Well it looks like we have some solid confirmation that the bonkers Toyota FT-1 Concept is actually going to be the next Supra->ke355. Yes, every person in the entire world has said that the FT-1 is the next Supra already, but that was all speculation, conjecture and plain old rumor mongering. What we have now is much more solid proof that the folks at Toyota->ke88 are turning their drop-dead sexy coupe concept into the next Japanese supercar->ke177.

The confirmation comes from a man named Peter Lyon. If you are unfamiliar with his name, I am sure you have probably read his work at some point. He is a journalist living in Tokyo who specializes in the Japanese Auto Industry. He has had his work published in MotorTrend, Autocar, Evo and many more. If anyone has connections at Toyota->ke88, it is this guy.

According to a source “close to Toyota” the next Supra is a go, and it is well into production. The current target is a 2016 release.

Beyond confirming that the Supra is really coming, Lyon gives drivetrain details.

Read on to hear what he has to say, and hear our take on it as well.

Click past the jump to read about the Toyota FT-1 Concept

2014 Toyota FT-1 Concept

Lyon claims that Toyota is actually going to employ a two-engine tiered lineup. The 2.0-liter engine from the upcoming Lexus NX 200T will be the powertrain for the base car. The top-tier model will get its motivation from a 2.5-liter V6 turbocharged hybrid system. Power output for the hybrid model is stated to be around 400 horsepower. We don’t doubt that Toyota may be working on a 400-horsepower hybrid system, but we do question the offering of two engine choices.

If Toyota offers the Supra with a 2.0-liter turbo, it will have to cut weight and improve performance fairly dramatically to move it away from the GT-86->ke4085. It would also need to price the Supra at a point that it won’t cannibalize sales of the coupe it helped develop with Subaru->ke86. I would expect Toyota would aim for at least $35,000 dollars as a starting point. The issue there involves how many buyers, especially in the American market, will pay $35,000+ for a four-cylinder sports car.

I think the more logical option would be to position the Supra as a Halo car in the way that Nissan->ke62 has done the GT-R. Give it 400 horsepower, hybrid power, lightweight materials, and then aim for the $75,000 and up market.

All of this is pure speculation at this point, but we are closer to having a new Supra now than ever before.

Do you guys think Toyota can make a case for the smaller 2.0T car? Should they just go all out and make a supercar beating monster? Shout out below.