Say hello to the Toyota FT-Se, a two-seat, lightweight electric sportscar concept that shows us a glimpse of the future of GR.
We know what you might be thinking. Is this a new MR2? Well, don’t go getting your hopes up, Toyota will not be reviving the MR2 badge with this model. That being said, it is a small, two-seat sportscar that just happens to have a mid-engine layout (OK, it’s electric, but what’s the term for a mid-electric-layout sports car?). Fresh from its unveiling at the Japanese Mobility Show in Tokyo, Toyota has released more images following a European conference held in Brussels.
Speaking of size, the Toyota FT-Se wheelbase measures up to around 4,380mm, which makes it slightly longer than the GR Supra for size comparison. Width wise, it’s slightly wider than a GR Supra (1895mm vs 1,854mm). Thankfully, it also sits low to the ground measuring just 1,220mm tall.
Power from the pair of batteries is sent to all four wheels, although the setup is said to have a rear bias for better cornering and, believe it or not, drifting! Speaking of those batteries, they’re Toyota’s latest and also feature on the new Lexus concept that was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show, like the FT-Se. They sit as low as possible and in the center of the car for a lower center of gravity. This should mean the Toyota FT-Se handles incredibly well.
The good news of all of this is that while the future spells electric, and many enthusiasts won’t like that, Toyota hasn’t forgotten about the joy of driving. Heck, Toyota is even toying with the idea of introducing a “manual” mode on future BEVs, which would simulate gear changes.
Toyota FT-Se performance
While there are no official performance figures for the FT-Se yet, chief engineer, Fumihiko Hazama, revealed to TG that he estimates it to complete 0-62mph in around 3-seconds, going on to a top speed of 155mph. To ensure its lightweight, a combination of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), steel and aluminum will be used.
To prove its performance, Toyota is aiming to take on the Nürburgring, although when speaking to Top Gear, has admitted that is has some concerns around cooling the new, third-generation pack around the 12-mile circuit.
Unfortunately, the Toyota FT-Se is currently still a concept car. However, word is that it should arrive around 2027.
