You wait patiently for one Japanese rear-wheel-drive coupe, and then two come along at once. Subaru has taken the wraps off the full production version of the BRZ Coupe, developed alongside the Toyota GT 86, at the Tokyo Motor Show.
You can read our first drive of the Toyota GT 86 here, and unsurprisingly, the spec for Subaru's version is extremely similar. Under the long bonnet is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine developing 197bhp and 205Nm of torque, while there's a choice of a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox or a paddle shift six-speed automatic, which automatically blips the throttle on down shifts.
Video: Watch the Subaru BRZ Coupe in action
Performance figures have yet to be confirmed for either the GT 86 or BRZ, but expect a 0-62mph time of around seven seconds and a top speed of 143mph.
The proportions are identical to the Toyota, with the bulging rear arches and sloping bonnet, but the grille, headlights and foglights are unique to Subaru, as are the more prominent side gills and the lack of a rear spoiler. Subaru's press release reveals that the BRZ will be fitted with 17-inch wheels as standard and the kerbweight is a commendable 1,220kg, thanks to extensive use of high tensile strength steel.
Although there's no pictures of the interior yet, we'll have to wait until the car's official unveil tomorrow for that, Subaru has confirmed that it will feature a small steering wheel for 'sports car maneuverability', a tachometer and digital speedometer in the the centre of the instrument panel and bespoke sports seats mounted as low as possible.
It goes on sale in the UK towards the end of 2012 with a starting price tag of £28,000. A more powerful STI version – previewed by a concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show – will arrive soon after with around 300bhp from a turbocharged boxer engine.
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However, I prefer the more aggressive front styling on the GT86.
This looks amazing as does its sister car the GT86. Choosing between the two is very hard although I do prefer the kudos/image associated with Subaru. Both are pricey though.
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Now 1220kgs is commendable in a compact car? I was moaning about the Toyota version weighing 1180kgs.
These things are heavy for compact cars.
Target weight for a 4 seat compact should be about 1000kgs. Or 950kgs if you skimp on fancy extras and use a few aluminium panels.
But maybe that's because this picture looks a bit like a base model - no doubt Subaru are planning some sort of STi version that will take the asking price up to closer 40 grand!
Can't help but feel disappointed that both models are going to cost a lot more than what was speculated - and certainly exceed my budget - but that might be justified if the cars really are that good.
The Subaru...it looks better than the Toyota.