Toyota’s FTHS Concept to be 2009 Supra

The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid concept car shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show will, in fact, be the next Supra – though the Supra name may not be the one ultimately selected for the car. It will, however, retain the hybrid power of the concept car, though precisely what type of hybrid is still to be finalized. There are several types of hybrids, differing in the extent to which they use electric power to actually turn the wheels at all times. The concept car put 400 hp to the ground through the rear wheels and used a hybrid set-up in conjunction with a V-6 engine.
 
It is reasonable to expect that this car will not have lithium ion batteries, as Toyota has just admitted it cannot have that technology ready for the next generation Prius.
 
However, it is reasonable to believe that this car will have a version of the hybrid system already introduced in the Lexus GS 450h. That would mean a DOHC 3.5 liter V-6, which puts out 292 hp at 6,500 rpm in the Lexus, coupled with an electric motor to deliver additional torque. In the Lexus, a 650V motor which has a 197 hp peak output is used, though that additional power is available only momentarily, on demand. 
 
The concept car was about the size of a Lexus SC 430, measuring 170.3 inches long, with a 104.3 inch wheelbase and height of 50.8 inches. That makes it close in size to the Corvette. Depending on where Toyota places the battery packs required for the hybrid operation, the car could approach or achieve a 50-50 weight distributio