Category: Toyota

Toyota is the first to break with official images and information for the Toybaru sports car. The production model is called the GT 86 and, like the concept model, the name pays respect to the AE86 Corolla.

Interestingly the press release from Toyota Australia refers the car as simply the “86”, saying that’s what the car will be referred to in Japan. It would seem, then, the Celica nameplate won’t be reborn down under; looks like we’ll be running with 86.

We’re told the GT 86 is lightweight, but oddly, no official weight has been specified just yet. Maybe they’re keeping that for the impending public reveal at the Tokyo Motor Show. [Ed: We’ve since discovered the standard kerbweight is 1180kg.] We can tell you the GT 86 has a 53:47 front–rear weight distribution.

Toyota has confirmed the engine spec of the 2.0 litre D-4S boxer engine will be 147kW/205Nm, which is just what we were expecting. Manual and automatic transmissions will be offered, both 6-speed. Of course, power is sent to the rear wheels only.

Thankfully, the more extreme elements of the styling shown in the concept car have been tamed for production spec. But, in doing so, has Toyota taken it a step too far? The ‘look at me’ lighting details have made way for a ‘yes, I think you’ve seen me before’ treatment.

Overall, though, the GT 86 is a welcome addition to the Toyota lineup. The next question now is, will the reality match the hype?

Press information from Australia and the UK, along with a photo gallery for you after the break.

UPDATE 28 November: Toyota Australia has confirmed with AUSmotive the car will be marketed locally as the 86. Further detail on price and specification will be available closer to the Australian launch in mid-2012.

We’re around one week away from the official reveal of the Toyota FT-86 and this official promo has been published to help build the mood. Equal parts nostalgia and modern technology it’s clear Toyota wants its Toybaru sports car to build on a legacy of cars that have long been missing from Toyota’s model range.

While only a brief glimpse of the FT-86 is given towards the end of the clip, it’s interesting to see the Toyota–Subaru collaboration so overtly recognised as it is on the engine cover shown in the image above.

Will the final production version so proudly boast the names of the two manufacturers? We’ll find out in a week’s time.

You can watch the video in full after the break.

As well as this new image above engine specs, and more, for the upcoming Toyota FT-86 have been revealed in new leaked material (check out the source link).

To summarise the key data, the standard FT-86 will feature a 147kW normally aspirated 2.0 litre four cylinder boxer engine, confirming its ‘Toybaru’ roots. Peak power is achieved at 7000rpm. Torque will be 205Nm and reached at a peaky 6600rpm. Kerb weight for the entry level model is 1210kg and the ‘high-spec’ model will weigh an extra 20kg. Hmm, does that engine sound a little underwhelming to anyone else?

Fuel consumption shouldn’t be too bad, hovering around the 7.5–8.0l/100km region. Stability control is included and so is a limited slip diff if you stick with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.

We wouldn’t be at all surprised if Toyota Australia chose to revive the Celica badge for the FT-86. Expect pricing to be somewhere around the $40,000 mark.

[Source: FT86club | Thanks to Scott for the tip]

Supposedly we’re looking at a genuine Toyota ‘Modellista’ brochure for the FT-86. The much hyped rear-wheel drive sportscar will make its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show (3–11 December).

The transition to production car has remained reasonably faithful to the concept. The biggest changes are around the front wing/spoiler treatment and given the radical nature of the show car that was always to be expected.

On the rear bootlid there is no wing, as we saw on the concept model, but there’ll be a comprehensive OEM and aftermarket range of parts to take care of that.

Inside, too, it looks as though Toyota will be offering a range of customisation options for buyers. From the glimpse given in this leaked brochure the FT-86 interior looks half decent. A large drive shaft tunnel splitting the rear seats means it’ll be a strictly two person layout in the back.

The FT-86 has been confirmed for the Australian market with deliveries expected late next year or early in 2013. We’ll bring you more when Toyota sends out official pics and information.

[Source: Autocar]