Toyota’s AE86 Successor To Be Available To JDM Only?

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]