• Is Toyota Jumping Back Into the Sports Car Market?

    Photo Source: Tuner tom - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

    In the past few decades Toyota has been focusing on more "family friendly" vehicles like the Prius and Sienna - even creating a viral video to make minivans seem hip. That was until 2012 with the release of the GT86 when they finally started returning into the sports car market. Many reports are now showing that this was just the beginning.

    Sitting at the top of their list is the stunning FT-1 concept car. The Supra influenced vehicle made its original appearance at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit back in January. The car premiered in classic red with Formula 1 influenced design. The enticing silhouette was not to be surpassed by the sleek racer stylings inside. No engine has been named yet but it's stylized similar to the Supra with a broad frame that had the Straight 6 motor. The steering wheel features it's own display and two controllers with functionality for the road and the raceway. The dash display - which they've named the HUM for Heads Up Monitor - echoes fighter jet design by displaying the information straight ahead of the driver. The highly stylized red and black interior mirrors the exterior color. Detroit raved but the excitement wasn't over.

    Photo Source: Tuner tom - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

    Recently, another FT-1 in classy Graphite gray made a debut at Pebble Beach in Monterey, introducing it to a whole new audience. The car's appearance was tweaked to appeal to the wealthier clientele. The interior color palette was upgraded to a natural saddle leather with gray accents. But Toyota isn't done approaching their target markets. They also announced the car would be making an appearance in Playstation 3's Gran Turismo 6, which is especially nice if you won't be able to shell out the estimated $60,000 price tag.

    Much less detail has been provided about the lower end compact sports car expected to rank below the GT86. It's expected to sit on a rear-wheel drive platform and weigh in at a light 2,160 pounds. A four-cylinder engine is anticipated to be paired with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. If plans go as expected you can anticipate a concept car at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show but don't expect it on the market until 2018.

    So what's your opinion on Toyota reentering the sports car market?
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