The year 2011 kicks off with some great news for fans who’ve been clamouring for the return of a sports coupe in Toyota’s stables. Mori Ikuo, president of Fuji Heavy Industries, has announced that two variants will be available to consumers by the end of the year.
On top of confirming the news to the Tokyo Newspaper, Ikuo has revealed that the design process and engine work have been completed and that all that remains is to adapt the car for foreign markets.
No details on the powertrain of the two machines, but rumours point to the same 305-hp, 2.5-litre, turbocharged mill currently used in the Subaru WRX STI.
Automotive specialists are expecting the Toyota version to be rear-wheel drive and more affordable, while the Subaru would be marketed as the more luxurious model offering all-wheel drive.
No prices have been mentioned, but if rumours about the STI’s engine prove to be true, the car could be less affordable than expected and, in a way, represent a departure from the spirit of the AE-86.
For those of you unfamiliar with the FT-86, the prototype was entirely inspired by the Toyota AE-86, one of the cars offering the best performance/price ratio of its time. The RWD model is still highly sought after in the drifting world today.
Source: 0-60 Mag et Auto Guide
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| Photo: Toyota |
On top of confirming the news to the Tokyo Newspaper, Ikuo has revealed that the design process and engine work have been completed and that all that remains is to adapt the car for foreign markets.
No details on the powertrain of the two machines, but rumours point to the same 305-hp, 2.5-litre, turbocharged mill currently used in the Subaru WRX STI.
Automotive specialists are expecting the Toyota version to be rear-wheel drive and more affordable, while the Subaru would be marketed as the more luxurious model offering all-wheel drive.
No prices have been mentioned, but if rumours about the STI’s engine prove to be true, the car could be less affordable than expected and, in a way, represent a departure from the spirit of the AE-86.
For those of you unfamiliar with the FT-86, the prototype was entirely inspired by the Toyota AE-86, one of the cars offering the best performance/price ratio of its time. The RWD model is still highly sought after in the drifting world today.
Source: 0-60 Mag et Auto Guide
 |
| Photo: Toyota |