Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new Toyota FT-AC has been conceived as a thoroughly capable all-wheel-drive petrol or hybrid-powered vehicle catering to various lifestyles, preferences and even generations. It represents the latest iteration of Toyota’s adventure-loving line-up of concept vehicles, as the FT-4X (design story on Auto&Design n.225) or the latest Tj Cruiser (design story on Auto&Design’s next iussue), providing an ideal vehicle for a wide mix of on and off-road excursions. Although currently a design experiment, its bold and daring design reflects the confident spirit of Toyota’s existing SUVs and commercial vehicles.
Its powerful stance is emphasised by a long wheelbase, wide track and a pronounced, wide black grille that is flanked by LED headlights. Extra-wide fender flares provide body shielding above the 20-inch wheels and beefy all-terrain tyres, both of which help accentuate its commanding look. It has twin recovery hooks while skid plates help protect the short front and rear overhangs. Fog lights can be removed from their pods and used as portable lamps, ideal for being attached to a mountain bike for night riding. The safari-style cargo roof-rack system can haul all types of adventure gear. LED marker lights at its front corners can provide ambient lighting around the vehicle, brighten the trail ahead or even act as a flash for infrared cameras embedded in the side mirrors. An integrated Wi-Fi hotspot provides adventure-goers the ability to livestream their fun or upload footage to cloud-based storage for real-time editing and posting via a mobile device. Like the fog lights, the cameras are removable.
