Fans of the long-gone Supra, MR2 and even the Celica may rejoice; as we tipped you off a few hours ago, Toyota has just released the first official photos of the FT-86, a near-production concept model of its Subaru co-developed rear-wheel drive coupe that will make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. The production version of the 2+2 seater sports coupe, whose conceptual name harks back to the popular RWD Corolla AE86 of the mid-1980s, is due to go on sale towards the end of 2011."The FT-86 Concept is neither an electric vehicle nor a hybrid vehicle, but is a sports model with a gasoline engine developed to convey the essential appeal of automobiles in a new era. It is a must-see concept car that expresses TMC's desire to once again create a Toyota sports car," the Japanese automaker said in a release published on its official site.
The compact-sized coupe is powered by a front-mounted, 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine sourced from Subaru that drives the rear wheels. Official details are still scarce, but our sources tell us that Toyota opted to equip the concept model with a naturally-aspirated version of Subaru's 2.0-liter flat flour that produces 150HP in the Impreza.
However, it is most likely that the Japanese automaker has tweaked the engine to crank out a few more ponies boosting output closer to 200 horsepower.
It's worth noting that in Japan, Subaru also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer with 250HP that powers the Impreza S-GT that we all know as the WRX in most markets.
It's still too early to know which powertrains will be available on the production version of the FT-86, but Subaru's 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engines (depending on the market) in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms would have to be the most serious candidates.
The coupe is quite compact in dimensions measuring 4,160mm (163.7-in.) in length, 1,760mm (69.3-in.) in width, and 1,260mm (49.6-in.) in height with a wheelbase of 2,570mm (101.2-in.).
The FT-86 Concept was penned at Toyota's European Design Development ED2 studio that's located in Nice, France. The exterior design, which obviously won't change much when it reaches production in 2011, is clearly inspired by Toyota's FT-HS hybrid concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2007. And yes, we must admit that our first take is very positive.
Needless to say that the FT-86's interior styling is far too conceptual for production, but it does provide a hint or two (no more though...) at the design direction Toyota is taking with the production model.
As we've already said before, the FT-86 will also spawn a Subaru version that will share the same underpinnings and mechanical hardware but according to the two Japanese automakers, will feature its own distinct styling. Hopefully, Subaru's "design team" won't disappoint us this time...
37 Comments:
A small rwd coupe with boxer engine and Toyota reliability. Can you get any better?
How impressive. I wonder what the Subaru version will look like...
SmauraiJack# Yes, if Toyota prices it right ;-)
Jenny# Mmm, well if Subaru's latest creations are anything to go by, I'd say tasteless or boring, maybe even both. But you never know, Subie may surprise us this time
I'll will consider getting one of these if the price is right and production model keeps these looks
theres something of a nissan GTR around the rear 3/4 and the roof
nice
That is gorgeous,but alas,i'm not sold.Now,if the mechanical goodies were to find themselves in a more versatile pseudo-coupe-hatchback form and maybe with Scion and tC badges slapped on the rear,i'd happily plop down the coins to play with Toyota's reincarnated sporting spirit.I am really happy to see that the FT-HS concept made it to see production...I just need a pinch more versatility with my pocket rocket.
Love the dashboard, display and commands. Of course those won't stay on the serial version, sic.
the interior is a masterpieace...
Very nice... and about time.
Toyota has been building boring cars for quite a while. Good to see something like this...
My last favourite Toyota was the FIRST MR2, back in the 80's! What has Toyota been doing all this time?
Why do I feel like I'm looking at a photochoped 370z?
I have a feeling Subaru won't disappoint. I think that new hybrid/wagon/gullwing concept that should be shown at Tokyo is a hint of things to come.
woah i like the look of this car!
My part time job won't allow me to buy anything north of $22,000. Hopefully they price the base somewhere close 20 grand.
If they had offered it as a hybrid and priced it under $20K, it would compete well with the new Honda CR-Z. But instead, they have created a niche car that won't have any mass appeal. Also do not like the flat four Subaru engine since the twin vertical valve cover gaskets are prone to leaking. Have no idea why Toyota got in bed with Subaru on this.
Anonymous #10
Since when is a normal petrol powered coupe a niche model and a hybrid not? Please give your reasons why you think it won't have any mass appeal.
And btw, Toyota partially owns Subaru, so they've already been in bed long before the FT-86
Nice ! its like someone remembered how to make a good looking car!!
The interior can kick any Honda a$$.... ts soo good. If the car is not reborn again as a bland mass production version....its a sports car c'mon.. so Toyota will not mess with exteriors but uve to get that interior unscathed man... it has to come out concept good. even if get into debt i don't care.
A lot of interesting design details going on here. The Dash, Instrument cluster, Organic soft molding, 'A' pillars, Front mounted 'Boxer' style engine driving the rear wheels(Is AWD in the works too? Likely).
Really like the overall Attitude, The Seats, Sculpted door panels and the tighter, better integrated head light and tail light designs and sizing (Compared to most designs lately).
Seems to be a design detail theme going on too as evidenced by the Pedals, mirrors, interior vents.
Except for some of the Interior details this looks ready for production and should be produced as presented. It will need an optional higher HP motor to be relevant to it's competitors in this class.
3Deuce27
WOW this is a Toyota that actually looks good, really good.
???...> And just what, exactly, does this mean?
"developed to convey the essential appeal of automobiles in a new era"
The new 'Era' is 'EV' and 'Hybrid' Even 'MB' knows that, and Mazda is borrowing huge amounts of money to catch up to the "New era".
3Deuce27
I just realized, this car is shorter in length than the Scion tC by more than 10 inches, so they must really be trying to squeeze the car down in size compared to the tC.
Jenny!
Yes! This car would compete for a different demographic. It won't replace a Scion 'Tc' for obvious reasons.
This concept couldn't replace the Scion 'TC'.
It's lack of practicality compared to the 'TC' would eliminate many buyers of the 'TC' as it is presently configured. Changing that configuration to a sporty vehicle while losing the back seat room and storage space of the present 'TC' would cost Toyota buyers.
Most don't realize that the 'TC' is the size of the Mustang and only has a 1" shorter wheelbase, affording it a nice sized cabin and storage. This allows a lot of buyers to opt for a sporty coupe over a 4-door appliance.
This new model Toyota is covered by CARSCOOP under 'FT-86' as a RWD.
Mustang...> External dimensions: overall length (inches): 187.6, overall width (inches): 73.9, overall height (inches): 55.4, >wheelbase (inches): 107.1<, front track (inches): 62.8, rear track (inches): 63.0 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 33.4
'TC" ...> External dimensions: overall length (inches): 174.0, overall width (inches): 69.1, overall height (inches): 55.7, >wheelbase (inches): 106.3<, front track (inches): 59.3, rear track (inches): 59.3 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 36.1
3Deuce27
this toyota is super!
Hopefully this won't be as big as a Mustang, the Tc can compete with that all it wants. I haven't liked Toyota's for a long time and I'm not willing to trade in my 2-door Impreza RS for any of Subie's current offerings so please Subaru ... don't mess your version up!!!
"The FT-86 Concept was penned at Toyota's European Design Development ED2 studio that's located in Nice, France"... this is probably the reason, the car looks cool inside out...Either Toyota or Subaru, still need foreign designers' help to make a beautiful car.
-nV
Wow! A Toyota that I’m actually interested in and might be able to afford. The only Toyota I’ve ever owned was a Previa. Yeah, a minivan. 4 kids, a Labrador, nuff said. The car worked but I never warmed up to it. Speaking of warm, the a/c was anemic. Anyway, this thing looks great. I like the idea of the Subaru boxer but they better equip it with the turbo 250 hp engine, and do it in the first year. None of this, wait til next year for the good stuff.
Some observations:
• First, some similarity to the new Genesis Coupe….the rear side window.
• Someone mentioned this before but there are some design elements that run through this car…..narrow vertical or horizontal cuts and creases. Did anyone notice the open slits in the “A” pilar. How bout the inside door release lever? The creases in the hood? The “cut/crease” in the outside mirrors. The “cuts” in the seat bottoms and back rests. Of course the pedals. The creases on the roof. The crease just behind and above the front tires (GT-R ish?). Oh yeah, how bout the wheel rims with their plastic “blade” inserts. The slits in the steering wheel too.
• The vents….please Toyota KEEP them. They look cool.
• Love the stubby round shift knob.
• Instrument panel. I know that this is a prototype but couldn’t you once, just once keep the futuristic neat stuff???? Please. Ok, ditch the zippers. I just don’t “get” them. I do love the machined levers for the turn signals etc. Keep ‘em.
• The front end has a bit of the new Mazada in it. That smile. Don’t know if I like it or not. Guess it’s ok.
• The rear end looks great. HOWEVER, how bout horizontal exhaust ports instead of the round. This would go with the “cuts and creases” design elements.
• The white interior with the red accents looks terrific but over time it would be a dirt magnet. I’ll take mine in either black or a nice gray.
Lastly, I’m really interested in the 2010 VW GTI. Fun, great handling, decent mileage and practical as a hatch or a 5 dr. If Toyota/Subaru actually came out with this car I might have to drop the practical and consider it (only 1 kid left at home…this could be Dad’s car)
Looks great. As long as they keep the price below $24k and give it at least 200hp, I would love to buy it.
Just dad's car? Huh! Your kids will begging borrow this thing every weekend!
Don`t know about em zippers. if they break looks like a pain in the arse to replace
Reg; Zagato27
'A' pillar detail, was previously noted.
This sporty model does need a range of engine power options. A 150 HP 'NA' motor and up to a 250 HP 'TC' motor would be a nice range of engine options.
Toyota has done a nice job on their version of this new model, the curiosity now lies with the Subaru version.
The last Sporty coupe from Subaru was the 1992 - 1997 SVX luxury sport coupe with a 'Boxer' 3.3L(228HP)6 cylinder engine and AWD, designed by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. It's 102" wheel base is nearly the same size as the proposed model.
There is a 1997 'SVX' that appears abandoned, but in good shape, here at the marina.
3Deuce27
why a small 1.5-1.6 Turbo engine is missing? i think subaru should develop such an engine and therefore place it at this concept car!
Rabican
Reg: Rabican
Smaller motors are coming, as already evidenced by mid-year introductions and recently posted new engines to be offered in the new 2010 vehicles. Four cylinder Turbo's and smaller diesel's will lead the downsizing of powerplants.
3Deuce27
I'd love to buy this car if they have a model that's around 300 horsepower. I'd pay $28-30k for it.
I would love to buy this car when it comes out in 2011.
I hope they don't change the design much, I like the way it is now! :D
This thing looks great! However, a nissan 370Z killer it is not. The choice of a 4 cylinder engine was unfortunate. They need to put one of the excellent 6 cylinder engines available in to Toyota or their luxury division Lexus, bumped up to at least 300 HP. Then you would be talking my enthusiast language. I fear the Supera will not be reincarnated in this year. This is simply a flashy grocery getter.
I own an original 86 gt-s and look forward to purchasing one of these in 11/11. They are living up to what made the 86 the king of the downhill, lightweight+shortwheelbase. Anything with 150 HP should cover it nicely 200 or 250 is just icing on the cake. This is not a Tc, not even the same league. Think z car but lighter.
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