Toyota Reveal FT-1 Concept Car at Detroit Auto Show

The Japanese manufacturers, Toyota, are amongst many carmakers that used the Detroit Auto Show to show off new additions to their fleet. Mercedes-Benz exhibited a new version of the C-Class Sedan and Ford impressed onlookers by sporting a lightweight aluminium version of the F-150 pick up. For this reason the Japanese had to come up with something pretty special.

The Toyota-1 (FT-1) sports car is said to be a sign of future manufacturing directions, seeing Toyota making risky cars and focusing on creating a connection with the consumer. A satisfactory ownership experience is the focus here, seeing Toyota endeavour in many new projects.

In reflection, this overhaul does make us think. Is this just a result of the pressure being put on them to compete with Volkswagen?

Toyota said its concept car indicated a new approach to production, making vehicles “that connect more deeply with customers, generating a more satisfying ownership experience”.

Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research who developed the concept, said that Toyota had previously designed its vehicles so they would be “liked by everyone and as a result we took less risks and tried not to stray too far”.

“This provocative concept truly captures the passion, excitement, and energy of the Toyota we are evolving into and embodies elements of the emotion and performance that Toyota will imprint upon future production designs,” he added.

Toyota are not the only ones revising the way in which they work. Ford implied that it could start using aluminium in the manufacturing of sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

The US carmakers said this as it showcased the latest version of its pick-up truck F-150, which has a 95% aluminium body. This revision is said to meet stricter US fuel economy regulations.

“Obviously this is our first shot [at using aluminium in] a big-volume vehicle and there’s absolutely no reason why we couldn’t think about taking it elsewhere,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman of the firm.

“It is a lightweight, high-strength material and 700 pounds out of a vehicle like this – that’s a big deal,” he added.

The company said that reducing the weight of the F-150 truck would enable it to meet more stringent US fuel economy regulations, known as corporate average fuel economy (Cafe) standards.

“You have to look at where you get the most attribute benefits for that weight and where do customers pay for that technology,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s head of North and South American operations.

“And where fuel economy can make a big difference in the market place.”