Yes, this is theToyota/Subaru coupe you've all been waiting to see. Dubbed the Toyota FT-86, this concept is headed for the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show in a couple of weeks.
We don't have much in the way of details just yet, but our correspondent in Japan says the FT-86 is about what we expected. By that we mean it's most likely based on a modified Subaru Impreza platform that has been converted to rear-wheel drive and is powered by a Subaru-built 2.0-liter flat four. The suspension consists of struts up front and double wishbones in back.
Inside, the FT-86 is configured as a 2+2 which probably makes for a tight cabin given that it's only 164-inches overall, 63-inches wide and 50-inch tall. For comparison, a Honda Civic coupe is 175-inches long, 68.9-inches wide and 55-inches tall.
Phix
Oct 5 2009, 11:30 PM
I'm sold.
Also, lol at Fuji trackmap in dash.
Diesel
Oct 5 2009, 11:31 PM
Very NOT BAD!
OHirtenfelder
Oct 5 2009, 11:52 PM
Wow, all for it! That is the sexiest thing that Toyot has produced since....ever, pretty much!
moe
Oct 6 2009, 12:36 AM
I'll take two. No really, I WILL buy one if it looks anything like this when it goes on sale.
Altostratus
Oct 6 2009, 01:50 AM
Whats with the zippers?
Clockwork
Oct 6 2009, 03:50 AM
QUOTE(Altostratus @ Oct 6 2009, 04:50 AM)
Whats with the zippers?
I wondered the same thing, I think it is just some "concepty" way to make the glove box interesting.
BlackJack
Oct 6 2009, 04:22 AM
Wow! Looks like it could be the next Supra. I want it!
b0mb3r
Oct 6 2009, 05:40 AM
QUOTE(BlackJack @ Oct 6 2009, 05:22 AM)
Wow! Looks like it could be the next Supra. I want it!
I sure hope not... because then it will be 40 large....
I like the fact that it is manual, at least the concept. Looks good and I am guessing it should be priced around 20K? Hopefully they will fix the shifting and the steering.
Bjorn
Oct 6 2009, 05:53 AM
Maybe you can change the look of your interior? The zippers allowing you to take off the leather covering. Kinda a cool idea...if that is indeed what they are for.
Personally I would just leave the leather off it that were the case.
I think this car is too concept-ey for me to get a good feel for it right now, but I feel like the production version will be a lot more to my liking. I also can't wait to see the Subaru version, although, save the current Impreza wagon, Subaru's styling department is striking out lately.
Razor
Oct 6 2009, 06:01 AM
It's a new low when Toyota rips off the 370Z. Probably will be a decent car, though, if Toyota hasn't forgotten how they used to make performance cars.
Altostratus
Oct 6 2009, 06:06 AM
im sure it will be too heavy and too expensive when all is said and done.
Bjorn
Oct 6 2009, 06:12 AM
QUOTE(Razor @ Oct 6 2009, 09:01 AM)
It's a new low when Toyota rips off the 370Z. Probably will be a decent car, though, if Toyota hasn't forgotten how to pay Subaru to make performance cars for them.
fixed.
BankieVR6
Oct 6 2009, 06:45 AM
The interior is a little ridiculous at this point, but the car as a whole is pretty stunning. I think its basically what the lexus IS should look like. Must be a blast to drive too!
Aircooled
Oct 6 2009, 07:07 AM
The wheels are epic, the rear is bland, and the interior, well, it's nothing the production car is going to see, but its kinda cool. Gas and coolant gauges are neat, but I doubt those will make it to the production car.
Toyota's President Akio Toyoda has said the automaker is in desperate need of an excitement injection, and here's the first dose: the Toyota FT-86 Concept.
Inspired by the Corolla-based AE86 sports coupe of the '80s, the FT-86 concept was designed by the automaker's ED2 styling studio in France and bears a remarkable resemblance to the FT-HS concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show several years back.
Since it's a "concept," Toyota hasn't divulged much about the FT-86 yet, but we do know it's powered by a Subaru-derived 2.0-liter boxer four sending power to the rear wheels. Toyota focused on keeping the weight down to improve handling and, according to one source, the platform is unique to the concept. The engine sits lower in the engine bay to aid aerodynamics while keeping the center of gravity in check, and the overall dimensions of Toyota's new 2+2 are 163.78 inches long and 69.29 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 101.18 inches.
After the FT-86 bows in concept form at the Tokyo Motor Show next month, the production model will be shown sometime next year with sales beginning sometime in late 2011 carrying a sticker price somewhere north of $20,000.
Diesel
Oct 6 2009, 09:26 AM
wow.. this thing is going to be SMALL. i seriously doubt this will have a powerful engine at all. I'm guessing somewhere in the neighborhood of 125-140hp. something for you guys to take into consideration:
FT-86: Length: 4,160 mm = 162 inches Width: 1,760 mm = 68 inches Height: 1,260 mm = 48.19 = 4 feet Wheelbase: 2,570 mm = 100.3 inches
2009 MX-5: Length: 158.3 Width: 67.7 Height: 49
BankieVR6
Oct 6 2009, 09:35 AM
QUOTE(Diesel @ Oct 6 2009, 01:26 PM)
wow.. this thing is going to be SMALL. i seriously doubt this will have a powerful engine at all. I'm guessing somewhere in the neighborhood of 125-140hp. something for you guys to take into consideration:
FT-86: Length: 4,160 mm = 162 inches Width: 1,760 mm = 68 inches Height: 1,260 mm = 48.19 = 4 feet Wheelbase: 2,570 mm = 100.3 inches
2009 MX-5: Length: 158.3 Width: 67.7 Height: 49
SHIT! another awesome car that i won't fit in
Bjorn
Oct 6 2009, 09:37 AM
^I whole-heartedly approve of those specs. Fuck ya for the <5'8" club mo-fos!
This is the modern-day FB RX-7 IMHO. Simple, cheap*, light, powerful enough and good looking. Assuming it makes it to production, I would have one of these over almost any sub-premium coupe out there (RX-8, 370, Mustang, Camaro, Challenger & Genesis).
*Im assuming it'll be cheap, but Toyota might go fuck it self in the ass and make it really expensive. I'm personally hoping for Civic Si territory.
goota
Oct 6 2009, 09:41 AM
STI engine anyone?
Razor
Oct 6 2009, 09:42 AM
QUOTE(Bjorn @ Oct 6 2009, 01:37 PM)
*Im assuming it'll be cheap, but Toyota might go fuck it self in the ass and make it really expensive. I'm personally hoping for Civic Si territory.
I doubt it. I'm calling no lower than $26k right now.
goota
Oct 6 2009, 09:43 AM
lowest model will be priced similary to the hyunday genesis coupe i assume. 22-23k
Bjorn
Oct 6 2009, 09:47 AM
^with a 2.0L subaru boxer engine? In the Impreza that engine makes 150ps, I don't see how Toyota can justify charging Genesis prices for a car with 2/3 the power...then again it's toyota.
Just out.
Diesel
Oct 6 2009, 10:05 AM
QUOTE(Bjorn @ Oct 6 2009, 10:37 AM)
^I whole-heartedly approve of those specs. Fuck ya for the <5'8" club mo-fos!
This is the modern-day FB RX-7 IMHO. Simple, cheap*, light, powerful enough and good looking. Assuming it makes it to production, I would have one of these over almost any sub-premium coupe out there (RX-8, 370, Mustang, Camaro, Challenger & Genesis).
*Im assuming it'll be cheap, but Toyota might go fuck it self in the ass and make it really expensive. I'm personally hoping for Civic Si territory.
no Bjorn.. think SMALLER. even smaller then 240sx size. Those cars you listed are huge heavy monsters compared to this.
Bjorn
Oct 6 2009, 10:18 AM
QUOTE(Diesel @ Oct 6 2009, 01:05 PM)
no Bjorn.. think SMALLER. even smaller then 240sx size. Those cars you listed are huge heavy monsters compared to this.
oh, I know how small (the Miata example was a very good one), I'm just saying, given the choce between all the sub $40,000 RWD coupes out there, regardless of size or weight, I would have this.
dukenukem
Oct 6 2009, 10:45 AM
QUOTE(Bjorn @ Oct 6 2009, 12:37 PM)
^I whole-heartedly approve of those specs. Fuck ya for the <5'8" club mo-fos!
This is the modern-day FB RX-7 IMHO. Simple, cheap*, light, powerful enough and good looking. Assuming it makes it to production, I would have one of these over almost any sub-premium coupe out there (RX-8, 370, Mustang, Camaro, Challenger & Genesis).
Except, unlike the RX-7 this one will actually be reliable.
QUOTE(goota @ Oct 6 2009, 12:41 PM)
STI engine anyone?
FT-86 STI
clarkma5
Oct 6 2009, 10:48 AM
I think a starting price just shy of $25k and engine power on the order of 150 to 170 HP with a curb weight in the 2700 pound range. They were earlier talking about 2400 pounds and 180 HP and a starting price close to $20k, so I think they're gonna end up missing all those targets before production.
Altostratus
Oct 6 2009, 12:40 PM
same with me bankie, thats why i wont get my hopes up
911xx
Oct 14 2009, 11:35 AM
Razor
Oct 14 2009, 11:37 AM
I would buy the Subaru version, no question, regardless of everything else, just to not own a modern Toyota.
clarkma5
Oct 14 2009, 11:40 AM
I'd happily own a modern toyota if it was a well-executed RWD sports coupe. The reason I hate Toyota is because their cars are boooooring, so I'm not about to turn my nose up at the first cool toyota for almost a decade (and that's frankly assuming you considered the MR2 Spyder or final gen Celica "cool", or else you gotta go back even farther).
Razor
Oct 14 2009, 11:50 AM
QUOTE(clarkma5 @ Oct 14 2009, 03:40 PM)
I'd happily own a modern toyota if it was a well-executed RWD sports coupe. The reason I hate Toyota is because their cars are boooooring, so I'm not about to turn my nose up at the first cool toyota for almost a decade (and that's frankly assuming you considered the MR2 Spyder or final gen Celica "cool", or else you gotta go back even farther).
I'm afraid that this thing is going to turn out to have the same aura surrounding it as the IS-F... which, in my opinion, is soulless and uncool as you can get... a half-ass job used to put Toyota into the high-performance sedan segment, that's not even a great car compared to its competitors. This seems kind of like, "WELL IF HYUNDAI CAN DO IT, SO CAN WE!"
clarkma5
Oct 14 2009, 11:54 AM
Maybe in your opinion, but there's a big difference between an automatic-only almost-4000-pound Lexus sedan and a Miata-sized RWD sports coupe.
dukenukem
Oct 14 2009, 02:51 PM
This all depends on who makes what version. If Subaru designs the high pertfprmance version then we are good. If Toyota designs it and Subaru styles it then ..
DaGonz
Oct 14 2009, 06:00 PM
The exterior styling...
The interior...
Razor
Oct 14 2009, 06:02 PM
QUOTE(clarkma5 @ Oct 14 2009, 03:54 PM)
Maybe in your opinion, but there's a big difference between an automatic-only almost-4000-pound Lexus sedan and a Miata-sized RWD sports coupe.
Oh I know, I just mean I hope they put more thought, attention and care into it; at least with Subaru helping out it's looking like a brighter future for it.
caster
Oct 19 2009, 09:45 AM
Real video at the 'Ring:
b0mb3r
Oct 19 2009, 11:46 AM
QUOTE(dukenukem @ Oct 14 2009, 02:51 PM)
This all depends on who makes what version. If Subaru designs the high performance version then we are good. If Toyota designs it and Subaru styles it then ..
hahahaha
Phix
Oct 19 2009, 12:38 PM
Ah, yes, because a company who gave us the MR2, Celica, 2000GT, Supra, Sprinter Trueno & Levin has no fucking clue how to design a new sports car. But, I guess whatever Subaru makes is solid gold, huh?
dukenukem
Oct 19 2009, 12:38 PM
QUOTE(Phix @ Oct 19 2009, 03:38 PM)
Ah, yes, because a company who gave us the MR2, Celica, 2000GT, Supra, Sprinter Trueno & Levin has no fucking clue how to design a new sports car. But, I guess whatever Subaru makes is solid gold, huh?
Pretty much.
moe
Oct 19 2009, 12:44 PM
When Toyota wants to do something, they damn well do it right. We can mock cars like the Camry as much as we want, but for the intended audience, it really is the perfect car. I'm sure it won't be any different in this scenario. If they want to reach out to enthusiasts, they'll get it right.
caster
Oct 19 2009, 12:54 PM
QUOTE(moe @ Oct 19 2009, 01:44 PM)
When Toyota wants to do something, they damn well do it right. We can mock cars like the Camry as much as we want, but for the intended audience, it really is the perfect car. I'm sure it won't be any different in this scenario. If they want to reach out to enthusiasts, they'll get it right.
I don't disagree with you that Toyota has made, still makes, and can make good cars, but with that logic would you say they got the IS-F right? I really wanted the IS-F to work, but I just feel that it really isn't worth it over its competitors. Regardless, I hope this turns out to be a sick car. I've been begging for a turbo'd RWD coupe, I just wish it was a turbo'd 6 rather than a 4.
moe
Oct 19 2009, 01:00 PM
Driver's Republic did a shoot out with the IS-F, C63, and M3. It wasn't epic like the M3 is, but they said it was still a damned good car, perhaps more appealing as an "everyday, for the next several years" proposition. The current M3 is a lofty target, the fact that the IS-F can stand comparison with it and come away with its dignity intact means it's pretty damned good. I'm not Razor, I think the IS-F is a great sports sedan.
I'd love to test-drive one. I love rooting for the underdog, particularly when it's a case of Germany vs Japan. Knowing myself, I'd probably be placing an order for the IS-F.
dukenukem
Oct 19 2009, 01:02 PM
QUOTE(moe @ Oct 19 2009, 03:44 PM)
When Toyota wants to do something, they damn well do it right. We can mock cars like the Camry as much as we want, but for the intended audience, it really is the perfect car. I'm sure it won't be any different in this scenario. If they want to reach out to enthusiasts, they'll get it right.
All they have done right in the last 5 years or so is to suck out every single ounce of joy out of their cars.
moe
Oct 19 2009, 01:04 PM
^ Like I said, what they've done right, is probably what's wrong in our eyes. Their cars make sense as appliances, they clearly aren't targeting you or me Duke. To their target market, I'm sure their cars make plenty sense.
Phix
Oct 19 2009, 01:10 PM
QUOTE(moe @ Oct 19 2009, 05:04 PM)
^ Like I said, what they've done right, is probably what's wrong in our eyes. Their cars make sense as appliances, they clearly aren't targeting you or me Duke. To their target market, I'm sure their cars make plenty sense.
Exactly.
Just because they're making cars towards a different demographic/market which has no interest to others does not make them INCOMPETENT.
They didn't become the biggest freaking car manufacturer in the world by being shit all the time.
dukenukem
Oct 19 2009, 01:33 PM
They are not entirely incompetent .. just incompetent at making anything sporty... with the possible exception of MR2 which they killed off.
Phix
Oct 19 2009, 03:03 PM
So you can honestly sit there and say they were incompetent even in their past? Not even speaking of their current line up. You're actually saying Toyota barely made any sporty cars at all?
Boy, I knew that STI rotted your brain but man... that's some tough shit...
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