Toyota FT-1 Concept is a RWD Stunner

Toyota is making big waves at day one of the 2014 North American International Auto Show. The Japanese company chose Motown as the global stage to unveil its latest concept car, called the FT-1… and what a vehicle it is!

The FT part of its name stands for “Future Toyota” while the No. 1 suggests it’s the ultimate. I mean, who wants to be number two… or the square root of negative 12? Not this guy, let me tell you…

This is an aggressive, track-focused sports car. It’s got a front engine and rear-wheel drive, but more on the powertrain in a minute. This car supposedly indicates the company’s future styling direction. In fact they call it the “spiritual pace car for Toyota Global Design,” which sounds like a really big deal.

FT-1 is the result of nearly two years of work by the company’s Calty design center. It draws on the company’s sporting heritage, cars like the Celica, Supra, MR2 and of course the contemporary Scion FR-S. The press release calls it a unique fusion of both emotional and rational factors. Toyota’s got rational down pat with things like longevity and fuel economy; emotion’s been a little harder for them to figure out.

SEE ALSO: Toyota FT-1 Specs

Outside, this car’s body features a retractable rear wing along with a host of other aerodynamic features including ducts and vents that manage airflow at racetrack speeds. Moving inside, it’s got a sporty, low-slung cockpit with a driver-focused layout. Designers also took steps to reduce weight with things like a carbon-fiber seat.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Detroit Auto Show Preview

Now, let’s talk about what you’re all salivating for, technical details, but let me warn you, you ain’t going to like it. You see, there is practically ZERO powertrain news to share at this time. All the company’s said is that it features a high-tech internal-combustion engine, but that’s it. Still, this is actually good news; we don’t want no stinkin’ electric!

The powertrain is housed under a transparent hood while an ambiguous engine cover leaves much to the viewer’s imagination. And you’re going to have to give your mind’s eye a real workout because we have no idea if the Toyota FT-1 will ever go into production.