Toyota FT-86 Concept

More than a year ago, the automobile community stirred rumors that Toyota in cooperation with Subaru were developing a new sports coupe. Such an alliance may seem strange only at first glance. Indeed, in spite of different philosophies, both companies have a lot in common.

Toyota has never launched a coupe. Cumbersome Toyota Camry Solara shouldn’t be counted. But Toyota had such exceptional vehicles as Celica and Supra, which after removal from the production have left many inconsolable fans around the world.

Subaru doesn’t produce coupe as well. Although the sport has a direct relationship with it, this company has long enjoyed a reputation in the fierce rally battles. Therefore, production coupe is a justified step for both companies.

Toyota owns the control package of share of Subaru as both companies have decided to join forces. Perhaps a crisis was an opportune moment. It remains less than a month and we will be able to see the fruit of this cooperation – Toyota FT-86 coupe at the Tokyo salon.

This is only a concept. Although as hinted the Japanese, the car will be put into a serial production with minimal changes, which affect mostly futuristic interior but not exterior. The car turned out quite compact. Length is 4,16 m, width is 1,76 m, height – 1,26 m and the wheelbase – 2,57 m. Landing formula is 2 +2. Under the hood there is a two-liter Subaru boxer engine with the output of 200 hp which is mated with six-speed mechanical transmission.

All the power of a herd of two hundred horses sent to the rear axle, although with time is not excluded and the emergence of all-wheel drive versions. We must not forget that in the development of machinery took part Subaru, known for its all-wheel drive madness. The design of the concept car was developed by Europeans in Toyota design center ED2, located in Nice.

It is expected that the sales of the new sports coupe will begin in the middle of 2010 and it will cost about 20,000 dollars in Japan.

Needless to say, that Toyota FT-86 will have a “twin-brother” marked Subaru. Technical filling of both cars will be the same, but the design will be different. It is possible that the coupe from Subaru will cost a bit more expensive and that it will use wheel-drive system while Toyota will offer a simpler, “budget” option. We can only wait for the official presentation, where the Japanese will certainly talk about their future plans.