Toyota FT-AC previews next step in adventure vehicles

Toyota has taken its series of adventure concept vehicles to the next level with the global premiere of its brash and versatile Future Toyota Adventure Concept, or FT-AC.

Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the FT-AC all-wheel-drive petrol or hybrid-powered vehicle previews what is to come of the Japanese car maker in the space of lifestyle vehicles.

It’s said to represent the latest iteration of the company’s adventure-loving line-up of concept vehicles, providing an ideal vehicle for a wide mix of on and off-road excursions.

Currently a design experiment, the bold and brash concept features contrasting colours, combining Prospect Green with Fortress Grey accents to highlight its go-anywhere brashness.

“FT-AC is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways,” said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division (USA).

“No matter the roads, the activities, or the people, FT-AC sparks authentic fun and conversation,” Mr Hollis said.

The FT-AC is designed to encourage people of all skill levels that to undertake one-of-a-kind adventures, such as going for a paddle on a river, climbing a favourite rock face or hitting a trail on a mountain bike.

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. Geolocation capabilities can also provide directions back to base camp.

The roof rack’s rear-facing LED lights aid night-time visibility and can also be controlled by a mobile device. An innovative integrated bike rack is retractable – a highly useful feature that can be securely hidden in only a few seconds.

The FT-AC envisions a petrol-powered engine with an advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, apportioning torque as required for maximum traction.

Variable terrain-response settings and four-wheel lock functionality build on its capability by managing traction control and throttle response to provide maximum grip at each wheel for a more dynamic driving experience.

FT-AC could also offer a next-generation hybrid powertrain that blends fuel efficiency with rugged all-wheel-drive grunt, giving drivers better power, responsiveness and impressive fuel economy.