Detroit LIVE: Toyota FT-1 concept [Video]

The FT-1 is the latest in a long line of Toyota-badged sports cars that started with the iconic 2000GT.

The star of the Toyota stand at this year's Detroit Motor Show is a performance-focused concept called FT-1, a name that stands for Future Toyota.

Penned by Calty Design Research, the FT-1 is billed as the latest in a long line of Toyota-badged sports cars that started with the iconic 2000GT and includes the acclaimed Supra and the Celica. The concept wears an aggressive front end defined by large air dams that house electric fans, slim LED headlights and a Formula 1-like nose cone. The in-your-face look continues out back with two oversized exhaust pipes, a large air diffuser and a sizable spoiler integrated into the bodywork.

The FT-1 boasts a futuristic race car-like interior equipped with two sports seats, a Formula 1-inspired steering wheel and a heads-up display. Vital information about the car is displayed on a screen that replaces the traditional instrument cluster.

Toyota says the FT-1 is designed to be equipped with a gasoline-burning engine mounted longitudinally behind the front axle and linked to transmission that spins the rear wheels, but precise technical details were not revealed.

Although the FT-1 is unlikely to reach production as-is, its design will influence upcoming Toyota products including a sports car designed jointly with partner BMW.

Enthusiasts looking to take Toyota's latest concept on a virtual test drive will be able to download it on Gran Turismo 6 starting tomorrow.

Live images by Mark Elias.