Toyota FT-Se Teased As Future EV Sports Coupe
Could this be the fully electric Toyota MR2 revival we’ve all been waiting for?
The Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Tokyo Auto Show, is shaping up to be a real tour-de-force for Japan’s top automakers. Toyota has vowed to show several EV concepts, one of which is the FT-Se concept, a preview of what a sporty electric Toyota could look like.
Unlike other so-called sports EV concepts, in which they’re simply large motors and batteries inside a somewhat pedestrian crossover or sedan body, the FT-Se looks to be a bonafide sports car. Toyota’s playing pretty coy with these teasers, but from what we can see, the FT-Se is a low-slung sports coupe with proportions similar to many high-dollar mid-engined sports cars. The FT-Se has wide haunches, a comparatively narrow cabin, and shouty orange paintwork. I
The teasers are obviously intentionally meant to obscure the design before its reveal, but from what we can see, the dashboard looks sufficiently sporty. The FT-Se looks to use a yoke-like wheel. The steering wheel has two screens flanking it, possibly for heating and radio controls, while the upper-level screen will likely be the main instrument panel. Toyota says that a “low instrument panel profile ensures high visibility,” and at least at first glance, the FT-Se does look fairly airy for a sports car.
It’s not clear how close the FT-Se is close to production, or if it’ll make it outside of Japan if it does get produced. Yet, if we look at the FT-Se with a charitable eye, it looks closer to production than other Toyota concepts. A short while ago, Toyota showed off a series of early development EV concept cars, including a sports car that was in the same vein as this FT-Se model. The FT-Se appears to be more developed, for example, it has doors, door handles, and a full interior.
We’ll know more about the FT-Se concept when the Japan Mobility Show kicks off on October 25.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Kevin has been obsessed with cars ever since he could talk. He even learned to read partially by learning and reading the makes and models on the back of cars, only fueling his obsession. Today, he is an automotive journalist and member of the Automotive Press Association. He is well-versed in electrification, hybrid cars, and vehicle maintenance.
More by Kevin Williams
Comments
Join the conversation
In my youth, having owned both a 1985 MR2 then a 1993 MR2, I can assure Toyota that a full EV version will be a complete and utter failure at today's state of EV technology. This is a vehicle suited to long stretches of curvy coastal overlooks or plunging mountain two lanes, stopping only minutes for a quick full-up before resuming the fun. No one aspiring to this kind of car wants to wait around an hour for a battery to charge (if there's even chargers in such places). So, either make it a high-performance hybrid, or wait until you've actually achieved your mythical 600 mile battery. Oh yes, if you actually do deliver that mythical battery, please test the car in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. That instantaneous torque from an electric motor might prove challenging on mountain roads that often have lots of rain-induced gravel on the inside corners. You might have to tune your stability controls a bit.
Brilliant! What's next? An electric Miata? Electric 911? Enough already! There's plenty of EVs to go around for those that like cars that sound like a high performance vacuum cleaner. Just leave at least a few crumbs for those of us that like/want/desire a car that goes vroom and that you actually have to interact with.
And just a side note for you EV lovers; wait until you have a minor accident but bad enough that your battery has to be replaced. Uh oh! Do some research. See what insurance companies think about EVs now that there's enough of them to get a statistical study.