Toyota FT-AC concept revealed in LA

Toyota has ripped the covers off its wild FT-AC concept shown at the LA motor show, penned by the Japanese manufacturer as an off-road capable design experiment.

According to Toyota, the polarising design of the FT-AC concept “reflects the confident spirit of Toyota’s existing SUVs and commercial vehicles”.

While no details of the FT-AC’s underpinnings have been divulged, Toyota said the concept can be made in both petrol and hybrid flavours, and has “thoroughly capable” off-road credentials.

A 'Variable Terrain-Response' system is fitted, which also features four-wheel locking functionality for optimal grip in slippery situations.

The FT-AC is styled unlike any other production Toyota model, featuring aggressive lines, a 'Prospect Green' exterior paint hue and extensive body cladding around the wheelarches and undercarriage.

Two tow hooks are integrated into the front bumper, which also fits a black-and-chrome skid plate and bumper finish.

The headlight signature features yellow highlights to match the tow hooks, while the integrated foglights can be removed to be used as a torch by occupants.

To emphasise its rugged nature, the FT-AC has thick black wheelarches that give the sense of a wide wheel track and house 20-inch alloy wheels shod in chunky off-road tyres.

The black-and-chrome skirting continues on the side sills and rear bumper, the latter of which can be pulled out to reveal a bicycle rack.

Mounted on the roof is a safari-style rack with integrated LED lights at the front corners, which can be used to light up to road or provide ambient lighting around the vehicle. Rear-facing lights can be controlled by a mobile device.

Inside, the FT-AC gains an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot to allow users to upload adventure footage to cloud-based storage for real-time editing and posting via a mobile device

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