Geneva: Toyota teases FT-Bh concept hybrid city car ahead of Geneva
Most concepts you’ll see on the show stands of the will come packing some manner of sci-fi powertrain and ultra-expensive chassis and body materials. That’s where the FT-Bh concept stands apart.
Toyota is calling it a “full hybrid city car study,” so the FT-Bh isn’t destined for production. However, Toyota’s goal was to create an inexpensive, fuel efficient urban runabout that doesn’t rely on expensive materials or complex manufacturing, but rather uses existing technology to make an affordable hybrid for the masses – something that would be perfect for Europe.
Thing is, Toyota is bringing just that to Geneva in mass-market form.
Joining the FT-Bh on stage is the production version of the Hybrid, which for all intents and purposes is exactly what the FT-Bh is: an inexpensive, small hybrid based off an existing platform and using tried-and-true technology. Packing a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated with an electric motor, the Yaris Hybrid outputs 98 horsepower and is some 20% lighter than the Auris Hybrid. Toyota is calling it “Europe’s first full hybrid supermini,” which begs the question: Where’s the line between a “supermini” and a “city car?” We’ll find out when we’re on the floor in Switzerland next month.
Get all the details on Toyota’s Geneva plans in the press blast .
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