Our spies have caught the Toyota FT-86 testing in Europe for the first time, proving that the rear-drive coupe - which some sources say will revive the 'Celica' badge - is well on the way to production.
Spotted undergoing a handling shake-down at Germany’s Nurbürgring, the finished exterior design (heavily concealed beneath the camouflage paintjob) was overseen by Toyota, while Subaru took care of the rest – including the signature boxer engine, transmission, suspension and brakes.
Here's a spy video of the FT-86 at the track:
Two very different versions were caught testing at the same location - with the performance-oriented Sport version clearly identifiable thanks to an extreme body-kit, big-bore twin exhausts and a giant rear wing. Our sources say that this version will come with a sports exhaust system and ECU remap, boosting power by around 30bhp.
They’ll both be built on the same Subaru production line, but have slight variations in grilles, wheels, some cabin details and marginally different suspension tuning, but apart from that the cars will be the same.
Sitting on an all-new platform that borrows strongly from the new Impreza and the current Legacy, the FT-86 is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine, and is expected to produce around 200bhp. The unit will sit much lower and closer to the centre of the car than on the current Impreza, “which leads to inspired handling” claims our source.
Channeling the power straight to the rear wheels – a first for Subaru – will be either a six-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox, the newcomer should manage the sprint from zero to 60mph in under seven seconds, but a quicker turbo version will not be offered.
Our source tells us that the entry-level models will get 17-inch wheels, and cost 2.3 around £17,400 in Japan, rising to £21,200 for the flagship, which will include options like Brembo brakes and stiffer sports suspension – although a weak exchange rate may see these prices rise when the car goes on sale here next spring, following a debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in November.
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as the petrol boxer engines strong points certainly arnt its strong points!
im sure the 2nd pic of the high spec one is a supra, the rear window/rear wheel arch is uncanny
Slightly relieved that Subaru are doing the oily bits as their design history - particularly the Impreza - is hardly confidence insipring. If it's lightweight enough then 200bhp should be adequate. If there's a hint of Supra then that's just Toyota's DNA showing through: nothing wrong with that. Seems to have been a long time coming though.
It been a long time in the development stage but it will be all the better for it - this will be one hell of a car when it comes out!
Great mean GT looks, excellent price and good enough performance for the price. Would like to have seen a more aggressive performance to match the looks. The turbo version will be interesting - like the good days of the GT4 Celica? Need to add this to may Amazon wish list
Its the replacement for the iconic AE86,levin, Hence the code name ft86, GET it right!, rwd and all etc !.
Its the replacement for the iconic AE86,levin, Hence the code name ft86, GET it right!, rwd and all etc !.
well if you want to get anal it was a corolla levin AE86. Calling it a corolla replacement wouldnt be its greatest selling point, being known as one of the most mundane cars in the last decade+. It kind of really is a replacement for the now defunct celica(a small, cheapish coupe) and with no mr2 on the horizon, it fills both slots.
Its the replacement for the iconic AE86,levin, Hence the code name ft86, GET it right!, rwd and all etc !.
Its the replacement for the iconic AE86,levin, Hence the code name ft86, GET it right!, rwd and all etc !.
I’m just stating a fact, The corolla GT/Levin, call it what you will,AE86 is its chassis code, there code for this is FT86, anyone with the slightly of interest, knowledge in the iconic AE86 Hachi-Roku, would instantly see, but if your calling the classic ae86 boring, then you keep thinking that, it was no fwd malarkey.
I’m just stating a fact, The corolla GT/Levin, call it what you will,AE86 is its chassis code, there code for this is FT86, anyone with the slightly of interest, knowledge in the iconic AE86 Hachi-Roku, would instantly see, but if your calling the classic ae86 boring, then you keep thinking that, it was no fwd malarkey.
I’m just stating a fact, The corolla GT/Levin, call it what you will,AE86 is its chassis code, there code for this is FT86, anyone with the slightly of interest, knowledge in the iconic AE86 Hachi-Roku, would instantly see, but if your calling the classic ae86 boring, then you keep thinking that, it was no fwd malarkey.
Whats the point (besides the cost of production) of these two manufacturers coming up with the SAME product in the market place?. As a consumer what would one buy if they were pitched at a similar price. Surely both these manufacturers have enough kudos in the sports car market to develope their own products and then let the competition begin!!! I'd hate to be in the salesmens shoes in either of these dealerships when these two hit the showrooms next year. Would you like to go ahead with it Sir ? Oh No, I am also trying out the other one !!!
its just platform sharing.Look at golf/a3/leon/octivia. All the same chassis's, engines etc etc. Put a slightly different style body on,different suspension set-up and it appeals to different groups of people. All subaru needs to do is to make sure its a bit more hardcore to go with there image(well a sportier brand than toyota). In fairness i cant see subaru customers going for toyotas and visa versa.toyota probs would sell more unless subaru can match toyotas new 5 year warranty.
The chances are the Toyota version will be called Celica, so it really doesn't matter how banal your AE86 comments get, Toyota ain't gonna listen to ya :P
Besides, the Levin was one pug-ugly shed of a car. The only thing it was ever good at was drifting, and that was only due to the fact it had a terrible chassis. The engine wasn't bad though, I'll give you that much...