Tokyo Preview: Toyota FT-86 Concept Is What We've Been Waiting For
Let's be honest: When we think of exciting cars, Toyota isn't the first name that pops into our heads. We aren't the only ones who feel this way, and the high-ups at Toyota have heard our cries. Here now, we see the FT-86 Concept, set to debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show -- a rear-drive, two-plus-two coupe.
Details are slim as of this writing, but we know that the FT-86 is powered by a 2.0-liter Subaru-sourced Boxer four and that the key ingredients of making this car sporty are lightness and a low center of gravity.
Is that you, Toybaru?
Consider us stoked, and stay tuned for the full details. Click through to read Toyota's very short 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
- Discuss (7 comments)
- Digg It
- Del.icio.us
- StumbleUpon
Comments
bmg123
I feel like I am going to have to sit with that design a few days before I can feel whether I like it or not. My initial impression was that it looks like a junior Lexus LFA, or whatever the new Lexus supercar will be called. Then I started noticing some recent Nissan design elements. I do really like the side profile, with the low sloping of the hood. The rear end design looks good to me too. I am not sure how I feel about the roofline right now, but it seems a little Nissanish it that's a word. I noticed a lot of recent designs, including the new Saab 9-5 and this design, have the pillar between the windshield and side windows blacked out. For some reason I hate this because it reminds me of a late 80s Olds Cutlass Supreme.
The car looks very performance oriented, and I have the impression it might have a more high strung and sporty feeling than the new Hyundai Genesis coupe, which seems to me more like a GT. This is really great to have another affordable RWD sporty car. They should just call it a Celica...
Trinks
Eagerly anticipating more details, keep 'em coming!
Mena
I'm really liking the design and am REALLY hoping that this makes it to production. The look of some of the interior bits tells me it's almost ready to go but I don't want to get my hopes up. A 2.0L Subie engine? Hmmm. Hopefully there will be a turbo variant of this motor. I'll be keeping my eye on this.
choolhorst@isis...
Nice---this is the front end that should be on the new Mazdaspeed 3. Photo shop anybody?
WoodRat
I can't think of any other car that looks more like a Nissan Z, so it's pretty obvious what Toyota is targeting here.
el_duderino
I'm obviously being biased, but particularly from the side profile, it reminds me of a possible evolution of a Honda S2000 into a 2+2 hardtop, especially with the low slung hood line (although the windshield is more forward and raked back).
It's interesting that the S2000 was (is) also a RWD 2.0-ish coupe, albeit a dedicated 2 seat roadster. Maybe if Toyota actually produces this, then Honda would someday come out with an S2000 replacement with a sister 2+2 hardtop version that can compete with this and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. I don't know, but Honda is bumming me out that it's throwing away its sporting heritage for the sake of being solely an environmental friendly brand. I don't think even the CR-Z concept will cut it.
2K1Civic
IMO- this may do a little better than the 7th gen celica (due to the RWD), but won't be a great car..
Let me start by saying I may buy it (if the price < 25,000 & performance beats the 7th gen celica), since my civic has 130K miles on it & should be due to be replaced a yr or so after this car comes out & i love it already!
Why do i think it's not destined for greatness- think back to the 7th gen celica with the same design brief!)
compact/ light/ low CG- check,
190+ hp, less than 2500 lbs- check
exciting design- check
FWD- hmm.
the major difference the FT- 86 brings is RWD- hmm. Lotus engineers believed for a car of similar specs, FWD was the best way to go (look into the Lotus M100 Elan or just drive it!). From my experience with cars of similar performace, i'd agree.
It'll have a significantly stiffer chasis but pack a few 100 lbs more- that may affect performace (since they're unlikely to beat the power to weight ratio of the 7th gen celica with a n/a EJ20). Of course it finally depends on gearing..
The big one is reviving the legendary 'hachi roku' designation. Since folks weren't impressed with a Celica of similar performance, calling a car of similar specs the next 'hachi roku' is bound to disappoint.. IMO the small engine bay size may not lend itself to slapping a turbo on to make big power (doing a visual comparison w/ an impreza engine bay)