Thrill of the real race, Toyota goes virtual and actual with new FT-1 sports concepts

New Experience for Gamers, the Ultra High – Performance Virtual Race Version of Toyota's Sports Car Concept 

Toyota has joined the “Gran Turismo” parade of video game racers with a hulking version of its FT-1 concept. 

Calty Design Research, Toyota's design studio in Newport Beach, California, designed the FT-1 to shock the world with bold, sculpted lines that communicate both speed and power. Toyota has revealed two physical interpretations of FT-1 concept – in red and graphite – to showcase the vehicle’s versatility and striking styling. The red version was available as a Gran Turismo 6 download earlier this year and the graphite is available now. Vision Gran Turismo asks automakers to dream up concepts for PlayStation 3 gamers around the world in a celebration of the “Gran Turismo” series’ 15^th anniversary.

"The design brief for this car was very simple: Take the FT-1 concept car and turn it into the most kick-ass, bad-ass super race car you can imagine," says Kevin Hunter, president of Toyota's Calty Design Research. 

“From the start of the FT-1 project, we wanted the driver to have a feeling of flow while at the wheel – to be able to focus on the road and nothing else,” said Sellene Lee, the Calty creative designer who proposed both color concepts. “In the color studio we help create the atmosphere of the vehicle, and our aim was to ensure everything supported the driver through efficient choices. The saddle leather maintains that same ‘in the zone’ driving intention, while bringing in a more premium feeling.”

Prior to building the FT-1 concept vehicle, key Toyota executives (including Toyota President Akio Toyoda) experienced its excitement inside the GT6 game. With today’s download, more fans can take the virtual wheel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuXFyCHp59w