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Toyota bZ86 Coupe Study Imagines An Electric GR86

  • Independent artist Theottle imagined a fully electric Toyota bZ86 sports car study.
  • The concept uses GR86 proportions while integrating Toyota’s EV styling language.
  • It has been imagined with a 338-hp dual-motor setup, offering over 326 miles of range.

There’s no shortage of chatter about the expanding future of Toyota’s GR lineup, which is expected to include an array of high-performance sports cars ranging from a new Celica and MR2 to the next Supra and even a GR supercar. While many of these machines will be powered by traditional gasoline engines and hybrids, an independent digital artist has introduced a completely electric twist to the mix.

Enter the Toyota bZ86, a fictional creation by digital artist Theophilus Chin. The idea behind the this coupe study is to retain the sporty proportions of Toyota’s current GR86, but with an entirely new, electrified twist.

More: These Are All The Future Sports Cars Coming From Toyota GR

Despite borrowing the GR86’s general shape, the bZ86 adopts a completely different design language. In keeping with its electric nature, Chin took inspiration from the recently revealed Toyota CH-R+ crossover and the facelifted bZ4x, resulting in a sleek, futuristic look.

At the front, the electric sports car features a hammerhead-like nose, flanked by sharp headlights and wide bumper intakes. The side profile is aggressively sculpted, with a bi-tone finish on the roofline and side skirts adding a touch of flair. And, of course, the oversized charging port on the front fenders leaves no doubt—this coupe needs to be plugged-in.

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Illustrations: Theottle

A Familiar Rear with a Fresh Twist

The rear of the bZ86 borrows heavily from the CH-R+ crossover, with its full-width LED taillights and sloping rear glass. While the plastic cladding on the rear bumper may not be to everyone’s taste, it’s balanced out by the addition of a sporty diffuser. That said, the placement of the license plate holder could use a little more subtlety.

More: Mazda Inline-Six Rumor For New GR Supra And RX-7 Sounds Too Wild To Be True

Since this is purely a digital concept, there are no hard specs to go on. However, the dual-motor setup from the C-HR+, which puts out a combined 338 horsepower (252 kW / 343 PS), could easily serve as the basis for an electric equivalent of the GR86. Pair that with the crossover’s 77 kWh battery pack, and you could expect a range north of 326 miles (525 km) in a more aerodynamic coupe form.

Despite the cool factor of the project, Toyota Gazoo Racing has no plans of introducing an electric sportscar – at least in the near future. The truth is that most buyers will be better off with the upcoming gas-guzzling Celica, MR2, GR86, and GR Supra, temporarily leaving the concept of electric mobility to the hands of family-focused SUVs.

While the bZ86 is an undeniably cool proposal, Toyota Gazoo Racing has no plans to bring an electric sports car to life—at least not anytime in the near future. For now, most enthusiasts will have to do with gasoline-powered options, such as the upcoming Celica, MR2, GR86, and GR Supra, leaving the world of electric mobility to Toyota’s family-friendly SUVs.

Toyota FT-Me Concept Previews Sub-2.5-Meters Urban EV

  • Toyota has introduced an electric microcar concept that could reach production soon.
  • The FT-Me could evolve into a Citroen Ami rival designed for urban use.
  • The concept has solar panels that add up to 30 km (19 miles) of range on sunny days.

Toyota has launched the FT-Me Concept, communicating its intention of entering the micromobility segment. The urban EV is expected to evolve into a production model, competing against the likes of the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Mobilize Duo heavy quadricycles.

According to Toyota, the FT-Me concept combines “premium design with affordability”. The exterior design is inspired by a jet helmet, featuring pronounced fenders, tiny overhangs, and high-mounted LEDs. Thanks to the use of recycled materials, the automaker targets a 90% reduction in carbon footprint compared to today’s urban vehicles.

More: Toyota’s New C-HR+ EV May Launch In The US Next Year

With a length of under 2.5 m (98.4 inches), the FT-Me is over 1,2 m (47.2 inches) smaller than the Toyota Aygo X. In other words, it occupies half of a standard parking space, or one third when perpendicular parking is available. The small footprint, high maneuverability, and “360-degree visibility” of the FT-Me make it ideal for urban use.

The cabin has a two-seater layout, although the passenger seat can be removed for carrying larger items. The rectangular steering wheel is designed with wheelchair users in mind and allows the vehicle to be “driven solely by hand commands” without the need of pedals. The dashboard has a small screen serving as a digital instrument cluster with advanced connectivity features.

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Toyota

Solar Charging Can Cover Your Daily Needs

The lightweight FT-Me consumes three times less energy per km compared to a typical EV with a high-capacity battery. The range is estimated at around 100 km (62 miles) between charges, although it could be extended by 20-30 km (12-19 miles) thanks to the roof-mounted solar panels.

Toyota claims that the extra range from the sun covers the expected daily usage of the urban EV, removing the need to plug it into a charger, although this largely depends on weather conditions and how one drives the car.

More: 2025 Citroen Ami Gets Funkier With Bulging Eyes And 2CV-Style Gills

While we don’t have the specifications of the electric powertrain, we can make some assumptions based on the regulations of the L6e segment. These require a limited top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) and would allow the smallest Toyota to be driven by 14-year-olds in certain markets.

Will It Reach The Market?

The FT-Me might be presented as a concept, but there is a clear intention of evolving it for production. As reported by Quattroruote, Stijn Peeters, head of Toyota’s New Mobility division, said that “There is a market for a vehicle like this. And Toyota is able to produce it on a large scale at low costs.”

A heavy quadricycle by Toyota could reach the market sometime over the next few years, with a price tag of under €10,000 ($10,900). The model could be joined by other micromobility solutions, similar to the ones created for the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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