The next edition of the Japan Mobility Show 2023 is just days away. Given that Japanese manufacturers are pulling out all the stops to delight their customers, it seemed odd that Toyota hadn't yet made an announcement . But that's now changed, and if the predictions hold true, we could be looking at some major new developments. At least, that's what the teaser images they've released and the rumors that have been circulating suggest.
As you know, Toyota is heavily invested in electrifying its lineup . This has resulted in a series of technical advancements that they will gradually showcase in various prototypes. This time, they've previewed two vehicles called the FT-3e and FT-Se . Neither seems likely to reach production, but behind these names lie stories like that of the Supra . Do you know it?
The Toyota FT-3e Concept anticipates a compact electric future with a futuristic design…
First, let's talk about the new Toyota FT-3e, which you can see above . According to the official press release published by Toyota…
“It will enrich customers’ daily lives with new driving experiences and personalized services powered by innovative technologies” […] “It will contribute to achieving carbon neutrality and creating a better world by connecting with society as a means of transferring energy and data from the vehicle and its environment .”
This statement of intent suggests we're looking at a cutting-edge, fully electric model. And it's not just any model; we could be looking at Toyota's new electric compact . Do you know why we think this? The key lies in its name. Back in 2014, the brand used FT-1, and shortly after, the Supra was born. This is FT-3e, where FT stands for Future Toyota, 3e for compact, and e for electric.
Regarding its design, there's little to say, as the teasers only reveal the bare minimum . The brand describes it this way…
"An exterior design that combines advanced style and aesthetics while keeping the lines and surfaces of the bodywork as simple as possible" [...] " Digital displays running from the bottom of the body to the top of the door provide information, including battery charge, on-board temperature, and interior air quality as the driver approaches the car"
For its part, the FT-Se Concept has GR logos so it is also the preview of the new MR2?
However, it's the Toyota FT-SE that gives us the most butterflies in our stomachs. In fact, the brand describes it this way…
" A high-performance sports BEV model proposed as one of the options for sports cars in the carbon-neutral era, incorporating the experience gained in TOYOTA GAZOO Racing 's efforts to build ever-better cars through motorsport."
Therefore, we are looking at a sporty coupe that also shares mechanical components with the FT-3e . And not only that, both products can be improved and evolved thanks to software updates. All in all, if the FT-3e can be considered Toyota's electric compact, the FT-Se could be a sports car. You only need to translate its entire name to understand: FT stands for Future Toyota, Se for Sport, and the e for electric.
Regarding its design, the brand mentions wide, low proportions along with a sleek, cutting-edge silhouette that reduces aerodynamic drag. They've also revealed some interior details, showing an image that reveals its screens and indicating that it has intuitive controls. We're eagerly anticipating this, because if both models reach the market, it's only a matter of time, and who knows, maybe we're looking at the new MR2…
Source – Toyota
