At this year’s Japan Mobility Show, Toyota’s motorsports division unveiled an exciting battery-powered concept known as the FT-Se. There is growing speculation that this electric vehicle, which has drawn comparisons to the MR2, might be on the path to production.
The futuristic sports car, with its compact dimensions and sleek design, has sparked nostalgia for the beloved two-seater that graced the automotive scene from the 1980s to the early 2000s, despite Toyota’s insistence that the two models are unrelated. This low-slung concept, while lacking an internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain, exudes the appearance of a mid-engine speed machine with its sculpted metallic orange body and black bubble cockpit.
Inside, a stripped-down layout awaits, featuring a driver’s cockpit reminiscent of an arcade cabinet. A racing-style steering wheel, digital gauge cluster (sans a massive infotainment system), and prominent GR branding contribute to the car’s sporty aura.
While Toyota initially remained tight-lipped about the FT-Se’s mechanical details, some exciting information has since surfaced. The powertrain will comprise two electric motors—one on the front axle and another on the rear—along with a “unique” third-generation battery pack, as revealed by the vehicle’s chief engineer, Fumihiko Hazama. This dual-motor setup will provide the car with all-wheel drive capability, with a rear bias for those who enjoy drifting. The engineer estimated that the EV could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in approximately three seconds and reach a top speed of around 155 mph.
Toyota has its sights set on the next-generation Porsche 718 Cayman, which is also set to be an electric vehicle, as a key competitor for the FT-Se. This explains Toyota’s plans to eventually test a prototype of the sports car at the Nürburgring, although there is much groundwork to be covered before that becomes a reality. Following this testing phase, the next step will be moving into production, according to Inside EVs. While Toyota has not officially announced plans for the car’s release, Hideaki Iida, project manager at GR Design Group, suggested to the website that production could potentially commence “after 2026.”
