Toyota FT-86 concept for PlayStation generation
Toyota displays a cool new GPS-track day feature that interfaces with the upcoming PlayStation 3 game Gran Turismo 5.
We figured that Toyota would be trotting out its FT-86 concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon--after all, it is its home turf. However, the FT-86 G Sport concept that was also displayed features a very cool tech twist, and we're not talking about the wild body work.
The FT-86 G Sport concept is equipped with a feature called "GPS-track day" that is designed to interface with the upcoming PlayStation 3 game Gran Turismo 5. Here's how it works: You take your FT-86 to a track--say the Nurburgring or Mazda Laguna Seca--and have a good time running hot laps with the GPS enabled. When the day is over and you return home, you'll be able to remove a memory card and upload your data to a PS3 running Gran Turismo 5 to watch your best laps digitally recreated. You can then race against a ghost car of yourself.
The system has been already been tested at the Nurburgring in a race-prepped IS F. Toyota plans to bring the system to the market in a variety of its sporty offerings, the first being the 2012 FT-86.
Aside from the very cool GPS-track day feature, the FT-86 G Sport features bigger wheels, gratuitous use of carbon fiber, a huge rear spoiler, and a more aggressive body kit with a gaping front air dam that's just begging for a front-mount intercooler. Under the hood, the FT still features the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and rear wheel-drive configuration as the previous FT-86 concept.
And because video games are the new spy videos, check out the video below of the FT-86 G Sport ripping up some digital asphalt in Gran Turismo 5.
(Sources: MotorTrend, FT86Club)