Toyota FT-1 Concept revamped, spawns new Vision GT racer for PS3

Moving along a path that has many enthusiasts hoping will lead to a next-gen Supra replacement, the striking Toyota FT-1 Concept has received a series of cosmetic tweaks and gained a new ultra-spec virtual Vision GT variant. Like the original red FT-1 that was presented in January at the Detroit Auto Show and this latest version finished in a new Graphite color, the competition-spec FT-1 will be available as a download for the new Gran Turismo 6 game on Sony’s PlayStation3. 

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Presented for the first time at Gordon McCall’s Motorworks Revival held this week on California’s Monterey Peninsula, the latest version of the real-world Toyota FT-1 Concept matches its new argent-look exterior with a more elegant but still edgy interior treatment that designer Sellene Lee says was inspired by the modern, high-tech performance materials used for today’s superhero costumes. The switch to tan saddle leather in various grains and textures imparts a sporty but premium flair to the FT-1’s cabin. It’s complemented by new raised metal mesh that adds style while providing ventilation for the seats as well as an embossed pattern in the leather covering the instrument panel that brings in a 3-D, technical look.

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Also created by Toyota’s crack Calty design group, the virtual FT-1 racer that will be heading to the GT6 grid gets a major infusion of bad attitude. Bolder carbon fiber bodywork is punctuated by more aggressive contours and hard-core detailing from its deeper front splitter and air-extracting fender vents to its functionally flared wheel arches and high-downforce rear wing. In commenting on the effort, Kevin Hunter, President Calty Design Research pointed out that the biggest challenge was to create a Vision GT variant that kept the fundamental spirit and character of the FT-1 intact. "We put a lot of energy into really making something authentic that when all the race fans out there and all the Toyota fans out there experience this car in GT6, they’re going to be wowed."  

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