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Remember all the buzz about a sports coupe co-developed by Toyota and Subaru? The Toyota FT-86 concept, which premieres in two weeks at the 2009 Tokyo motor show, is our first look at the project.
Ever since the MR Spyder and Celica left the U.S. market in 2007 and 2006, respectively, Toyota’s lineup has been devoid of a pure sports model. The FT-86, which will likely reach production in 2011, seeks to rectify that.
As the name may suggest, the FT-86 is largely inspired by the ever-popular AE86 Corolla from the 1980s, and remains a sporty rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. Power will come courtesy of Subaru, which lends the FT-86 its turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four ripped from an Impreza. Toyota isn’t disclosing power levels quite yet, but has indicated the engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
When it finally reaches dealers, the production FT-86 may be priced in the low $30,000 range, allowing it to compete with the likes of the Nissan 370Z and Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
We’ll be at the 2009 Tokyo motor show on October 21, when the FT-86 will officially be unwrapped. We’ll bring you all the latest news on the FT-86 and other debuts live from the show floor.
Looks sweet. Price it close to the Genesis Coupe and it might be competitive.The Mister Spyder and Celica were discon’d because they didn’t sell; since their target market would be buying these five to ten years old for their first sports car in High School.This car, albeit being a fine piece of machinery, will flop due to this market reasoning. With that said, maybe I can pick one up in about five or ten years for like $5k…lol