Toyota's new FT-86 Concept (In The Flesh)

[BillyM]

Toyota's President Akio Toyoda has said the automaker is in desperate need of an excitement injection, and here's the first dose: the Toyota FT-86 Concept.

Inspired by the Corolla-based AE86 sports coupe of the '80s, the FT-86 concept was designed by the automaker's ED2 styling studio in France and bears a remarkable resemblance to the FT-HS concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show several years back.

Since it's a "concept," Toyota hasn't divulged much about the FT-86 yet, but we do know it's powered by a Subaru-derived 2.0-liter boxer four sending power to the rear wheels. Toyota focused on keeping the weight down to improve handling and, according to one source, the platform is unique to the concept. The engine sits lower in the engine bay to aid aerodynamics while keeping the center of gravity in check, and the overall dimensions of Toyota's new 2+2 are 163.78 inches long and 69.29 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 101.18 inches.

After the FT-86 bows in concept form at the Tokyo Motor Show next month, the production model will be shown sometime next year with sales beginning sometime in late 2011 carrying a sticker price somewhere north of $20,000.

Click the following link to go to the original story and the photo gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/t...k-the-hachiro/

So, what do you think about this? I think it is going to be an absolute failure. Too heavy, too slow, too expensive. FAIL.

--billyM

[discoelk]

Theres no mention of the weight or the power output...

Either way, if its got drive by wire, count me out.

[Supracress]

I think it looks alright but not in love with it. Denfinatly not what I would expect being inspired by the AE86, but I think the price tag will make it fail.
Not sure why they would axe the MR-2 only to start development on this. Seems like the MR-2 atleast had a better niche market to fill.

[zuprax85]

So this car will take the celicas place? No freaking way will be a supra, not with a subaru engine an 4 cylinders. Fail.

[Tanya]

fail car is fail.

[X-Factor001]

When they say inspired by, they usually mean that style of car. A low weight sports coupe. They didnt say: "This is the new AE86". We all just need to wait and see what Toyota does with this. For all we know, it could be a successful, low cost sports coupe, that can in fact be comparable to the AE86. We needn't be so hasty to jump to conclusions.

[supraturbo85]

Fail! And. Why is it based on the corolla when the supra was the benchmark of all toyota's back then? They need to ask the enthusiast ... Us at cs.com

[Muchbzy]

Well, I think I'm going to have to agree. I don't think pricing NORTH of the 20's is a tribute to AE anything but that's me and as Billy said, heavy and large? Does not equal exciting. If you are going to make something north of 20's then you are in G37 land. It also looks like the Genisis would kick it's ass...

[SilverMk2]

I'm just happy they are trying. Although I do wish they'd change the front bumper and dump the boxer 4. The rear 3/4 shots actually look pretty decent.

[Malloy]

I like it. I doubt they are trying to actually reproduce an 80s Corolla.

All cars are heavy now....so if its lighter than the Genesis etc. we may have a winner. I do like the styling (assuming it stays as aggressive)....shows Toyota has some balls again.