Futo

File:Futo1.JPG
Karin Futo, front view

The Futo is a compact vehicle manufactured by Karin, new to Grand Theft Auto IV.

Overview

The Futo is based on the 1984-1987 AE86 series Toyota Corolla Levin GT-Apex 2-door coupe. The writing on the side indicates that it is equipped with a 20-valve engine which is Toyota's 4A-GE 1.6L Black or Silvertop in RWD configuration, which did not actually appear until the AE101/111 FWD Toyota Levin/Trueno series. However, it was a popular modification for the older AE86 series. The car is very well detailed from the interior down to the "Watanabe" wheel option.

Despite its small engine and meagre size, the Futo can reach astonishing speeds. Its compact size and fantastic grip allow for high agility and easy weaving through traffic at high speed. The torte chassis, combined with the rear-drive layout make cornering fast and precise, with no understeer at all.

The car's name very well may be a play on the word "tofu" which is more than likely a reference to the anime Initial-D; where a Toyota Corolla AE86 (although the hatchback model) was used to deliver tofu to a mountainside resort. After collecting all thirty cars for Stevie he agrees to purchase cars from Niko Bellic, with the Futo fetching $1,400.

Variants

File:Futo GT.JPG
Karin Futo GT, front view
File:Futo GT (1).JPG
Karin Futo GT, rear view

There is also a different version of the Futo driven by the Albanian Mob with a GT front grille, racing seat on the drivers side, carbon fibre hood, rear boot lip spoiler and a small bodykit. Some people refer to it as the "Futo GT" but the game still refers to it simply as the Futo when the player enters it. Performance is identical to the stock car, so the addons are purely aesthetic. Futo 'GTs' can be found in Little Bay. Oddly enough, all Futos have 'Futo GT' written on the doors, even though only some of them have 'GT' specs.