Future Toyota Adventure Concept points to high-tech SUV future

Toyota has created this Future Toyota Adventure Concept to show how a high-tech SUV can be used to support active lifestyles.

The one-off model, on display at the LA motor show and also referred to as the FT-AC, applies Toyota design language to a rugged, off-road-capable platform that features removable infrared cameras, lights that can be attached to bicycles and wi-fi connectivity.

This tech enables the car to be linked to a user’s smartphone, tablet or laptop, to transfer journey footage or livestream it directly to social media. Toyota North America vice president Jack Hollis said this makes the FT-AC “perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways”.

In order to enhance the FR-AC's off-road abilities, it features skidplates to protect its underside, wheel arch protectors and off-road tyres wrapped around 20in wheels. There are also roof racks and a retractable bicycle rack.

Power comes from a petrol engine of an unconfirmed size, but Toyota said that the FT-AC could also accommodate a hybrid powertrain. Drive is sent to all four wheels with torque vectoring technology, which can independently control each wheel to enhance traction and off-road performance.

The car is described as a design experiment, but it also signals intent for Toyota to produce more SUV models or variants. The brand’s decision to reveal an SUV concept in LA comes as no surprise; its RAV4 is one of the best-selling SUVs in the US, where it sells six different SUV models.