Oh how I remember the days of the Toyota Corolla AE86. The new Toyota FT-86 Concept, recently revealed to the world, actually makes me think of the AE86, not because of the body code similarities (AE86 vs. FT-86, but offering an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. It is about time Toyota offered something exciting. They have not had anything exciting since the Supra and maybe the Celica GT-S, but that’s a whole other story.
We brought you exclusive images and information of this upcoming vehicle that will be powered by a 2.0-liter boxer four cylinder engine developed in conjunction with Subaru a few months ago. Some think it will have more than the slated 160hp and be bumped up to 200hp. We suspect that the Toyota FT-86 will be light-weight to give it a decent amount of agility when it is coupled with a 6-speed manual and ADVICS brakes. I can see it now, the tuners are going to tear this car up… in a good way. Maybe Toyota will get this car out before Hyundai and others steal this segment.
Expect the Toyota FT-86 Concept to be on display in the flesh at the upcoming 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The price is expected to be just above $20,000. Sounds like a project car that we would love to have in our garage!
[Source: Toyota]
PRESS RELEASE
1. FT-86 Concept (world premiere)
The FT-86 (“86” pronounced “hachi roku”), a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car, provides driving joy and excitement.* Compact design gives driver greater control, while body’s lightness and low center of gravity allow racecar-like handling
* Both power and environmental performance provided by 2-liter boxer engine and light body
* Flash Red body color contains hint of blue; interior expresses modern feel with minimal coverage of the highly refined structural components evoking enthusiasm for cruisingVehicle Length Width Height Wheelbase Seating
FT-86 Concept 4,160 mm 1,760 mm 1,260 mm 2,570 mm 4
