we hope to see these cars headed towards the market soon!
Image via Toyota.com
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