Detroit Show Toyota FT-1 and Lexus RC F Receive the Convertible Treatment

Leave it to the internet to swiftly take action and present new iterations of cars that were introduced less than 48 hours ago. Case in point, these digital renders of the 2014 Detroit motor show's Toyota FT-1 Concept and Lexus RC F production coupe, both of which were re-imagined as convertibles by Hungarian designer X-Tomi.

In our eyes, the best looking of the two is the Toyota FT-1 Convertible, which in this shot, looks like it was made to be a roadster model. If it ever materializes into the next Supra, (or whatever else Toyota may call a coupe positioned above the GT 86 / FR-S), as many have suggested, an open top version could be in the cards.

As for the other convertible, the 450-horsepower RC F was modeled after the older IS C with a retractable hardtop and seating for four.

Taking into consideration that coupes usually sell much better than drop top models in these high-performance segments, and that Lexus estimates monthly sales of just 200 units for the new RC F in the States, we wouldn't give it much of a chance.

Designer: X-Tomi

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You Can Now Drive the Toyota FT-1 Concept…in GT6 [w/Videos]

On the same day that it was making its debut at the North American International Auto Show, the Toyota FT-1 Concept was also going up for download as part of a DLC (downloadable content) for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) title Gran Turismo 6 (GT6).

However, the show car lacked an actual engine, so we don’t know what exactly will power it in the game, since the official information from developer Polyphony Digital comfortably avoided the subject..

What was specified though was the fact that it was actually made in-game first, courtesy of Calty Design Research, in order “to realistically demonstrate what a production FT-1 could achieve.”

It’s a cool idea (even if it’s not all that new to the franchise) and according to GT series creator Kazunori Yamauchi, "it’s always been a dream of ours to have our automotive partners use Gran Turismo in exciting new ways…"

"The design team at Calty developed a stunning concept car and we were honored to work with them to render the car digitally for the concept presentation," he added. "The FT-1 is a forward-looking, technically advanced and beautiful concept car. We can’t wait to see fans’ reactions as they drive the vehicle and get to know it the way I was able to.”

GT6 players will be able to obtain the car either by achieving a bronze (or better)  finish in the FT-1 challenge at the Laguna Seca track. Otherwise, it can be purchased separately from the Toyota dealership.

The concept comes as part of an update (the third released so far) which also brings the game up to version 1.03, fixing some bugs, also adding a detailed interior for the BMW M4 along with additional unique Seasonal Events to take part in.

By Andrei Nedelea

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Toyota Shows GRMN and G Sports Concepts at 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon

The tuning-oriented Tokyo Auto Salon 2014 hosted a series of Toyota concept cars over the weekend at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, with Japan’s largest carmaker bringing no fewer than 34 vehicles at the show.

Among these there were two “GAZOO Racing tuned by MN” (GRMN) concepts, two “G Sports” models, as well as three GAZOO Racing vehicles that will compete at the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race in Germany in June.

The GRMN series display featured the GRMN Mark X Concept and the GRMN 86 Concept, both sporting a performance-oriented package. The GRMN Mark X Concept combines the Mark X’s exclusive 6-speed manual transmission with a V6 3.5-liter engine, and features special suspension tuning, disc brakes and Torsen limited-slip differential for improved handling.

The GRMN 86 Concept builds on Toyota’s technical expertise gained at the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race and has a reduced weight, lower center of gravity, and increased body rigidity.

Toyota also revealed two concepts from the G Sports series: the Harrier G Sports Concept and the Vitz RS G Sports Concept. The former is the first sporty SUV in the G Sports series and features a sharp bodykit, with Toyota saying it combines “the joy of driving with riding comfort and adds a sporty and unique feel to the base vehicle.” As for the Vitz RS G Sports Concept, Toyota says is features exclusive sports seats, optimized suspension tuning and enhanced body rigidity.

You can find technical details of the GRMN and G Sports concepts in the chart posted below.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Toyota's FT-1 Sports Coupe Concept Revealed, Do You Want it to be the Next Supra? [82 Photos]

Toyota managed to keep the FT-1 a secret until its world premiere today at the Detroit auto show. The brand's Calty Design Research in California devised the front-engine, rear-wheel drive study, originally for the PlayStation Gran Turismo game, with the name standing for “Future Toyota,” and the number “1” for ultimate – always according to the automaker.

There's no question that everyone's mind goes to the long-rumored Supra replacement, and while Toyota did mention that the study builds upon "a rich sports coupe heritage dating back to the 2000GT, Celica, Supra, MR2 and most recently Scion FR-S", it did point out that it's only a design exercise.

“Our team was heavily influenced by Toyota’s sports car past, especially Celica and Supra, and we sought to capture some of that history," said Alex Shen, Calty’s Studio Chief Designer. "It is an aggressive, track-focused sports car concept with a presence that has been amplified for shock and awe"

Nonetheless, design elements from the FT-1 concept will find their way into future Toyota products, and possibly even the next Supra, if it comes to materialize.

Toyota said that the study is a rolling concept with no real powertrain, adding that it envisioned the sports coupe to be powered by "a high-technology, high performance internal combustion engine".

If you like what you see, you will be able to drive the FT-1 in Gran Turismo 6's virtual environment as the car will be offered to players for free via DLC (downloadable content) as part of the Vision series.

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