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Toyota FT-HS caught in testing with LF-A, under 350Z skin?

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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 01:52 PM
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Default Toyota FT-HS caught in testing with LF-A, under 350Z skin?



There have now been two sets of spy photos that have turned up showing a development mule wearing a hacked up Nissan 350Z body. At first everyone assumed it was a Nissan vehicle. However, in the background of the most recent batch of spy photos, a mystery car has been identified by our readers as one of the Lexus LF-A prototypes.

Since the photos were taken on public roads, it seems highly improbable that the LF-A would just happen to be in the same location as Nissan's latest mule. Taking a look at the Z mule in profile shows proportions pretty close to the FT-HS concept that turned up at the Detroit Auto Show. So this truncated Z is more likely a test platform for a production version of the FT-HS/Supra/whatever you want to call it that's been cleverly disguised in the clothes of another brand.

[Source: World Car Fans]
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 02:10 PM
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Wow that would be crazy if it's true.......if it is true wonder what Nissan had to say about it ha ha
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 02:14 PM
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LOL I like the stretch of imagination of some rumors.

...although I do also like what I hear.
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 02:22 PM
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Honestly though, what are the chances of the Lexus exotic testing side by side with a test mule from some other company, on the same stretch of road at the same time? Probably .0000001.

While it may not necessarily be the FT-HS, there is certainly something going on with this "350Z" and the fact that it is testing with an LF-A in toe is probably more than coincidence.

Also notice the windows are different, and a more pronounce kink in the roofline than what is seen on production Z-cars.
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 02:48 PM
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hmmm, While I would love if this were true, later photos came out showing the Z mule pulling into what was said to be Nissans HQ
The article is kinda old.
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 03:08 PM
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I saw a video on edmunds, that Z would be soon called 370Z. Due to the new engine thats used in the G37.
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 04:43 PM
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That would be very sneaky of Toyota to pull off such a thing...
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 04:53 PM
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while there is a new Z coming out, and 370 would coincide with the new G37 engine...there is no specific info that the 37 engine is in a Z. nor do I know of any remodeling to a "new" Z. And honestly, the Z in that picture is completely resphaped. Take a look at the rear wheel outlets...they're less round on the rear bumper than stock Z's. If you take a look at the whole upper frame (windows, roofline, trunk lid thing) you'll notice how it seems to really not resemble a Z. and having seen mules of the LF-A and such, that line looks awefully familiar. even the hood, there's a clear upper lever outlining the engine...and those headlights look "built-into" something else...aka a front end that isnt for a Z. I have seen pics on leftlane of the LF-A in germany, but I shall wait to comfirm this FT-HS mule...


very sneaky
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT
That would be very sneaky of Toyota to pull off such a thing...
extremely sneaky, i wonder if thats even legal.
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 05:13 PM
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I would love that to be an FT-HS, but it just seems so unlikely, just like the two cars testing running in to each other
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 06:09 PM
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If only it were true. That's definitely a car that would be on my shopping list.
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 06:15 PM
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That would mean the FT-HS would be very small. The brakes do look different but I am no expert on the 350Z....
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 06:23 PM
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What does the FT-HS stand for or is just what it says..
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 06:26 PM
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Originally Posted by tmf2004
What does the FT-HS stand for or is just what it says..
My guess is Future Toyota - Hybrid Sportscar.
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by XeroK00L
My guess is Future Toyota - Hybrid Sportscar.
Thanks for the clarification.. Your probably right..
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