Toyota FT-Se Electric GR Sports Car Teased

Toyota recently teased two exciting concept cars set to debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 on October 26. These battery-electric vehicles, named the Toyota FT-Se and FT-3e, are more than just a means of getting from point A to point B; they represent a glimpse into the future of automotive innovation.

The star of this double feature is undoubtedly the Toyota FT-Se. This vehicle embodies the spirit of the famed Gazoo Racing (GR) division, which has garnered significant expertise in motorsports in recent years. Toyota bills the FT-Se as “one of the options for sports cars in the carbon-neutral era.” This statement alone underscores the brand’s commitment to sustainability and performance in equal measure.

The FT-Se’s design is nothing short of captivating, boasting a wide and low-profile stance that is reminiscent of high-performance sports cars. While Toyota already produces sports car icons like the GR 86 and Supra, the FT-Se stands apart with its unique aesthetic. It appears to be a natural evolution of the GR Sports Concept, which Toyota introduced in late 2021, offering a vision of an MR2-inspired electric model.

The teaser images reveal the Toyota FT-Se’s distinctive features. The rear showcases thin LED taillights with upward-curving lines, flanking thin vertical fins on either side. The GR badge, positioned prominently on the rear lip spoiler, suggests its racing pedigree. A striking black diffuser further emphasizes the car’s sporty aspirations.

The exterior of the FT-Se is predominantly clad in a vibrant shade of orange, with a black roof and wing mirrors for contrast. Toyota’s teaser also provides a glimpse of the interior, revealing a digital instrument cluster, a yoke-style steering wheel, and infotainment displays on either side of the yoke. Notably, Toyota mentions that the vehicle will include “newly designed kneepads to protect the body from G-forces during driving.” This demonstrates a commitment to driver comfort and safety.

The manufacturer emphasizes the pursuit of “handling stability and aerodynamic performance” in the FT-Se, and it is designed to support software updates, ensuring that the vehicle remains relevant and up to date.

Moving on to the second concept, the Toyota FT-3e is an elegant battery-electric crossover. It features an LED light bar stretching across the rear, which serves both as a design element and a functional display. Vertical LEDs along the base of the doors provide information on battery charge, interior temperature, and cabin air quality. Unlike the curvaceous FT-Se, the FT-3e has a more angular and simplified exterior design. Toyota notes that they have striven to make the exterior lines and surfaces “as simple as possible,” emphasizing a minimalist approach.

What sets these concepts apart is not just their forward-thinking electric powertrains, but the idea that they represent more than mere modes of transportation. Toyota envisions these vehicles as sources of personalization and convenience, providing “the joy of personal ride customization” and “convenient functions for stress-free browsing of local area information.” These concepts are a reflection of Toyota’s commitment to sustainable and user-focused innovation.