Toyota FT-Bh concept takes efficiency to new heights

Toyota Concept FT-Bh at Geneva
Toyota is set to unveil a concept car that breaks new boundaries in small car efficiency at an affordable price.

The FT-Bh concept is as spacious as an average five-door compact car, yet is projected to use half the fuel and produce half the emissions.

FT-Bh, which stands for Future Toyota B-segment (Yaris size) hybrid, will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show at 10:15am on March 6 (8:15pm AEST).

Engineers focused on five key pillars to achieve maximum fuel economy and minimum emissions: weight reduction, optimum aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency, thermal energy management and electricity saving.

This “total vehicle” approach has resulted in a car that weighs less than 800kg – at least one-third less than most compact cars – with a downsized full hybrid powertrain and a 30 per cent gain in aerodynamic efficiency.

These feats have been achieved by adopting an economically viable production framework using common materials and procedures – not exotic materials or expensive techniques.

Other cars on the Toyota stand include the new 86 sports car, which is due on sale in Australia around the middle of the year.

The company will also display the NS4, a next-generation plug-in hybrid, and the FCV-R, which represents the next step towards mass production of hydrogen-powered cars.

About Rob Fraser 2490 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.