Further information regarding the upcoming Toyota-Subaru FR (front-engined /rear-wheel-drive) low-cost sports car joint venture has surfaced over night, that, if true, takes some of the confusion out of just how this car will be marketed by each manufacturer.
According to Inside Line, it has been reported that Toyota’s version of the FR car, destined to assume the crown of the old AE86, will be restricted to the Japanese Domestic Market only… certainly a blow to traditional Toyota supporters but good news for Subaru.
Subaru will be left to sell its version of the same car on the international market. Both cars will feature the same platform and drivetrain(s) with cosmetic changes being the main difference point of difference between each manufacturer’s offering.
It has also been reported that Toyota and Subaru are benchmarking the performance of the Honda Integra Type-R for their new RWD screamer. The new ‘Subota’ (so much easier to say than Toyobaru) will feature Subaru’s existing AWD drivetrain converted to drive only the rear wheels. As we have previously reported, this will most likely mean that a much modified Impreza chassis will underpin the new car. The most likely engine choice will be a 2.0-litre Subaru NA boxer four-cylinder.
Production will be handled by Subaru at their Gunma plant in Japan.
[Source: GTChannel]
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If this is true it really sucks - Toyota desperately needs a (cheap) exciting car in its lineup - the TRD cars are too expensive for most people. This could have been a real (non-domestic) winner for them.
Toyota need an exciting car Godspeed…..
Particularly as it will have all Subaru Platform Driveline Suspension Brakes Steering etc which are alot more responsive and dynamic than your avg Toyota
When this car [Subaru] arrives which cars will it be competing against the Golf GT?
The new Hyundai FR coupe I would think. Which should also be pretty exciting. Wonder what Toyota Australia would be thinking once sales of this Subota and the Hyundai really take off. Especially if they’re good on fuel. Depending on what $ Subaru can get this down under for, There’ll probably be a lot of young couples (not yet with kids) trading down from XR6T to something like this. As TMR said in an earlier article there’s a huge gap in the market left by the 200SX
For sure BM. The Celica doesn’t really count but at least they had that before, now, nothing under $52,990 (I just noticed TRD have dropped the price of their TRD Aurion).
Subaru drivetrain, Subaru engine, and Subaru chassis - built by Subaru at their Gunma plant in Japan.
Where’s the Toyota involvement in that equation?
I noticed that too; 2nd or 3rd time since its release. Looks as though that “supercharger fire” did have an impact on sales
Could get to the point where Toyota are giving a TRD away with every new Corolla
If my info is correct, less than 10 TRD Aurions have been sold to private buyers Australia wide since it’s release! They are now being used as fleet vehicles for Toyota staff/management, and will be dumped onto the used market in a couple years.
Sydo,
Nope, your figure might be correct for the 2008 to date, but the figure I’ve heard is closer to 40 all up since its release in late 07.
Still not much to brag about. It’s a shame; if only they could use a Lexus GS / Toyota Aristo drivetrain or just import the whole thing under a Toyota badge. The biggest barrier to the TRD Aurion is the FWD, having driven one it’s not all that bad, but not a patch on an RWD or even AWD in terms of fun and the driving experience.