LA show: Toyota teases FT-AC concept

TOYOTA has released a single, darkened teaser image of its forthcoming FT-AC concept vehicle ahead of its debut at the LA motor show at the end of this month.

No details of the FT-AC concept have been revealed, other than its name stands for Future Toyota – Adventure Concept, suggesting an off-road focused vehicle.

The single, darkened teaser image would also suggest the FT-AC is a four-wheel drive, given the presence of roof-mounted LED lights, heavily flared black wheelarches and a tall profile.

Other details from the teaser shot includes what looks to be black mirror caps and A-pillars against a fluoro yellow exterior paint colour, and a lighting signature that includes a pair of square-shaped LED headlights set within a sweeping lighting cluster, as well as a cluster of six daytime running lights set underneath.

The FT-AC will be the second Future Toyota off-road concept released this year, after the boxy FT-4X small SUV was revealed at the New York show in March.

Styled to evoke a call back to the model that essentially launched Toyota’s off-road reputation, the FJ40 LandCruiser, the FT-4X is designed more for urban use, but still has a number of off-road features.

It comes with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, 18-inch wheels shod in 225/55 all-season rubber, and a bunch of accessories perfect for a weekend away camping.

The FT-AC will likely feature similar gadgets, seeing as how Toyota has given it the tagline, “all the ingredients for your next adventure”.

No details have been released on the powertrain underpinning the FT-AC, however given that it is being shown at LA, a petrol powerplant is far more likely than a diesel.

Possibilities include the two petrol units used on the American-spec Tacoma pick-up, including a 119kW/244Nm 2.7-litre four, cylinder, or the meatier 207kW/359Nm 3.5-litre V6 range-topper.

Given the ever-increasing popularity of electrified powertrains in concept vehicles, a hybrid or full-EV set-up cannot be ruled out.

The front-on teaser image conceals whether the FT-AC will be a wagon or pick-up bodystyle, with both popular in the American off-roading community.

More details on the FT-AC will be uncovered when the vehicle is revealed in LA on November 30 (4am local time on December 1).