Toyota’s FT-1 sports coupe concept first appeared “in the metal” at this year’s Detroit motor show. Now the car’s designers at Toyota’s CALTY studio in California have produced a racing version for the virtual speed world of the Gran Turismo 6 PlayStation computer game
The FT-1’s basic shape and architecture have been augmented with the addition of extra cooling and downforce elements to develop the car into its Vision guise, using a design process CALTY dubs “function sculpting”. The designers say they studied real-world race tracks and race cars and applied their research to the styling exercise.
Details include wider wheelarches to accommodate the larger tyres needed for increased grip; enlarged air intakes for more cooling; and a larger rear wing and front Canard fins to generate additional downforce. There’s also a bigger rear diffuser housing multiple fins, set further back to create a cleaner airflow.
The FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo will be available for Gran Turismo 6 users from September.
In addition to the Vision GT concept, Toyota has also revealed a new ‘real-world’ version that features new graphite paintwork in place of the red featured on the original concept. There is also a new interior treatment, with saddle tan leather elements.
The FT-1’s interior designers say they drew their inspiration from modern superhero films, particularly their use of high-tech performance materials for the character’s costumes, as opposed to the bright tights and garish colours sported by more traditional characters.
Selene Lee, a CALTY designer, said: “From the start of the FT-1 project, we wanted the driver to have a feeling of flow while at the wheel – to be able to focus on the road and nothing else.
“In the colour studio we help create the atmosphere of the vehicle, and our aim was to ensure everything supported the driver through efficient choices. The saddle leather maintains that same ‘in the zone’ driving intention, while bringing in a more premium feeling.”
Source: Toyota
