40th anniversary for Toyota's Calty Design Research, Creators of the FT-1 Concept

[Supraman]

If a hybrid varience is made I'm sure they'll make a non hybrid option as well (according to the latest rumors). I can see a group of buyers who will be happy with this new hybrid technology if the car comes close to 500 or more HP and find no need to modify the engine. DCT transmission option only.

The non hybrid would probably be offered in a manual and DCT and the car those looking to modify will most likely go with.

I'm hoping this is the outcome.

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[JT]

September 16, 2015 - 2:49 pm ET

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -- Toyota Motor Corp. and BMW will decide by year end on whether to develop a common sports car architecture, Toyota executives said on Wednesday.

BMW and Toyota are collaborating on fuel cell technology, lightweight components, and on possibly jointly developing the underpinnings of a sports car.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Frankfurt auto show, Johan van Zyl, head of Toyota's European operations, said all three projects were progressing well.

"They are all on schedule and on track," van Zyl said.

A spokesman for the company added that a decision on the sports car, which would spawn separate vehicles for each brand, would be made in the near term.

"By the end of the year we will approve whether or not we will make it," the spokesman said. "The whole study before that, on what kind of platform, on what kind of architecture, that's been progressing quite well. We haven't yet decided to give the green light to the project, but it's coming up."

BMW Chief Financial Officer Friedrich Eichiner said on Tuesday the company was in talks with Toyota about intensifying the collaboration, but gave no details. Van Zyl declined comment on the matter.

The Toyota executive said the carmaker's sales in Europe were likely to fall 1 to 2 percent this year on the back of the slump in the Russian market. He forecast a slight increase in European sales next year, but this was too early to quantify.

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...ision-on-sports-car-project-with-bmw-due-soon

 

[Supraman]

I see this as more positive news than negative. I'm sure what they mean by this, all Final presentations are going to be made to upper Management within Toyota and BMW presenting what the production vehicle could look like, the engine, the possible specs, what cars it will be competing with. Then management decides if it's worth it to move on to the production phase which will include test mules running around the track and street to finalize the car. So if that decision is towards the end of this year, I'm sure late 2017 is when these things should be in dealerships.

 

[black-supra]

Looks like we won't see anything next month at Tokyo auto show then

Doesn't it seem like a final decision has been up for approval/disapproval so many times now

 

[Supraman]

Every article that comes out states that some decision was made according to 'inside sources' lol

But I guess each phase in a project like this needs the ok to move on to the next phase since it is cost sensitive. But knowing a final decision is going to be made can only mean this thing is close to being complete and hopefully test mules are running around next year.

 

[Craigy]

Good to hear something.

Although I think this car is farther off. Essentially the decision for the project to design, test, build the underlying platform won't officially be made until "the end of the year." That means the actual project won't commence until sometime thereafter (earliest possible being 1Q 2016, if we're lucky). Actually seeing a car on the road, let alone in a dealership, realistically won't be until 2018 at the earliest. This might be a 2019 model, or even 2020. BMW moves at a glacial pace, Toyota even slower, and some a joint venture of the two is only going to slow the project further.

The upside of this article is that it appears the fuel cell, lightweight tech, and sportscar ventures are all separate projects to be undertaken by BMW & Toyota. Previous articles stated that they were all the same project, speculating on some sort of fuel cell hybrid FT1 garbage.

 

[JohnnyTX]

Anyone know if the FT-1 is at the Chicago auto show? Been searching for photos but haven't come across any yet.

 

[daboss]

Not a huge show so would be surprised to see it there, but you never know maybe they want to ramp up interest ahead of a new concept release... I hope!

 

[AZ Wildcat]

If a true Supra concept is showing this year, it's about time to stop showing the FT-1 and get on with the real deal.

 

[black-supra]

If a true Supra concept is showing this year, it's about time to stop showing the FT-1 and get on with the real deal.

Why not show the FT-1 all the way up until the next concept to come out (whether it's called the FT-1 or Supra Concept). Keeps the car in people's minds at least until the next major bit of news or reveal.

 

[Supra93]

I believe both FT-1 concepts are over seas right now. Anyways, I like the fact that they are still showing it. Not everyone can attend a major auto show.

 

[gymratter]

The only auto major US auto show for this year would be NY and LA. Out of the two my money would be on NY.

 

[Supra93]

Don't over look Pebble Beach. That is where the GS and graphite FT-1 debut.

 

[black-supra]

Don't over look Pebble Beach. That is where the GS and graphite FT-1 debut.

Good call. Just looked up dates and it'll be 3rd week of August this year.

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