Toyota Concept Cars

1. 2014 Toyota FT-1 Concept

Created so much hype for what would end up being the Supra. It's too bad Toyota drifted away from this beautiful design and the Supra didn't fully live up to the hype when it debuted.

Toyota virtually blew the doors off the North American International Auto Show with the reveal of the stunning FT-1 sports car concept. First devised by Calty Design Research in the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo game environment, FT-1 leapt from the screen to the stage in a race-inspired press conference at COBO Hall.

The name says it all. FT-1 stands for “Future Toyota,” and the number “1” represents the ultimate. According to its designers at Calty Design Research, the FT-1 Concept is the ultimate expression of a Toyota coupe design, building upon Toyota’s rich sports coupe heritage dating back to the 2000GT, Celica, Supra, MR2 and most recently Scion FR-S. In addition, the concept draws inspiration from Calty’s more recent sports car concept work such as FT-HS (2007) and the Lexus LF-LC (2012).

Traditionally, Toyota’s design decisions have been driven by consensus among a large group of stakeholders. Under Akio Toyoda’s stated directive to invigorate Toyota products with energy, passion and “Waku-Doki” (translation: a palpable heart-pounding sense of excitement), the approval process has been streamlined. This new approach aims to produce cars that connect more deeply with customers, generating a more satisfying ownership experience that complements Toyota’s legendary reputation for quality, dependability and reliability.

Though not a direct 1:1 translation, the FT-1's influence is evident in the design of the revived Toyota Supra. The FT-1 showed Toyota could build beautiful, modern sports cars.

2. 2003 Toyota Fine-S Concept

Had a hydrogen fuel cell system with independent electric drive to all four wheels. And it looks really frickin' cool, even all these years later. They should build it now.

Developed by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), the FINE-S concept is an example of Toyota’s ongoing commitment to expand technology for environmentally friendly cars and trucks. The futuristic high-performance look of the FINE-S reveals the potential styling versatility for fuel-cell vehicles. The adaptability of the Toyota fuel cell system components make it possible to install the technology in a wide variety of vehicle types, shapes and sizes, based on a shared platform.

The FINE-S is representative of the future of fuel-cell vehicles as being high in styling and high in performance. With the ability to modularly install fuel-cell components throughout the vehicle, future fuel-cell vehicles will be capable of having individual electric power applied to all four wheels.

The FINE-S features a long wheelbase with very short front- and rear overhangs and a sleek low-to-the-ground aerodynamic design. The low center-of-gravity coupled with an individual wheel torque control system will provide excellent performance handling. Inside, the FINE-S features a spacious cabin with a creative four-seat design that provides ample roominess and comfort.

The unveiling of the FINE-S comes on the heels of the delivery of the first Toyota market-ready zero-emission-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in Japan and the U.S. On December 2, Toyota FCHV fuel-cell vehicles were leased to the Japanese government in Tokyo and to the University of California Irvine (UCI) and the University of California, Davis (UCD) in the U.S. The two vehicles delivered in the U.S. are the first of a total of six Toyota FCHV fuel-cell vehicles that will be leased to the two UC campuses.

The Toyota FCHV is based on the popular Highlander five-passenger sport utility vehicle (SUV). Its fuel-cell stack is solely developed and built by Toyota.

3. 2004 Toyota Alessandro Volta Concept

The work of Toyota and Giugiaro, and named after the Italian physicist who invented the battery. 3.3-litre V6, two electric motors, four-wheel-drive and 402bhp.

Italdesign-Giugiaro and Toyota collaborated to produce a stunning concept for the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It featured the Lexus RX400h’s hybrid powertrain, combined with a carbon fibre chassis and sports car body engineered and produced by the famous Italian style and development company.

With a top speed of 250 km/h, 0-100 km/h acceleration in a scorching 4.03 seconds, and a range of some 700 km, the Toyota Alessandro Volta concept car proves it is possible to offer high performance in a car whose green credentials are unimpeachable. The car is named after Alessandro Volta, the Italian scientist who discovered the battery.

The hybrid powetrain is mounted in a midship position, as the front wheels are powered by the second electric motor, generating 4-wheel traction without the need for a transmission shaft. Consequently, the vehicle’s flat floor permitted Italdesign to house three passengers in a 4.3-metre long coupe which is slightly narrower than 2 meters.

The Toyota Alessandro Volta was a styling exercise aimed at exploring new applications of the Hybrid synergy Drive technology.

”With the Volta – Fabrizio Giugiaro concludes – we have reconciled top performance with low gas emissions and noiseless operation. And when one drives through a historic town center, a supercar of this genre does not fret at low speed: at 20/30 km/h, the driver can switch to the absolutely silent electric engine. Sheer pleasure from the historic town center to the racetrack”

4. 2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept

The predecessors to today's GT86, this was one cool sports car concept for Toyota. A 2.0-litre boxer engine, lightweight construction and the emphasis on ‘fun' were the key points.

The FT-86 (“86” pronounced “hachi roku”), was a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car, only focused on providing driving joy and excitement.

The 2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept marked a pivotal moment for Toyota, reintroducing the brand to the affordable sports car market after a hiatus. Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, the FT-86 Concept was a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, combining Toyota's design and manufacturing prowess with Subaru's engineering expertise, particularly in boxer engines and rear-wheel drive configurations. This partnership culminated in a concept that not only excited car enthusiasts worldwide but also laid the groundwork for the production model known as the Toyota 86 (or GT86 in some markets), Scion FR-S in North America, and Subaru BRZ.

The FT-86 Concept was a compact, sleek, and aggressively styled sports coupe that drew inspiration from Toyota's rich sports car heritage, notably the AE86 series of the 1980s, known for its lightweight, rear-wheel drive layout, and balanced performance. The concept featured a long, low bonnet, high rear deck, and a modern, aerodynamic body that paid homage to Toyota's sporting past while looking firmly to the future.

Under the hood, the FT-86 Concept was powered by a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine, renowned for its low center of gravity and balanced performance characteristics. This engine was mated to a rear-wheel-drive layout, promising engaging driving dynamics, agility, and fun behind the wheel. The choice of a boxer engine and rear-wheel drive was a deliberate nod to the driving purists and a clear indicator of Toyota's intention to deliver a true driver's car.

The unveiling of the FT-86 Concept reignited interest in affordable, driver-centric sports cars, leading to significant anticipation for its production version. The concept's design and engineering ethos were largely carried over to the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, both of which were lauded for their balance, handling, and pure driving joy.

5. 2004 Toyota MTRC Concept

Like a full-size remote-control toy buggy, the Motor Triathlon Race Car (MTRC) was Toyota’s coolest ideas in years. Tandem two-seater, off-road ability and sports car performance.

Like a full-size remote-control toy buggy, the Motor Triathlon Race Car (MTRC) is Toyota’s response to future customer demands. A tandem two-seater that combines off-road ability, sports car performance and motor sport derived technology, the MTRC shows that Toyota is now targeting not only the customers of today, but also tapped into what will appeal to future generations.

The MTRC was designed and built at Toyota’s European design studio, ED2. It is propelled by four in-wheel electric motors powered by a Toyota fuel cell stack, enabling the stylists much more freedom when designing the shape of the car than a conventional internal combustion engine and four-wheel drive transmission would allow.

MTRC has been conceived from the outset to compete in three different environments, as if in an automotive triathlon: off-road, race track and city street circuits. That combination of tracks might seem unusual, but it is common place to the millions who play and enjoy car racing computer games where part of the attraction is dramatic, high speed dicing through varied, realistic environments.

No surprise then that the MTRC will be available to drive in the upcoming Gran Turismo 4, the latest version of the massively popular video game developed by Sony Computer Entertainment and Polyphony Digital. Visitors to the Toyota stand at the Geneva Motor Show (4 14 March) will have a chance to try a preview of the game featuring the MTRC.

6. 2000 Toyota Celica Cruising Deck Concept

‘We decided to bring back the cruising deck one more time,’ explains Mr. Nakagawa. ‘It’s cool,sporty and a heck of a lot of fun!’. You can say that again. So fun.

The Toyota Celica Cruising Deck embodies the three key elements ofa lightweight high-performance sports coupe designed for theyounger set: style, power, and affordability.

A cunningly designed open-air rumble seat in the back allows for two extra passengers or flat deck space that can be used to store luggage. Fitted with a powerful 1.8-liter twin-cam engine that employs an all-new VVTL-i systemcapable of producing 187 horsepower at 7,600 rpm.

The rumble seat is an American invention that first came to prominencein the early 1920s with the Ford Model-A. An ingenious method of making the rear of a vehicle into an open-air sports convertible, it enjoyed a revival in the 1970s, and has been a feature of older Celica models at past motor shows.

‘We decided to bring back the cruising deck one more time,’ explains Mr. Nakagawa. ‘It’s cool,sporty and a heck of a lot of fun!’.

7. 2001 Toyota FXS Concept

A beautiful, retro-influenced sports car. The FXS acronym stood for Future eXperimental Sports, and it's easy to see why. Had a 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 and 6-speed manual.

The 2001 Toyota FXS (Future Experimental Sports) Concept unveiled a glimpse into Toyota's vision for the future of sports cars when it debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show. This concept car represented a blend of cutting-edge technology, exhilarating performance, and striking aesthetics, encapsulating Toyota's ambition to push the boundaries of what a sports car could be in the new millennium.

The FXS Concept featured a sleek, futuristic design characterized by its long wheelbase, low profile, and clean, flowing lines that suggested both speed and elegance. Its exterior boasted a sophisticated aerodynamic profile aimed at enhancing performance and efficiency. The car's aggressive stance was complemented by innovative lighting and a distinctive front grille that signaled a new direction in Toyota's design language.

The focus was on delivering a thrilling driving experience, combining high power output with superior handling and agility, thanks to its lightweight construction and rear-wheel-drive layout.

The 2001 Toyota FXS Concept remains a fascinating chapter in Toyota's history of concept cars, reflecting a moment when the company envisioned the future of sports driving in bold and ambitious terms.

8. 2015 Toyota S-FR Concept

Cutesy, rounded styling hides some serious sports car performance. Toyota didn't specify what engine powered the S-FR, but its front-engined and rear-wheel-drive. Yes please.

The 2015 Toyota S-FR Concept was a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car unveiled by Toyota at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. This concept was designed to harken back to the simpler, more driver-focused sports cars of the past, capturing the essence of Toyota's rich sports car heritage. The S-FR stood out for its lightweight design, affordability, and the promise of engaging driving dynamics, making it one of the more eagerly anticipated concepts from Toyota in recent years.

The Toyota S-FR Concept featured a distinctive, retro-inspired design that combined elements of Toyota's sports car legacy with modern design cues. It was characterized by its long hood, short rear deck, rounded body lines, and a friendly, smiling front fascia that included circular headlights, giving it a unique and approachable look.

In terms of size, the S-FR was compact, intended to slot below the GT86 (known as the Scion FR-S in some markets at that time) in Toyota's lineup. Its dimensions were designed to maximize agility and performance, emphasizing a lightweight construction for improved handling and responsiveness.

The interior of the S-FR Concept was minimalist and driver-centric, reflecting the car's focus on pure driving enjoyment. It featured a simple, uncluttered dashboard, a small-diameter steering wheel for improved feedback, and seats that offered support during spirited driving. The concept's interior showcased the potential for a sports car that was both fun and functional, without unnecessary frills.

While Toyota did not release detailed specifications for the S-FR's powertrain at the time of the concept's unveiling, it was expected to be powered by a small, naturally aspirated engine. Speculation suggested a four-cylinder engine that would provide a balanced mix of performance and efficiency, paired with a manual transmission to appeal to driving enthusiasts. The rear-wheel-drive layout was a nod to traditional sports car dynamics, promising a fun and engaging driving experience.

We need more cars like this.

9. 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser Se

The Toyota Land Cruiser Se concept previews the first electric Land Cruiser. Toyota says the three-row EV SUV is about eight inches longer than the regular Land Cruiser.

The Toyota Land Cruiser “Se” has an angular boat-like appearance with a long hood, swooping windshield, and rounded rear end with a visor taillight design. The seven-seater concept also comes with some size specs: it has a 120.08-inch wheelbase and is 202.76 inches long, 78.35 wide, and 67.13 tall. It’s got a wider stance and a shorter height than the real gas-powered 2024 Land Cruiser, which has a wheelbase of about 112 inches.

The extra space between the wheels likely accounts for a battery, and the rest of the design seems built to prioritize aerodynamics, down to the digital side view mirror cameras. Toyota says that the quietness of EVs “helps create a comfortable cabin space when driving in urban areas,” a general benefit of electric cars that the automaker points out in seemingly child-like wonder as it revisits its EV strategy.

Toyota also says the Land Cruiser Se can handle rough terrain, which is good news for fans of the classic gas off-roader despite the concept EV looking like your next unassuming Uber XL ride to the airport.

Right now, Toyota’s electric Land Cruiser seems like the company’s first realistic look at a large electric family hauler, and it comes at a time when other automakers are rushing to fill the segment.

10. 2001 Toyota RSC Concept

Designed by CALTY, it was built on the RAV4 base, took design cues from WRC cars, and demonstrated exactly what happens when Toyota let its designers go nuts. Wish they made it.

The 2001 Toyota RSC (Rugged Sport Coupe) Concept was a bold and distinctive foray into the realm of sporty, off-road capable vehicles by Toyota, unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show. Designed by Toyota's CALTY design studio in California, the RSC was conceived as a fusion between a sports car's performance and the ruggedness of an SUV, embodying the adventurous spirit with a design that was both aggressive and functional.

The RSC's exterior design was characterized by its sharp, angular lines, a departure from the more curved silhouettes typical of early 2000s automotive design. It featured a compact, two-door body style, with a high ground clearance and short overhangs to emphasize its off-road capability. The interior was minimalist and focused, designed with the idea of stripping away anything that didn't enhance the driving experience or the vehicle's functional utility.

One of the most striking aspects of the RSC was its lack of conventional windows and rear seats, which underscored its focus on providing a pure, undiluted driving experience. Instead of glass windows, the concept used cameras to provide visibility around the vehicle, a feature that hinted at future automotive technologies.

Though the Toyota RSC Concept never entered production, its unveiling sparked considerable interest and speculation about Toyota's future direction in combining sportiness with utility. The RSC can be seen as a precursor to the later crossovers and SUVs that blend performance elements with off-road capability, anticipating a growing market trend.