Looking to put a more rugged look into its crossover SUV lineup, Toyota unveiled a go-anywhere, do-anything off-road vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Sharing the same boxy, traditional SUV look as the FT-4X presented earlier this year in New York, the muscular design of the larger FT-AC is further enhanced by large, black wheel arches, 20-inch wheels shod with all-terrain rubber, skid and rocker plates and a unique roof rack. The FT-AC nomenclature stands for Future Toyota-Adventure Concept.
“FT-AC is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways,” said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. “No matter the roads, the activities, or the people, FT-AC sparks authentic fun and conversation.”
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Truck-inspired design
The face of the FT-AC has a black grille similar in execution to those found on Toyota’s truck lineup. The opening is flanked by high-powered LED headlamps and fog lights, the latter which can be removed from their mounts and used as portable lights. Tow hooks, skid plates and the short front and rear overhangs are designed to enhance the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
FT-AC also features a long wheelbase and wide track, which underscores its powerful look. The safari-style cargo roof rack system has LED marker lights incorporated in its front corners to provide additional lighting around the vehicle, illuminate the road ahead or be used as a flash for the cameras embedded in the side mirrors. Those cameras also have an infrared feature for night use and can also be detached and used remotely.
Other unique features include rear facing LED lights on the roof rack, which can be remotely controlled as well as an integrated bike rack that can be quickly retracted out of sight. Toyota says the FT-AC is only a design exercise, but envisions the vehicle as a gasoline-powered or hybrid vehicle with 4-wheel drive and torque vectoring capability.
