At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the FT-Bh, a compact concept car that showcased the company’s next-generation hybrid technology. The vehicle served as a platform to test the foundational elements of the hybrid system that would later become part of Toyota’s broader hybrid lineup. Its importance was significant, as Toyota anticipated a rise in hybrid vehicle availability in the late 2010s and aimed to position itself at the forefront of that shift.
The FT-Bh wasn’t just about introducing hybrid technology—it also focused heavily on maximizing fuel efficiency. Toyota implemented various strategies, such as reducing the weight of the car’s body and refining the design to minimize air resistance. These efforts contributed to the FT-Bh’s impressive fuel efficiency, a benchmark that continues to be discussed even 12 years later. Let’s dive into the vehicle’s detailed specifications.
Impressive Fuel Efficiency: 47.6 km/l (112.0 mpg)
By European standards, the FT-Bh boasted an incredible fuel efficiency of 47.6 km/l (112.0 mpg). To achieve this, the body size was minimized, and it was very compact at 3,985 mm (156.9 inches) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in width, and 1,400 mm (55.1 inches) in height. Nevertheless, the interior can accommodate 4 people, so it can be seen as having a realistic practicality.
The exterior design also focused on aerodynamics to run for a long time with less fuel, but many reviews said it was ugly. The long bonnet curves downward to reduce air resistance, and the low body makes it look like a submarine. The front fascia and bumper also have a wrap-around shape that connects roundly.
Aerodynamics and Weight Reduction for Efficiency
The design theme continues along the side of the FT-Bh, where the gently rising A-pillar flows into a fastback shape toward the rear. This sleek line is reminiscent of the back of a fish, and similar design language extends to the side character lines and window belt lines. The car also features a futuristic look, with digital side mirrors, flat wheels, and hidden door handles, further emphasizing its cutting-edge design.
The FT-Bh boasts an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.235, even lower than the Prius’ 0.25. While the design is somewhat extreme, its aerodynamic efficiency was crucial in maximizing fuel economy. Under the hood, the FT-Bh is powered by a 1-liter, 2-cylinder engine utilizing direct injection and high compression, paired with a hybrid system. To reduce the vehicle’s weight, Toyota replaced the traditional nickel-hydrogen battery with a lighter lithium-ion cell. This weight reduction was further achieved using lightweight interior materials, bringing the total vehicle weight down to just 786 kg (1,733 pounds).
A Concept That Never Made Production But Influenced Future Models
Inside, the FT-Bh featured a high-tech, futuristic design that reflected Toyota’s vision for the future of car interiors. The dashboard and instrument panel were curved to echo the vehicle’s aerodynamic exterior. In contrast, the floating instrument panel was made from translucent material. Glass placed between the A-pillars gave the cabin an open, airy feel. Despite some criticism of the exterior, the interior was praised for its cutting-edge design, which influenced several Toyota models released in the following years.
Unfortunately, the FT-Bh never made it to mass production. However, its design and technologies impacted Toyota’s lineup, influencing models like the 2012 Auris and the Toyota 86. The sleek headlamps of the second-generation Auris and the round front panel to improve air resistance closely resemble the FT-Bh’s design. These features were instrumental in reducing fuel consumption and played a key role in Toyota’s ongoing development of efficient hybrid vehicles.
