Toyota Concept Cars

Toyota FSX

Debut was at the 2001 Tokyo Motor show, the Toyota FSX is rumored to possibly fill the gap that will be left by the Supra. With the Lexus SC430 filling the luxury sports car and the possible upcoming 4500GT/5000GT in the super car category Toyota may use this car as a more "affordable" sports car along Supra lines to compete with the upcoming 350Z and RX-8. The concept car has the 4.3L DOHC 32 valve V8 from the Soarer/LS430 under the hood mounted in a position to provide a 50:50 weight balance. The V8 is mated a 6-speed sequential manual transmission.

Toyota has suggested that this concept is simply "experiment in styling" at this point; however if it is produced (as many sources are suggesting), expect to see it as soon as 2-3 years from now. Expect much more conservative styling, as Toyota concepts can be quite changed from the production product (XYR Concept excluded).

It is doubtful that this car would appear at least in the US. This car is likely to be priced well above most cars in the Toyota lineup suggesting that it would be likely be placed under the Lexus nameplate. Lexus however already has a convertible "sports car" for sale in the SC430. A convertible that priced to compete with the forthcoming 350Z and RX-8, and with more power than the SC430 would hurt already slow SC430 sales.

Toyota Celica Convertible

Above is the Toyota Celica convertible Concept. Displayed in 2001 rumors had the convertible appearing sometime in the 2002 model year. The concept was built with little structural reinforcements usually required in a convertible. This should amount to substantial weight savings and is very telling of the rigidity of the Celica chassis.