Toyota has been making waves recently with a series of exciting unveilings, including the Land Cruiser Se concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 and the FJ Bruiser concept at the SEMA Show.
The Japanese automaker appears to have more up its sleeve as it has sparked interest among motorsport enthusiasts with the FT-Se and its upcoming challenge.
Similar to the powertrain setup of a luxury EV, this two-seater is also equipped with a battery-electric system. Toyota had to shelve its hydrogen fuel projects due to infrastructure limitations and other factors, but on the positive side, it indicates that their sustainability roadmap is on track.
While there’s no official confirmation yet on whether the FT-Se will move past the concept phase, reports suggest that Hideaki Iida, the project manager of Gazoo Racing Design Group, hinted at a possible production version launching after 2026.
Toyota’s refusal to comment on plans for a consumer version, despite openly announcing a Nürburgring hot lap attempt, is intriguing. Chief engineer Fumihiko Hazama is said to have a number in mind, providing clues that a working prototype is well into development.
The FT-Se is equipped with dual motors, with each axle’s unit tuned to emulate a rear-wheeled racing setup. Its power comes from a third-generation battery system, and the team is still determining the ideal cooling method for its Nürburgring run.
To maintain a manageable weight, the EV is constructed from steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The current silhouette suggests speed, but there may be aero element tweaks before the big day. Initial figures hint at a 0-62 mph time of 3 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph for the FT-Se.
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