| | |||||||||||||||||||
 
Finally, some concrete information on Toyota’s FT-86 production vehicle coming out of the company’s G sports division. Apparently, Toyota Japan had an invite-only event to showcase their Noah and Voxy people-movers, but it didn’t take long for the conversation to turn to the highly anticipated FT-86. According to 7tune, the Toyota FT-86 is definitely on schedule and ready to make its appearance in November 2011, contrary to the rumors circulating that its debut was pushed back to 2013. 7tune sat down with Dr. Shigeyuki Hori, Project General Manager for the Sports Vehicle Management division and Kazuo Okino, Group manager for the same division and they confirmed that the FT-86 is about 50% complete and is still on target in terms of pricing. Their mid-range level spec will cost about $29,000. They also discussed the possibility of a turbocharged engine, but the decision on that is still up in the air at Toyota. In total, the FT-86 will come in three spec levels with two engines. A hybrid vehicle is also in the works, but will not come in one of the spec levels of the FT-86. Toyota says they are saving that powerplant for a different sports vehicle. Some more good news for the folks that are patiently waiting for the release of the FT-86 is this: the concept will not see many changes to its design. The minor changes that will be made will be more aesthetic, leaving the overall shape untouched. When asked about the anxiety held by the public in terms of the FT-86, Chief Officer for Toyota’s Motor Sports Division, Tadashi Yamashina, replied that “the cars development was on schedule and that because of Toyota’s connection with Subaru, there was no way that the car wasn’t going to be great.” There you have it, folks, straight from the automotive horse’s mouth. .
15 comments: Toyota FT-86 will be ready to roll in Nov. 2011 A supercharger is more suited to daily driving than a turbocharger, which is what 99% of buyers will be using the car for. Also, a supercharger already exists for that engine, any any cut to development costs would be welcome with this car. Personally, I think that the Subaru engine is a bad idea, as it is heavier, more expensive and less powerful than the engine I suggested. Toyota and Subaru should share the platform, but the powertrains should be unique.  Agree, but it’s supposed to have a Subaru engine. BTW, there is also a supercharged version of the 2GR-FSE. It’s found in the JDM Toyota Mark X and puts out around 370 hp. The 2.4 inline 4 would IMO benefit more from a turbocharger, given that rpm is limited due to its undersquare design.
The 306 bhp V6 from the IS 350 would make a great engine for this car, with the supercharged 200 bhp inline-4 from the current tC for the sub-$20K base model.
 It’s good to hear that Toyota isn’t pushing this back. They are in desperate need of a small RWD sports car for the masses. Can’t wait to see what TRD has planned for it.
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Posted on
07.27.2010 @ 19:06