"The FXS is a pure open roadster, meant for drivers with a passion for cars who believe driving is one of life's great pleasures," Kenji Tomikawa, President of Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI), recently stated. "From the overall design to the smallest details, the FXS was developed to satisfy the true sports car enthusiast."
The FXS sports a 6-speed sequential manual transmission equipped with Formula 1-inspired shift buttons mounted in the steering wheel - the company is in its second year of Formula 1 open-wheel racing with great promise for a significant improvement up the points ladder in future seasons.
Sugawara originally described the concept's interior motif as "moonlight blue." Its bucket seats are trimmed with light blue leather bolsters and perforated suede-like blue material, the same as used on the dashboard. To get the car's performance message across effectively, racing-type 4-point harnesses are installed instead of traditional seatbelts.
Minimalist pod-style instruments include a pale blue backlit gauge cluster, comprised of a speedometer, tachometer, plus fuel and oil pressure meters. It sits atop the steering column which also supports a thick-rimmed 2-spoke steering wheel. The center stack is a tall, vertical, triangular design mimicking exterior styling cues, with an Art Deco touch to add flavor. A compass, cellular phone and heating and ventilation controls are part of the package. Just below sits a simple, twisting dial in place of what would normally be a gearbox lever, offering 'R', 'N' and 'D' positions only. As mentioned previously, shifting takes place via steering-wheel mounted buttons. An electronically actuated parking brake is also included. Dramatic blue lighting enhances the look, highlighting the concept's chrome accents. While stylish the FXS interior is simple and to the point, designed to be an extension of the driver, with driving purposes paramount.