Toyota FT-1 concept Car to Make SEMA Show Appearance

When it made its first public appearance at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the FT-1 created a huge whisper in the automotive world. The styling recalled the legendary Mark IV Supra, while the name hearkened back to the FT-HS concept from 2007. The "FT" in both cases stands for Future Toyota. Toyota uses this labeling in their Lexus line of vehicles, the LFs.

In August, Toyota brought out a new version of the FT-1 that featured graphite exterior paint and a saddle-colored leather interior. It made its first appearance at the Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival event in California. In a press release Toyota writes: "This second concept car raises the bar by infusing an aura of refinement to accompany the FT-1's unbridled performance intent."

“Showing the FT-1 at SEMA makes perfect sense,” said Steve Appelbaum, Toyota’s engagement marketing and motorsports national manager. “SEMA attracts enthusiasts who live, eat and breathe performance.” Labeled the spiritual pace car for the new direction of Toyota Global Design, the FT-1’s muscular exterior builds on Toyota’s rich sports coupe heritage dating back to the 2000GT, Celica, Supra, MR2 and, most recently, the Scion FR-S.

“In the color studio we help create the atmosphere of the vehicle,” said Sellene Lee, creative designer at Calty Design, who was responsible for the color concepts on both FT-1 iterations. Details such as using an all-natural-grain saddle leather on the seats, painted brown edges on the interior and the use of raised metal mesh and accents work together to maintain the same “in the zone” driving intention of the first FT-1 vehicle, “while bringing in a more premium feeling.”

The FT-1 can be seen, along with 14 other custom-built Toyota project vehicles, in Toyota's display booth (#24700), located in the Central Hall at the 2014 SEMA Show. The trade show will run from November 4 -7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.