Toyota FT-CH (compact hybrid) concept, Detroit 2010 - cheaper, better MPG than Prius
 

Here's the link to Edmunds:

Toyota FT-CH Debuts at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/to...e-as_1_815.jpg
http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/to...e-as_1_815.jpg
http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/to...e-as_1_815.jpg
http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/to...e-as_1_815.jpg
http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/to...e-as_1_717.jpg

I like the looks of this car!

Some specs on the concept, from Detroit 2010: Toyota FT-CH Concept Previews Compact Prius Model : Auto News

I read elsewhere (can't find it now) that the target price would be ~$15k, with a combined EPA rating of 60 mpg (US).

If Toyota made this, I think it might become their first real "hit" in Canada, where the Prius sales have never really taken off (to the extent they have in the US). Partly because of price (Prius starts at ~$27k CAD), and partly because the Canadian market has long preferred compacts.

Yes, the important details are missing (so far): how much does it weigh, and what kind of hybrid is it; serial, parallel, and specifics about the battery pack size, electric range, etc.

We will see details soon -- Micki Maynard Tweets about the front grill being for fresh air in the cabin.
http://tweetphoto.com/8515362

Just noticed how reminiscent it is of the VW UP! Lite, except 4 doors vs. 2. No?

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-us-11257.html

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...p;d=1259787911

Yes, there is a strong resemblance! Here's a high rez gallery at ABG:

Autoblog Green

It looks like the the rear passenger doors might be suicide (they lack a visible handle).

The one visual thing I could do without, is the "pincers" look of the headlights and the hood:
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblo...a-ft-ch-02.jpg

In addition to the front cabin air intakes, it appears to have rear exhaust grills!

The geometric sunroof is ... different. Maybe it will make sense, if it adds to the structure, but lets the inside be "airier"?

I also really like the mesh seats -- they make more room in the inside, and I'm sure they are cooler in the summer.

Of course, many (most) of the "out there" styling details would never make it to production, if that's where this vehicle is ultimately headed.

FYI, I've read in several places that it's a "conventional" hybrid. No radical departure from Toyota's current parallel Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Source: Toyota's FT-CH hybrid concept vehicle would beat Prius on fuel efficiency, price - AnnArbor.com

The underside looks darn smooth:
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/...ticleLarge.jpg

And here's some interior shots:

http://image.automobilemag.com/f/265...ront-seats.jpg
http://image.automobilemag.com/f/265...rear-seats.jpg

Neil -

Yeah, it's gorgeous! The rear reminds me of the Honda CRZ, because the rear wheels bulge out.

But, as with all Toyota hybrids, no stickshift, no deal.

CarloSW2

Neil -

In the first and third picture of the original post you can see a handle integrated into the black rear (door?) pillar :

http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-cf...oor-handle.jpg

I think this is similar to the Honda European Civic :

http://images.intellichoice.com/imag...da_civic_s.jpg

CarloSW2

I noticed that too.

Probably because it has no exhaust system (check the rear views). Or drivetrain. :)