Toyota is blurring the lines between fantasy and reality! The Japanese firm has unveiled a race-prepared version of its stunning FT-86 concept, first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. And it's set to take a starring role in the cult video game - Gran Turismo 5.
Displayed in the flesh at last week's Tokyo Auto Salon, the latest concept is known as the FT-86 G Sports. It's the first in a series of G Sports models, co-developed with its racing partner GAZOO, to be revealed over the next few years.
Modifications include a vented carbonfibre bonnet, extra-wide body kit and oversize rear wing, while finishing off the Japanese drift car look is a set of 19-inch alloys. And it doesn't just look the part - it should drive like a racer, too. Under the hood is a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine borrowed from Subaru, with power is sent directly to the rear wheels.
More information and detailed specification will be made available closer to the on-sale date of the production-ready FT-86, expected to be some time in 2011. In the meantime if you want to take this car for a spin it'll have to be from the comfort of your own armchair.
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I do not understand why Toyota hooked up with Subaru on this car. The chassis looks good but why not have a Toyota engine instead of the Subaru boxster? Everyone has been looking for the return of the Supra and if they had put in a hefty power plant (V6 or I6) made by Toyota then there would be some serious interest. That said, what they should have done was have Subaru put in an AWD system.
The engine choice is curious, maybe the configuration of the boxer engine was the only one that would fit ? Great looking car though and if it goes like an Impreza then it's a stormer, maybe they'll follow it up with a 4WD.
Why choose Subaru as a partner? it comes downto two things
1 Toyota has a stake in Subaru.
2 Cost, why go to all the trouble and expense of producing a new chassis for your next sports car when Subaru have just spent millions making the new impreza which in STI format is outstanding. plus its already for rear drive if you remove the front transfer boxand drive shafts, just like a proper sports car should be.
Watch out for a 4x4 version in the future! i bet they even call it the GT 4
Whoop's got it wrong, its on the Legacy platform not the impreza!
They chose the boxer engine for its low centre of gravity. This si supposed to be a well balanced light weight sports car, so jamming a V6 in teh nose is going to be rather counter productive. The Subaru boxer has had plenty of development and is a pretty good compromise for balance and power.
Also, the only Yota engine worth sticking in there would be the 3.5 V6 which costs a bomb. Yotas 4 cylinder engines are pretty low on redeeming features.