2010 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota FT-CH Concept

Aiming to expand Toyota's eco-friendly Prius from a single model to an entire family, the FT-CH concept that debuted in Detroit looks to slot underneath its iconic hybrid big brother in terms of size and price.

Created by the team at Toyota's European Design and Development center in Nice, France, the Future Toyota Compact Hybrid is inspired by the vivid, high-energy look of the 8-bit generation. With influence of that '80s retro-style evident in its fun and colorful character - literally, figuratively, inside and out - the little hybrid is geared toward a younger, less affluent buyer who desires a hybrid, but isn't willing to compromise on their fun-loving nature by driving something akin to an appliance.

The FT-CH is sized to be nimble, responsive and even fun-to-drive. The little hybrid's smaller footprint and lighter weight will not only allow it to maneuver well in tight city environments, but will also help it achieve better fuel economy than its big brother Prius.

With Toyota's plan to sell a million hybrids per year globally, the FT-CH concept is only the first step in the manufacturer's desire to broaden its range of conventional hybrids. With eight all-new hybrid models coming to the U.S. market over the next few years - in addition to plug-in hybrids and pure electrics - Toyota is clearly serious about expanding its eco-friendly family of cars.

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