Keithsan
New Member
I have seen and touched both the red and charcoal versions of the FT-1 on two different occasions.
On the first occasion, two years ago in August, both cars were on display and I met and talked with Kevin Hunter, President of Calty Research, Alex Shen, Studio Chief Designer at Calty Research and William Chergosky, Interior Chief Designer at Calty Research. I sat in the red one and discussed the car with Alex. He is a big fan of the Admin Roku (Toyota Corolla GT-S) and the MKIV Supra. Alex is very much an advocate for the return of a sports car to the Toyota line. The FT-1 is striking in photos, but has much more presence when viewed directly. The low, wide stance evokes such an aggressive nature which is even more enhanced when the vehicle is the dark color. The interior was very well thought out and the controls fell naturally to the hand. I very much liked the heads-up display and the display in the steering wheel. The pedals had a good feel to them and would work well for spirited driving. The seat was very comfortable and offered excellent lateral support. Fit and finish was the best I have ever seen on a prototype vehicle. Kevin told me these prototypes were built with an electric drive system so the vehicles could be driven since a prototype moving in the environment produces a greater emotional impact. Having the drive system in them also simplifies moving them from transport trailer or around a venue where they are displayed. The visual impact of the vehicle moving in the real world is very evident in the following video:
The second occasion, one year ago, the red car only was on display and I once again had the opportunity to converse with Kevin Hunter. I broached the subject of production of this outstanding prototype and he asked me if I was aware that a production version of the vehicle as designed was not possible. He pointed out that they had designed the vehicle with an extremely wide stance for the striking visual effect it would produce, so much so, that, as designed, no current mass vehicle transport system could handle the track width. In fact, the overall vehicle is wider than a current generation ('07->) Tundra. He said that everywhere the vehicle has been on display, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, but the project has not gotten traction (pardon the pun) towards ultimate production.
On the first occasion, two years ago in August, both cars were on display and I met and talked with Kevin Hunter, President of Calty Research, Alex Shen, Studio Chief Designer at Calty Research and William Chergosky, Interior Chief Designer at Calty Research. I sat in the red one and discussed the car with Alex. He is a big fan of the Admin Roku (Toyota Corolla GT-S) and the MKIV Supra. Alex is very much an advocate for the return of a sports car to the Toyota line. The FT-1 is striking in photos, but has much more presence when viewed directly. The low, wide stance evokes such an aggressive nature which is even more enhanced when the vehicle is the dark color. The interior was very well thought out and the controls fell naturally to the hand. I very much liked the heads-up display and the display in the steering wheel. The pedals had a good feel to them and would work well for spirited driving. The seat was very comfortable and offered excellent lateral support. Fit and finish was the best I have ever seen on a prototype vehicle. Kevin told me these prototypes were built with an electric drive system so the vehicles could be driven since a prototype moving in the environment produces a greater emotional impact. Having the drive system in them also simplifies moving them from transport trailer or around a venue where they are displayed. The visual impact of the vehicle moving in the real world is very evident in the following video:
The second occasion, one year ago, the red car only was on display and I once again had the opportunity to converse with Kevin Hunter. I broached the subject of production of this outstanding prototype and he asked me if I was aware that a production version of the vehicle as designed was not possible. He pointed out that they had designed the vehicle with an extremely wide stance for the striking visual effect it would produce, so much so, that, as designed, no current mass vehicle transport system could handle the track width. In fact, the overall vehicle is wider than a current generation ('07->) Tundra. He said that everywhere the vehicle has been on display, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, but the project has not gotten traction (pardon the pun) towards ultimate production.
Sponsored