Remember all the buzz about a sports coupe co-developed by Toyota and Subaru? The Toyota FT-86 concept, which premieres in two weeks at the 2009 Tokyo motor show, is our first look at the project.
Ever since the MR Spyder and Celica left the U.S. market in 2007 and 2006, respectively, Toyota's lineup has been devoid of a pure sports model. The FT-86, which will likely reach production in 2011, seeks to rectify that.
As the name may suggest, the FT-86 is largely inspired by the ever-popular AE86 Corolla from the 1980s, and remains a sporty rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. Power will come courtesy of Subaru, which lends the FT-86 its turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four ripped from an Impreza. Toyota isn't disclosing power levels quite yet, but has indicated the engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
When it finally reaches dealers, the production FT-86 may be priced in the low $30,000 range, allowing it to compete with the likes of the Nissan 370Z and Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
We'll be at the 2009 Tokyo motor show on October 21, when the FT-86 will officially be unwrapped. We'll bring you all the latest news on the FT-86 and other debuts live from the show floor.