NAIAS Highlights: Toyota FTX Concept

.
Toyota
FTX Concept

Click image for larger view

“The FTX concept was developed to make a bold statement about Toyota’s future full-size pickup truck plans,” said Jim Press, TMS executive vice president and COO. “It is a statement that promises the brute-power to match its bold styling and ample proportions. And it’s a statement we mean to back up.”
.

.
The FTX concept was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy Group and Calty, Toyota’s North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif. The truck was designed to provide a hint to the direction in size and styling of future Toyota full-size pickups. The team was assigned to explore the future possibilities of Toyota truck DNA by developing a truck concept with a double-duty personality and a trace of Land Cruiser heritage that advances the mainstream American truck to the next level.

“Toyota has a strong heritage of building trucks that are rugged, yet playful,” said Kevin Hunter, Calty vice president. “This image is especially strong in the U.S., thanks to the FJ Land Cruiser in the 60’s and 70’s and the phenomenally successful Toyota compact pickup in the 80’s and 90’s. Our goal with the FTX was to capture the spirit and soul of this legacy and reassert Toyota’s truck brand image with a full-size pickup aimed at the very core of the segment.”

At nearly 19-feet in length, nearly seven feet in width, and six-and-one-half feet in height, the FTX offers ample proportions. The FTX is a full-fledged body-on-frame, “Super-C-Cab” 4x4 pickup truck. It has the interior room of a double cab, yet opens 90 degrees with suicide doors.

Stylistically, the FTX features a huge sculptural power-ball that emanates from the rear wheels and visually pushes the truck forward. The massive front end is proud and serious and integrates into the body-side, creating a unified statement of power. The generous use of sculpture in the body gives a rich high-quality feel that elevates the FTX beyond a mere work truck. Massive metal extruded bumpers and rocker panels add an element of toughness and durability.

The FTX was developed to raise the idea of functionality to a new level by including a surprising array of sensible features aimed at both work and play. Exterior features include bumpers with integrated tow hooks and special hideaway universal carabiner-type tie-down hooks in the truck bed. Underneath the rear skid-plate is a multi-functional unit that houses an electric generator, an air compressor and other outlets. Inside the bed is a solid metal collapsible hidden job box that can be erected for safe storage of tools and supplies. Finally, hidden away in the rear tailgate is a smooth operating hideaway ramp that extends to the ground when the gate is open, allowing heavy items to be rolled into the bed, instead of being lifted.