Toyota: 86 News
10-06-2009, 06:53 AM
#121
Safety Car
do want
10-06-2009, 07:35 AM
#123
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Impressive.
If they can keep the price in check it should fly out of dealer showrooms.
Its cars like this that make me wonder why the media makes it seem as there's no longer a place for RWD platforms because of fuel concerns.
If they can keep the price in check it should fly out of dealer showrooms.
Its cars like this that make me wonder why the media makes it seem as there's no longer a place for RWD platforms because of fuel concerns.
10-06-2009, 09:01 AM
#126
2009 Tokyo Auto Show Preview: Toyota's Toyobaru, FT-86 Concept
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/au...hotopanel..1.*
TOKYO — For years, Toyota has yearned to build a fun new lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports coupe in the mold of the cult Corolla Sport from the '80s. Now, at last, it's on the way with this fascinating FT-86 concept, which will bow at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show later this month.
The FT-86, of course, is the sportster that the world has half-jokingly referred to as the "Toyobaru." It was developed with Subaru and has a 2.0-liter normally aspirated Subaru flat-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Back in 2008, Toyota and Subaru announced this startling rear-wheel-drive coupe program was approved. There would be two versions, one for Toyota and one for Subaru. Subaru will build both cars in Japan and supply what will be the next-generation version of its unique and admired boxer engine. Toyota has spoken of late 2011 for a first on-sale date, at least for its version of the coupe.
While Toyota is loath to say, the expectation in Tokyo is that the "Toyobaru" will be based off a shortened Impreza platform converted to rear-wheel drive. The suspension will be front strut with rear double wishbones. The showcar's gray-themed cabin has a racy driver console and air vents.
With the demise of the MR-2, Celica and Supra, one aim is for the FT-86 to put some fun and funk back into Toyota's road-car range. Even so, some see the use of Subaru's 1,994cc engine as a strange choice, since it's not especially sporty in non-turbo trim.
But Toyota engineers really appreciate its low center of gravity, and that's the key here. One insider who has driven the car says it handles brilliantly. The stock engine also keeps the price down, with $25,000 or under the target here.
At this stage, the FT-86 is a running prototype, with sharp 2+2 styling and a 164-inch overall length. Width is 63 inches, and height is a low 50 inches.
Inside Line says: This is just a first outing for the FT-86, and much could change by the time it hits dealerships two years from now. — Peter Nunn, Correspondent
The FT-86, of course, is the sportster that the world has half-jokingly referred to as the "Toyobaru." It was developed with Subaru and has a 2.0-liter normally aspirated Subaru flat-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Back in 2008, Toyota and Subaru announced this startling rear-wheel-drive coupe program was approved. There would be two versions, one for Toyota and one for Subaru. Subaru will build both cars in Japan and supply what will be the next-generation version of its unique and admired boxer engine. Toyota has spoken of late 2011 for a first on-sale date, at least for its version of the coupe.
While Toyota is loath to say, the expectation in Tokyo is that the "Toyobaru" will be based off a shortened Impreza platform converted to rear-wheel drive. The suspension will be front strut with rear double wishbones. The showcar's gray-themed cabin has a racy driver console and air vents.
With the demise of the MR-2, Celica and Supra, one aim is for the FT-86 to put some fun and funk back into Toyota's road-car range. Even so, some see the use of Subaru's 1,994cc engine as a strange choice, since it's not especially sporty in non-turbo trim.
But Toyota engineers really appreciate its low center of gravity, and that's the key here. One insider who has driven the car says it handles brilliantly. The stock engine also keeps the price down, with $25,000 or under the target here.
At this stage, the FT-86 is a running prototype, with sharp 2+2 styling and a 164-inch overall length. Width is 63 inches, and height is a low 50 inches.
Inside Line says: This is just a first outing for the FT-86, and much could change by the time it hits dealerships two years from now. — Peter Nunn, Correspondent
10-06-2009, 09:07 AM
#127
Oderint dum metuant.
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10-06-2009, 09:16 AM
#128
Senior Moderator
red butt
10-06-2009, 10:38 AM
#130
I'm the Firestarter
Looks really cool, it's an LS-F for poor people.
10-06-2009, 11:04 AM
#132
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10-06-2009, 11:34 AM
#133
The sizzle in the Steak
Not bad. Quite a bit better looking than the Genesis coupe. Hope they don't vanilla it to death for production.
10-06-2009, 11:37 AM
#134
The sizzle in the Steak
10-06-2009, 11:14 PM
#140
Burning Brakes
Looks great, but I'm very disappointed with the 2.0L N/A engine. It needs the 2.5L turbo engine from the WRX/Legacy GT. It would be like a modern day Silvia. Yes, I know the AE86 never came w/ a turbocharged motor. However, the truth of the matter is, the crappy 16 valve 1.6L AE86 motor put out something like 115 hp and did 0-60 in over 9 seconds. That just won't cut it.
Also, Tada's comment that "enthusiasts don't want a shared platform" is retarded. Frankly, enthusiasts won't give a fuck what platform the car is based on as long as it looks great, handles well, accelerates hard and is priced right. I know of no 350/370Z enthusiast who gives a rats ass that it shares it's platform w/ the G35/37, M35/45, FX35/45, etc.
Also, Tada's comment that "enthusiasts don't want a shared platform" is retarded. Frankly, enthusiasts won't give a fuck what platform the car is based on as long as it looks great, handles well, accelerates hard and is priced right. I know of no 350/370Z enthusiast who gives a rats ass that it shares it's platform w/ the G35/37, M35/45, FX35/45, etc.
10-07-2009, 08:33 AM
#141
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Maybe the Subaru version will have it, or a yet-to-be-named up-model. And why not the engine from the STi? Granted, either one of those won't be in the $20-25k price range they're shooting for, but there's no reason they can't have several versions of the car in different price ranges.
10-07-2009, 10:19 AM
#144
..... if this car came out first and the Gen coupe came out afterwards people would be up in arms about Hyundai copying other manufacturers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*insert car picture comparison that makes no freaking sense whatsoever*
*insert car picture comparison that makes no freaking sense whatsoever*
10-07-2009, 10:20 AM
#145
an asshole from florida
i cant reiterate how much i do not want this to be a scion, oh god i can already see the scion kiddies making these things impossible to insure
10-07-2009, 10:33 AM
#146
an asshole from florida
10-09-2009, 08:13 PM
#152
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Clearly Hyundai has spies at Toyota and copied the design of the FT-86.
10-13-2009, 08:55 AM
#155
Safety Car
wow - that interior may be close to production....and i havent seen a ballsy exterior like that since the RX8.
lets hope this subaru/toyota joint venture is better than subaru/acura's SVX! any idea if there are output limitations in the subaru/toyota contract? hopefully not. but it seems as though subaru has the the longer end of the stick for engine choices.
BTW - i could see this thing flocking to high school/college parking lots across the nation.
lets hope this subaru/toyota joint venture is better than subaru/acura's SVX! any idea if there are output limitations in the subaru/toyota contract? hopefully not. but it seems as though subaru has the the longer end of the stick for engine choices.
BTW - i could see this thing flocking to high school/college parking lots across the nation.
Last edited by ThermonMermon; 10-13-2009 at 08:59 AM.
10-13-2009, 10:52 AM
#158
The sizzle in the Steak
