Toyota unveils sports car concept in bid to recapture Supra sizzle
[1/6]Actors perform as a Toyota FT-1 concept car is unveiled on stage during the press preview day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2014. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook Purchase Licensing Rights
DETROIT (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> took the wraps off a new sports car concept on Monday, underscoring an effort by Japan's largest automaker to energize its brand and fill a void in its lineup after discontinuing the Supra more than a decade ago.
The concept, called the FT-1, is part of a broader attempt by Chief Executive Akio Toyoda to add excitement to a brand better known for quality and reliability than heart-pumping performance.
Although the Supra never sold in high volumes it enjoyed a loyal following among compact sports car enthusiasts.
Reporting by Nathan Layne; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe
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