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. :)

Road Tests
 

The slick and sleek design are nice with no antenna either. Just wonder how the road test would go and wonder if we will see GM Volt anytime in the future.

Aerodynamics would allow for a more agressively tapered roofline, but it appears rear headroom would not. At the front things look very good, though the car is begging for a grille block. I dislike the wheels, of course, but I like the fact that they're almost solid. Get the car-buying public accustomed to wheels that do not breathe, and introduce nearly-smooth wheels on the production version.

It looks like there is no rear hatch per se. I guess just the glass lifts up for
access.

I wonder what the silver/chrome bit is on the front lower corner of the front
doors. There is already a HybridSD badge on the fender.

The side mirrors are much smaller than is typical these days. They also
appear to have turn signals which would be a first for the Prius... even the
Scions have them though. :mad:

Wheel/tyres are right at the bodywork line; wheel skirts will have to extend
out from the bodywork.

The Circle-T on the rear appears to be 3D or stand proud from the back of
the enclosing depression. Rear hatch/glass release? :confused:
It's got a cute little rain gutter though. :rolleyes:

All the white in the interior would be a bitc... er, bear to keep clean.

Suicide doors... and kids in the back? Imagine the possibilities...
I guess there would have to be some kind of positive locking when
the car is moving.

Has anyone seen a true overhead or straight-up interior shot?

This car looks to be a redesign of the Hybrid-X concept car of 2007.
If so, I suppose it represents a more "production ready" vehicle.
I like the Hybrid-X exterior better.

Hybrid-X; HOT!

They are standard rear doors -- see the post about the handle being flush in the black part of the 'C' pillar. That and the shot of the rear seats makes sense only if they open normally, because you can see the door jamb.

As the shapes of car models become more aerodynamic, they will become more similar, differing only in the details. They converge around a kammbacked shape. Notice that the rear is very much like Citreon's C4:

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...C4kammback.jpg

And to the Alfa Romeo 156:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...4&d=1264753413

The FT-CH's seats look very light, but are they comfortable?