From “promisingly awkward” mule to multiple styling “concepts” we’ve had plenty of looks at the many possible shapes that Toyota is considering for its forthcoming “FT-86” rear-drive budget sports coupe. But now, with Toyota finalizing the production look of its eagerly-anticipated sports coupe, we’re finally getting a good look at the FT-86’s production-ready proportions, if not its approved styling cues. And by the looks of it, it’s a clean, conventional coupe with just enough of a convention-defying low-hood look (enabled by Subaru’s boxer engine) to avoid looking like a scaled-down Z. In fact, this car’s ability to appear conventional yet subtly distinctive seems to be rooted in its small, rear-drive proportions rather than any one styling feature we’ve seen on a concept. Given the inherent challenge of building sportscars that offers broad appeal as well as enough distinctiveness to get enthusiasts fired up, this looks like a good sign for the FT-86’s future.
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Pretty nice. That low hood is particularly refreshing,
I’d really like to see an Elise-fighter version…really stripped down and elemental…preferably with a targa-top. Minimal insulation and luxury, hard bushings, razor-sharp steering and suspension tuning.
If they can offer a turbo engine with straight line performance similar to my 335i, and handling something like a Boxster, preferably for under $30k, I’d be VERY interested.
A bit too much front overhang.
Why should it have this much front overhang? Anyhow, I think the 2nd gen Eclipse looks better, especially around that amateurish C-pillar…
With that profile it should have a nice practical hatch opening, instead of the tiny trunk opening it does have.
With a hatch, I would consider this car, with a trunk, it is off my list.
Same here… along with Genesis and G35/37 this coupe with a trunk thing is silly – the profile of these cars scream for a nice hatchback configuration.
And ditto Quentin comments below: at some point I assume they have got to put a turbo in this thing, then my interest level skyrockets. Actually at this point I’m just amazed to see an rolling version. I kept thinking one day we would here this project was canceled since it (like the Camaro) has been going on for so long I’m sick of hearing about it already.
+2 on a hatch variant. But that would be too sensible (and attractive) for the N.American market.
I’m disappointed for the same reason, but it may have been difficult to meet weight and rigidity targets with a hatch.
No hatch = no sale.
I’m wondering if the big wing version is an indication that we’ll see a turbocharged version. There is a lot of Supra in the styling when it comes to the added aero. It’d be a shame for the performance to not back up the look.
Personally, I’ll take the cheaper, naturally aspirated model. Ideally they’ll only offer the NA version the first year and I can grab a used one really quickly when someone has to have the turbo model.
What’s the wing got to do with the turbo?
Anyway, it’s half Subaru. The better question is if they’ll offer a naturally aspirated version at all.
There are two versions floating around*. One with a big wing and aerokit and the other is pretty basic and restrained as far as flair goes. A 2.0L non-turbo has already been confirmed by Scion and Subaru for the US. No word on a turbo version. I would assume that the big wing version is hinting at a turbo option.
* Two versions is assuming that the aero kit that shows up on half of them isn’t something that was added since they had it out on the ‘ring yesterday. Very well could be the same car with and without the aero kit.
EDIT: So, I picked some swirls and compared them between the wingless and wing’d versions and the large wing and aero bits look to have been added to the car from the pictures that were shown yesterday. I’m guessing that this is some sort of factory aero kit they are offering and has no relationship to turbo or no-turbo. 5Axis has offered several lip kits for Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles, so this could be their handiwork.
I think the Aero pieces were added for a high speed ring run and say absolutely nothing about what is under the hood, because I think it is the same thing under the hood in each case, as I think it is exactly the same car.
When I look closely at the “two” cars with the swirly plastic camo, they look like the exact same car to me, just with a Aero Kit tacked on later. The swirls break in exactly the same place on each car. The bottom aero pieces look like they were bolted on after the camo was in place without bothering to re-camo. Though they did camo the wing.
I expect that there will only be naturally aspirated versions initially. Eventually there will likely be a turbo.
Edit. Should read more closely before posting. So yeah, I agree with post above mine.
Yeah, it looks like my mouth got ahead of my brain. I didn’t realize the basics specs for market had been settled. What’s the deal about it heading to Scion? I’m reading differing opinions.
Supposedly, it will be a Subaru and Scion in the US and Toyota and Subaru in the rest of the world. I think a lot of people want to see it as a Toyota, but it really doesn’t fit Toyota’s image. All Scion dealers are tied to Toyota dealers, so it will still have the desired effect (get DINKs like me into the dealer and my wife sees a Highlander, lol)
Well, looking at the pricing, that makes sense. I haven’t been keeping up with the FT-86 and for some reason, I’ve been under the impression that this was supposed to be Toyota’s halo performance car, akin to the GT-R (or at least a 370Z).
How much would that paint job cost? I think I want it. :)
Seriously though, I think the car looks nice.
If they can give this car the lightness, performance and handling of a Miata with a hatchback and rear seat (even a tiny one) I’ll be the first one with cash in hand.
I really love the Miata, but the convertible top really limits the amount I’d drive it. The soft top is just too noisy for my liking. I don’t think this is getting a hatch (I’d like a shooting brake, actually), but it appears that we’re getting a fastback w/ a trunklid.
I’m confused, at the NY auto show, there was a Scion /Subrau — is this another variant of the same car?
You’re not so confused.
Scion is Toyota. Once Toyota decides how they want to market this car, they just apply the appropriate badges.
Hard to tell what it looks like with all those whirlygig designs on it. Makes my eyes go funny. Is Murilee responsible for that?
I think this is hard to tell what is going on here. It looks ok, but with the good camo job, seeing the lines to know how good this looks is very difficult. To me, it looks a little bland.