Following the recent release of the Toyota FT-1 ‘Vision GT’ concept, the brand has released a ‘real-world’ version inspired by superhero costumes.

REVEALED AT THIS year’s Detroit Motor Show, the FT-1 concept, has become a star of the Gran Turismo 6 Playstation computer game, and this new ‘real-world’ variant is intended to show that its possible to offer a ‘driver-focussed’ car with a premium feel. And Toyota’s done that, it says, by taking inspiration, particularly for the interior, from modern superhero films, particularly their use of high-tech performance materials for the character’s costumes, as opposed to the bright tights and garish colours of yesteryear.

To get the almost three-dimensional look of the materials used, Toyota’s design team in California compared leather thicknesses, grain sizes and textures to find the perfect combination. Raised metal mesh provides ventilation for the seats, while also lending a more textural, bold effect that compliments the cabin’s metal accents.

Selene Lee, a CALTY designer, said: “From the start of the FT-1 project, we wanted the driver to have a feeling of flow while at the wheel – to be able to focus on the road and nothing else.

“In the colour studio we help create the atmosphere of the vehicle, and our aim was to ensure everything supported the driver through efficient choices. The saddle leather maintains that same ‘in the zone’ driving intention, while bringing in a more premium feeling.”

This new FT-1 (graphite) will be available on Gran Turismo 6 as will a red FT-1 and the original Vision GT for download from September. Indeed, the FT-1 Vision GT is a more extreme version of the car above (Vision GT is pictured below). Toyota says its original plan was to appeal to die-hard enthusiasts and that the Vision GT is an extension of that, and is intended to appeal to Gran Turismo fans.

The FT-1 Vision GT offers wider wheelarches to accommodate the larger tyres; enlarged air intakes for increased cooling; and a larger rear wing and front Canard fins to generate greater downforce. There’s also a bigger rear diffuser housing multiple fins, set further back to create a cleaner airflow.