OFFERING THE BEST look yet at Toyota’s plans for its upcoming entry-level rear-wheel-drive sportscar, the Japanese carmaker has revealed the FT-86 concept ahead of its Tokyo Motor Show debut.
Borrowing styling cues from both the FT-HS concept and the upcoming Lexus LF-A, the FT-86 is likely powered by the same Subaru-sourced 2.0 litre four-cylinder boxer engine expected to power the upcoming ‘O86A’.
Toyota has released very little information for the FT-86, but a brief press release issued today points to a lightweight body and a low centre of gravity as specific focus points for the concept’s development.
The FT-86 measures 4160mm long, 1760mm wide and 1260mm tall, riding on a 2570mm wheelbase.
Whether the FT-86 is a near-production look at the upcoming entry-level sportscar or yet another Toyota concept destined for the company’s museum remains to be seen.
One stand-out line from the release - “The FT-86 (”86″ pronounced “hachi roku”), a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car, provides driving joy and excitement” - points to new Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s eagerness to revive Toyota’s sporting history.
More information will be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show this month, which runs from October 24 to November 4, with the car likely to be unveiled at the event’s October 21 press day.
The production version of the Lexus LF-A is expected to join the FT-86 at Tokyo.
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Do like! This will probably be the car I trade up to from my ageing 89 MX-5. It’s probaby a good time to be growing up and getting a car that can actually carry stuff too
In my opinion, that looks very very nice. I’m sure the production car won’t be like this though….but it’s a very good start.
Not too sure about the zippers on the dashboard…. what’s with that? But overall ,the interior is a refreshing sight.
i’m very interested.
that looks quite stunning actually. looks a little bit chuky without looking overweight. and sporty without any garish wings or silly creases.
and with the warble of a boxer coming out those tail pipes…
i like
been waiting for toyota to bring out a sports car ever since i sold my supra.. i’ll get one for sure!
Hope they release a turbo version.
Morris, the top spec has a 300bhp subaru boxer engine
That looks encouraging.
Currently it looks very premium inside for something that will be ‘entry level’. Zippers aside
Sure the concept will be watered down when/if it gets to production, however I am sure some styling cues will remain (Crosses fingers it isn’t just another Celica).
Importantly the car will be RWD and this is a good sign.
Most of all, this is long overdue for Toyota.
Depending on the end product, it looks like something I would buy, whereas the current Toyota range is severely lacking any desirability.
Stunning! I like it!
But I’ll only be interested if the ESP doesn’t beep all the time, and can be completely switched off when I want it to.
Looks like the designers took a few cues from the 370z too…..
Lets hope they keep it looking like that through to production
Has anyone read whether Subaru’s version will have AWD?
Can we expect it to be insanely overpriced, completely overshooting the market who wants the car in the firstplace? I imagine it’ll be up against the 370z and RX8…
Stephen, both versions will be RWD, the toyota is tipped to be a JDM release only with the subi version coming here.
Taz: no doubt it will be entry level in the Japanese and US markets, and like every interesting car Toyota ever sold in Australia, severely overpriced here.
Oh yeah, in profile it looks alright, but they’d better work on those bumpers and lights before it goes into production, it’s downright ugly from any angle other than 90°.
Now if only Toyo can do it under 1200 kg. It’d be nice to have it under 1100kg but well we have power everything these days I guess.
I’m just scared Toyota think 1400kg is light………
Either way however this may be my first NEW car. Most of my cars have been at least 20 years older than I am due to the current obsession with FF cars and obese weights.
Thank you, Toyota is finally bringing back lightweight RWD. Can`t wait!!!
=D looks hot.
I thought that i’d want to buy one of these, but now that i see it… Meh. I’ll love it because i kinda feel obliged to, as an AE86 owner, but i think i’ll just save the cash and spend it on my Trueno instead.
Hopefully Toyota/Subaru bring it down here.
Hopefully Hyundai then notices there’s a market down here for affordable RWD coupes and brings in the Genesis.
Maybe Nissan can then pull its finger out and replace the Silvia.
There’s a complete dearth of decent, affordable, RWD sports cars on the market. The 370Z and RX8 are priced way too high, and a 125i coupe is a joke.