Subota AE86 inspired coupe update

Autocar have provided us with a glimpse of what the upcoming Toyota and Subaru joint venture sports coupe could look like. According to Autocar, top-secret sketches reveal the new coupe’s brief to be, lightweight, compact, RWD and fast.

There will most likely be both a Subaru and Toyota version of the coupe, both differing cosmetically but sharing the same basic body structure and 2.0-litre Subaru boxer engine, at least in base form. Sources say a 2.5-litre turbocharged version is also a possibility.

The exciting specifications owe their origins to the cult classic Toyota AE86 Corolla GT coupe, dating from the 80’s and still inspiring a legion of fans. Toyota also sought counsel from fans of the original AE86—and appear to have listened.

This time around, Toyota and Subaru are building the new car on a shortened and lightened Impreza platform. It will be interesting to see just what can be achieved, given modern safety requirements and design rules. Will it really be as light as enthusiasts are hoping?

While the new coupe will be one of few small cars to feature RWD, there is also the possibility that a future AWD variant featuring the 2.5-litre turbo mill will become a reality, in the spirit of the ‘gone but not forgotten’ Toyota Celica GT4.

Final design of the coupe is due to be finalized in July, with production expected to begin in 2010. The coupe will be built by Subaru in Japan, with Toyota handling the majority of the development work.

Word is, the pricing will be sharp and the ‘Subota’ coupe will eventually find its way to North America and Europe. Let's hope Australia isn’t left off the list.

[Source: Autocar]