LA MOTOR SHOW: Toyota shows off FT-AC concept

Toyota has given another preview of where its SUV future is headed with the FT-AC all-wheel drive concept unveiled overnight at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Based on the same platform as the new Camry and Corolla (TNGA monocoque platform), the Future Toyota Adventure Concept is a five-door wagon Toyota says could be powered by a petrol or future hybrid powertrain.

Ground conquering ability would be provided by torque vectoring all-wheel drive, variable terrain-response settings and four-wheel lock capability.

The FT-AC is the third in a recent run of Toyota SUV concepts, following the FT-4X revealed at the New York auto show and the TJ Cruiser shown in Tokyo.

All three vehicles are intended to provide feedback to Toyota for its SUV future and there’s no guarantee any of them will see production in anything like the form they have been shown so far.

Toyota provided no technical specifics about the FT-AC, preferring to focus on the concept’s character.

"FT-AC is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways," said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division (USA), in a press release.

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"No matter the roads, the activities, or the people, FT-AC sparks authentic fun and conversation," he said.

The FT-AC has plenty of SUV styling signatures. A wide grille is flanked by LED headlights; fender flares sit above 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tyres.

There is a safari-style cargo system on the roof, twin tow hooks front and rear and skid plates underneath the body.

A bunch of feature details emphasise the intention for the FT-AC to be an aid to adventurers who want to go back-country paddling, rock climbing or mountain biking.

Fog lights can be removed from their pods and used as portable lamps for night-time mountain bike rides.

LED marker lights at the front of the roof rack can provide ambient lighting around the vehicle, brighten the trail ahead or even act as a flash for infrared cameras embedded in the side mirrors. Like the fog lights, the cameras are removable

The roof rack's rear-facing LED lights aid night-time visibility and can also be controlled by a mobile device. An integrated bike rack is retractable in a few seconds.

And being the social media age, integrated Wi-Fi hotspot provides adventure-goers the ability to livestream their fun or upload footage to cloud-based storage for real-time editing and posting via a mobile device.

Geolocation capabilities can also provide directions back to base camp for a rest after all that exercise.