The electrification of the automotive sector has reached the larger segments. SUVs and sedans offer manufacturers many opportunities to install high-capacity batteries in their platforms. Even so, for everyone to benefit from their advantages, they must reach the most popular segments. City cars are already on the right track, and compacts like the MG4 are a genuine sales success . The path is already set…
And this is precisely the path Toyota and its new range of electric vehicles must follow. Taking advantage of the Japan Mobility Show 2023, they've unveiled a multitude of new models. One of our favorites is the Toyota FT-3e , which you can see above, although it hasn't quite overshadowed the FT-Se. The difference between the two is that the former has a strong chance of reaching production, while the latter is still a possibility. Take note.
The design of the Toyota FT-3e Concept combines compact and crossover features…
As you can see in these photos, the Toyota FT-3e Concept boasts a very contemporary aesthetic . It resembles a compact car but has the look of a crossover or SUV, thus appealing to a wider range of customers. In fact, some of the design elements Toyota has used to create the FT-3e are familiar, as they are already present in the all-electric bZ4X . Examples include the angular LED headlights and the cat-ear spoiler.
The front end is notable for its vertical lines and full LED headlights, which are essentially just a pair of reflectors on either side of the bumper. A thin black plastic "mask" extends from the hood and integrates the daytime running lights in the form of small "pieces" or "buttons" along the top. The bumper is clean and simple, featuring a small air intake in the center and, below the headlights, a sort of "fang-like" element, all in black plastic.
However, the most appealing aspect is the use of exterior screens on the sides of the doors . These provide the driver with information such as the interior temperature, air quality, and battery charge. If you look closely at the B-pillars, you can make out squares that could be the fingerprint recognition sensors . Finally, the rear mirrors the front design with a flat roof, a steeply raked rear window, and a very vertical tailgate.
Its interior is minimalist and very technological but it forgets about analog controls... completely...
Inside, the new Toyota FT-3e Concept boasts a minimalist and modern design . Its style and overall lines are very similar to those seen in the FT-Se. Specifically, it features a yoke-style steering wheel with a digital instrument cluster behind it . On either side of this are two more screens that provide secondary information. Additionally, the central touchscreen is located in the center of the dashboard.
Another detail to note is that the information from the exterior mirrors is replicated on the monitors located under the A-pillars. Furthermore, the interior rearview mirror is also a digital screen . However, it seems Toyota and its designers have overlooked something. Indeed, the interior completely lacks any analog controls. Moreover, the window controls on the doors appear to be touch-sensitive. Very poor design.
For now, the technique of the Toyota FT-3e Concept is a mystery…
Finally, we need to review its technical specifications. So far, we only know that the FT-3e is electric, and little else . The company hasn't indicated which platform it's based on or what mechanical configuration they've chosen. They've left us with a mystery, although its name offers a couple of clues that might tell us what kind of vehicle we're dealing with . We already told you what those clues were when the company first previewed this prototype, but we'll come back to them.
The name FT-3e can be broken down into several concepts. FT stands for Future Toyota, placing it within the list of electric models the brand plans to launch. Then there's the 3, which indicates its position within the Toyota lineup . Finally, the 'e' signifies that it's an electric vehicle. With all this in mind, we could say it's the younger sibling of the bZ4X , but only time will tell… Or maybe not?
Source – Toyota
