By Drew Johnson
Monday, Jan 11th, 2010 @ 11:14 am

Toyota has taken the wraps off its FT-CH hybrid concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Designed as a hybrid solution for the ‘8-bit’ generation, the FT-CH – CH for compact hybrid – is intended to slot beneath the current Prius.
Toyota plans to launch 8 all-new hybrid models by 2012, and the FT-CH concept unveiled today in Detroit very well could be part of those plans. The FT-CH uses a version of the Prius’ Synergy Drive hybrid system, but Toyota failed to mention what gas engine might be mated to the electric system in production guise.

Designed to slot beneath the Prius in Toyota ’s hybrid lineup, the FT-CH concept measures in about 22 inches shorter than the third-generation Prius. The FT-CH’s overall wheelbase is 6 inches shorter than the Prius, although the concept is just half an inch narrower than the popular hybrid.

No official figures were given, but Toyota says the FT-CH is lighter and more efficient than the Prius, meaning buyers can expect EPA figures north of 50mpg. Fitting with that less is more mantra, the FT-CH will carry a price tag less than that of the larger Prius.

Toyota is officially listing the FT-CH as a concept, but we fully expect the show car to make the transition to production in the coming years. Expect the FT-CH to be one of the first vehicles to be produced under Toyota’s new Prius brand.

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