Subaru and Toyota join forces

By Peter Lyon

10th April 2008

It’s back to basics for Toyota and Subaru! The two Japanese giants have joined forces to build a compact, stripped out rear-wheel drive sportscar.

Set to go head-to-head with stylish rivals such as the forthcoming VW Scirocco, the new coupe will be focussed on providing driving thrills.

To keep costs down both versions will be based on current Impreza underpinnings, although the wheelbase is likely to be shortened to improve agility. Both models will get Subaru’s familiar boxer engine.

Despite sharing many common components, each will get a different nose and tail treatment.

Also in the pipeline is a scorching four-wheel drive version. Set to use the Impreza WRX’s turbocharged 2.5-litre motor, it promises to offer up blistering performance.

Company bosses also revealed that they would also collaborate on future small cars. Initially Toyota will supply rebadged motors for Subaru, which already has a deal with Daihatsu to sell its Sirion city car as the Justy.

The new plans come on the back of Toyota’s announcement that it will buy a 17 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company of Subaru.

Expect to see the first jointly developed superminis arrive in 2010, with the sporty two-seater arriving a year later.

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