1983 Toyota FX-1

Like most Japanese makers, Toyota’s dream cars struggled to find an identity until the 1980s, when advanced technology and maturing design teams began to enhance the impact of its concept machines, such as the 1984 FX-1 with its electronic suspension, cantilevered doors and variable valve timing.

Colour CRT’s were used in the dash to display speed, rpm, fuel, temperature, etc.

It used a prototype twin turbo form of the 1G-GE engine with twin turbos and variable cam timing. This engine later appeared as the 1G-GTE, slightly modified and without the variable cam timing. The use an automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with overdrive.

It used a pneumatic suspension combined with the TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension system). The pneumatic suspension automatically raised and lowered the front and rear of the car separately for maximum stability. TEMS was also used on the Supra and the Soarer.

Many exotic materials were used, including Fibre Reinforced Metal and Shape Memory Effect Alloy.