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"The FT-86 Concept is neither an electric vehicle nor a hybrid vehicle, but is a sports model with a gasoline engine developed to convey the essential appeal of automobiles in a new era. It is a must-see concept car that expresses TMC's desire to once again create a Toyota sports car," the Japanese automaker said in a release published on its official site.
The compact-sized coupe is powered by a front-mounted, 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine sourced from Subaru that drives the rear wheels. Official details are still scarce, but our sources tell us that Toyota opted to equip the concept model with a naturally-aspirated version of Subaru's 2.0-liter flat flour that produces 150HP in the Impreza.

However, it is most likely that the Japanese automaker has tweaked the engine to crank out a few more ponies boosting output closer to 200 horsepower.

It's worth noting that in Japan, Subaru also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer with 250HP that powers the Impreza S-GT that we all know as the WRX in most markets.

It's still too early to know which powertrains will be available on the production version of the FT-86, but Subaru's 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engines (depending on the market) in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms would have to be the most serious candidates.

The coupe is quite compact in dimensions measuring 4,160mm (163.7-in.) in length, 1,760mm (69.3-in.) in width, and 1,260mm (49.6-in.) in height with a wheelbase of 2,570mm (101.2-in.).

The FT-86 Concept was penned at Toyota's European Design Development ED2 studio that's located in Nice, France. The exterior design, which obviously won't change much when it reaches production in 2011, is clearly inspired by Toyota's FT-HS hybrid concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2007. And yes, we must admit that our first take is very positive.

Needless to say that the FT-86's interior styling is far too conceptual for production, but it does provide a hint or two (no more though...) at the design direction Toyota is taking with the production model.

As we've already said before, the FT-86 will also spawn a Subaru version that will share the same underpinnings and mechanical hardware but according to the two Japanese automakers, will feature its own distinct styling. Hopefully, Subaru's "design team" won't disappoint us this time...

I like the "sub 2700 lbs" and rwd part

I see some Ferrari 456 in the sides, some 350Z and some previous generation Celica in the front end, the roofline looks like a Z4 Coupe, and oddly enough some Dodge Intrepid in the rear end. I'd imagine Subaru will "box it up" a little

I like it.

Interesting - my initial impressions were similar but somewhat different. When seeing the first photo - the front end - I immediately thought of Honda S2000. The rest reminds me of G35 / 350Z.

Yes...S2K front end. I totally see that now.

Does your 2700# figure include the eleventy airbags and wiring to run the other electronic nannies and creature comforts?

Considering it's the size of a Miata without the heavy convert. top


yeah