Toyota teases new Gran Turismo FT-1

TOYOTA has released images and a video of a new racing version of its FT-1 supercar ahead of its virtual unveiling in the Gran Turismo 6 PlayStation game in September this year.

Following the real-world debut of Toyota’s FT-1 concept at the Detroit motor show in January this year, the Japanese car-maker announced a digital version of the car was available to drive in the Gran Turismo 6 game.

While the first FT-1 to enter the game appeared to be a near-production model of the concept seen in Detroit, this latest virtual version is a full-on, race-bred machine.

Officially named Toyota FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo, the teaser clip reveals a flat-black-coloured car with LMP-style ventilated wheel arches, 15-spoke wheels with enormous brakes, re-positioned exhaust tips and a fixed rear wing.

Neither Toyota or Gran Turismo has released any further details about the car, but September 2014 is the expected launch date in the game.

This year has seen many different car-makers add their own vehicles to Gran Turismo 6 in celebration of the game’s 15th anniversary. Vision Gran Turismo is the festival within the game where players can drive the cars.

Most recently Nissan revealed its Concept 2020, Mitsubishi joined in with the Concept XR-PHEV Evolution, and Volkswagen added its GTI Roadster before building a real-life concept version of it in May.

A production version of the FT-1 could be coming soon, with Toyota believed to be working on a new-generation, all-wheel drive hybrid-powered sportscar that could resurrect the iconic Supra nameplate made famous in the 1980s and 90s.