The new FT50 race car for the 2015 Toyota Racing Series

Nick Cassidy tests the new FT50 race car for the Toyota Racing Series. The car is a ‘clean sheet’ design that has involved hundreds of hours of computer design work to perfect its aerodynamics, downforce, drag and cooling. Significant technology upgrades start with an all new aerodynamic design, drive-by-wire throttle control and electronic gear shifting by steering-wheel ‘paddle’ controls.
The FT50 is built by Tatuus and the only core component common to the new car and the outgoing FT40 is the proven Toyota 2ZZ-GE 1.8-litre engine. The transmission is a new six speed Sadev transaxle with integrated limited slip differential.
The car’s wheel track is wider at front and rear and it features a new dual-damper front suspension with anti-roll bar.
The FT50 has been designed to meet current FIA safety standards with rear impact crush structure, driver cockpit head protection and wheel tethers.
Inside the cockpit, gearshift is by paddle-shifters mounted on the new steering wheel, which also features a colour driver display with four user-selectable pages to give more information to the driver and team.