Ft-86 concept
— An Entirely Driver-Oriented Concept
— A Shape Generated Through the Constraints of Aerodynamics and Function
'With the FT-86 concept, I wanted to pass on the same feeling of joyful driving which embodied the Corolla Levin AE86 model.'
Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada.
FT-86 Concept previews a New Generation of Sports Car
Toyota has a long and successful history of creating exciting, driver-focused sports cars such as the Celica, the MR2, the Supra and the Corolla Levin AE86.
With its reputation for delivering pure excitement and embodying the fundamental joy of driving, the Corolla Levin AE86 is the inspiration behind a new Toyota Sports Concept, the Future Toyota-86 concept.
The Corolla Levin AE86's front engine, rear-wheel drive powertrain, compact dimensions, light weight, impeccable balance and superior power-to-weight ratio made it the must-have choice for rallying and circuit driving throughout its 1983-1987 production life. Even today, the AE86 is still a popular choice with private rallying teams.
Sharing its predecessor's front engine, rear-wheel drive credentials, the FT-86 concept previews a new generation of sports car which perfectly recaptures the exciting spirit of the last Corolla Levin AE86.
An Entirely Driver-Oriented Concept
The FT-86 concept is an entirely driver-oriented concept, designed to give form to the intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous responses to even the smallest throttle or steering input.
Rather than relying on a heavy, large displacement engine for its performance, it combines a free-revving, 2.0 litre petrol engine and a 6-speed manual transmission with compact dimensions, light weight and a low centre of gravity for the best possible driving experience.
The FT-86 concept's front engine, rear-wheel drive format offers highly engaging dynamic abilities and maximum driving pleasure.
A Shape Generated Through the Constraints of Aerodynamics and Function
The classic sports car form of the FT-86 concept has been generated entirely through the constraints of aerodynamics and function, a design concept that Toyota's European Design Development centre -ED2- has dubbed 'Functional Beauty'.
With a low, highly aerodynamic bodyshell stretched tight over the engineering hard points, the FT-86 concept's muscular, 4,160 mm bodywork has been made as compact as possible.
The concept features an entirely functional, ergonomically ideal cockpit, with the widespread use of sporting, ultra-lightweight components and finishes designed to further improve the FT-86 concept's weight distribution and power-to-weight ratio.
Rather than regarding interior design as a stylised addition to the cabin framework, the FT-86 concept features a thin, simple, tight-fitting skin applied to the essential cockpit components, clearly visualised in the treatment of the dashboard and seat upholstery.