As 2021 came to a close, Toyota grabbed eyeballs by showcasing an array of electric vehicle (EV) concepts, leaving a lasting impression with their Sports EV. Fast forward to the Japan Mobility Show 2023, and Toyota has once again stunned us, this time with an evolved version of the Sports EV, dubbed the FT-Se.

The FT-Se features a very minimalistic cabin design with fewer switches

Although still wearing its signature vivid orange hue, the FT-Se offers significant visual tweaks. Its exterior now features enormous air intakes and door mirrors and handles, hinting at its functional orientation. The absence of any technical details keeps us guessing, but that might be part of Toyota’s strategy to build anticipation.

Toyota

Interestingly, Toyota’s decision to showcase the FT-Se on a racetrack underlines their vision of a performance-focused EV. This is not just another electric car; this is a car aimed at creating an entirely new breed of sporty, electric vehicles. Equipped with a large fixed wing and a GR emblem, Toyota is essentially putting other automakers on notice—expect more than just green tech, expect exhilarating performance as well.

Stepping inside the FT-Se, one encounters a minimalist yet futuristic cabin. Gone are the plethora of knobs and dials we’re used to. Instead, the driver is welcomed by two smartphone-esque touchscreens, flanking a yoke-style steering wheel. It’s an almost sci-fi level of integration between the driver and the machine.

So, is the FT-Se just a pretty face or is it a sign of something much bigger? It’s still too early to make that call. While it’s tempting to see the FT-Se as a trendsetter for the next-generation MR2, it’s better to keep our expectations low. Yet, what’s certain is that Toyota is all set to make a statement in the sector of electric sports cars, merging its racing legacy with a futureproof plan.

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