By: IOL Motoring Staff
Monterey, California - Hot on the tailpipe of the high-performance FT-1 Vision GT, Toyota's Calty Design Research team has unveiled a third FT-1 concept for Playstation's Gran Turismo 6 at McCall's Motorworks Revival in Pebble Beach.
This 'real-world' version is finished in metallic silver, rather than the fire-engine red of the original, which was first seen at the 2014 Detroit motor show, or the semi-matte dark grey of the Vision GT race-track version - which, so far, exists only in the video below.
The interior is also new, with saddle tan leather elements to give a more sophisticated feel - more 'real' and less cartoon-like, according to creative designer Sellene Lee of Calty's Newport Beach studio.
INTRICATELY DETAILED
She said the FT-1's interior stylists drew their inspiration from modern superhero films, particularly their use of high-tech performance materials for the character's costumes, as opposed to the bright tights and garish colours of more traditional characters such as Superman and Spiderman.
To create the intricately detailed interior they compared leather thicknesses, grain sizes and textures to find the perfect complement for the raised metal mesh that provides ventilation for the seats, while also accentuating the cabin's metal trim accents; an additional embossed pattern creates a more technical look for the leather trim on the instrument panel.
IN THE ZONE
Lee explained: “We wanted the driver to have a feeling of flow while at the wheel - to be able to focus on the road and nothing else.
“The saddle leather maintains that same 'in the zone' driving intention, while adding a more premium feel.”
From September, Playstation Gran Turismo 6 players will be able to download all three versions of the FT-1. There's no word yet on whether or when we can expect a production version. Pity.