Toyota FT-HS Hybrid

The Toyota FT-HS is a hybrid sports car concept introduced at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Calty Design Research designed the concept and suggests that it could fill the place of the Toyota Supra. FT-HS stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sport.

The goal of the rear wheel drive hybrid powertrain is to produce 400 horsepower (300 kW) and achieve 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. This is accomplished by combining a 3.5 L V6 and an electric motor in a manner similar to the Lexus GS450h. Unlike the GS (and virtually all other current hybrids), a production version of the Toyota FT-HS hybrid would make use of a capacitor system designed specifically for quick charging and increased performance. Since the debut of this concept, Toyota has exhibited such technology in the Supra HV-R race car.

In spite of the FT-HS hybrid being only a concept vehicle, Toyota's desired starting price for such a vehicle is stated to be in the mid $30,000 range. According to Automobile Magazine, Toyota is planning to launch a production version of the vehicle in 2009. Toyota has yet to make an official announcement and no other major publication has made similar claims.