Toyota FT-86

[blueoval]

I'm tempted to hold off getting a lease car too if this comes in next year.

[2011G6E]

I remember reading that the main point of the car was keeping the price as reasonable as possible and not make it an exclusive and prestige model, much like the original AE86 was.

Yes, they certainly made a point with the styling...as I said, it would have to be the first time I can remember when the production version is actually wilder looking than the concept car.

I noticed a few styling cues from Ferrari as well. Some people complain about this, but hey, if someone makes something well, then why not take a few pointers from them?

I do recall Jeremy Clarkson saying, about the Hyundai Tiburon coupe, that some writers in British mags critisised it for "looking too much like a Ferrari". Clarkson got that incredulous look on his face and said "I'm sorry...your compaining because a cheap coupe is styled too much like a Ferrari?? That's like complaining that your wife looks too much like Uma Thurmon..."

[trippytaka]

We are all pretty excited about the FT-86... it will be at MIMS (Melbourne International Motorshow) so if you're heading there, have a look. It's a hot piece of kit.

Top points from me are it's rear drive platform. Should be a hell of a lot of fun.

The joint effot with Fuji (subaru) is an interesting one and it will certainly be interesting to see what this thing goes like if the 2.5L turbo boxer finds its way under the bonnet.

Price tag... I would say base will stay cheap. Have a look at what Toyota is doing with the prices... FJ cruiser under 50k, corolla reduced, Prius dropped by 7k. And the FT-86 is aimed squarely at young people, so it has to be an entry point price range. Hopefully

01 March 2011

FT-86 II CONCEPT - TOYOTA'S PASSION FOR SPORTS CAR DRIVING REBORN

* Previews the next generation of Toyota sports car
* Driver-focused concept designed to capture the joy of driving
* Aerodynamics developed from F1 technology


Toyota has given the clearest indication yet of the final design for its next sports car with the unveiling of the FT-86 II concept at the Geneva Motor Show.

The FT-86 II pays homage to Toyota's illustrious sports car history through its compact proportions which feature a long, low bonnet, high wings and rear-set cabin.

The FT-86 II is an entirely driver-oriented concept - designed to give form to the intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous responses to even the smallest throttle or steering input - for those who regard driving as a passion rather than a necessity.

Under a design concept that Toyota's European Design Development centre, ED2, has dubbed 'Functional Beauty', its bold, sweeping form has been generated entirely through the constraints of function and aerodynamics developed from F1 technology.

With its low, highly aerodynamic body shell stretched tight over the engineering hard points, the FT-86 II concept's muscular body work has been made as compact as possible.

Featuring a long, 2,570mm wheelbase, the concept is 4,235mm in length, 1,795mm wide and just 1,270mm high.

Rather than relying on a heavy, large displacement powertrain for its performance, the FT-86 II returns to Toyota's sporting roots by combining a free-revving boxer petrol engine and a six-speed manual transmission with compact dimensions, light weight and a low centre of gravity for the best possible power-to-weight ratio.

Both powertrain and driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to optimise balance for maximum poise, high-speed stability and dynamic agility.

Allied to a front engine, rear-wheel drive format, this affords the FT-86 II lively, accessible performance, highly engaging, readily-exploitable dynamic abilities and maximum driving pleasure.

The FT-86 II concept is the result of an August 2009 announcement that Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries would launch a jointly developed compact rear-wheel drive sports car. European sales of Toyota's new sports car will begin in 2012.


HERITAGE - HALF A CENTURY OF PASSION FOR SPORTING PERFORMANCE

* Toyota has been creating exciting sports cars for nearly 50 years
* 2000 GT established Toyota's global reputation for sports car manufacturing
* Corolla Coupe, Celica, Supra and MR2 consistently popular on the global market


"When the Toyota 2000 GT was built I was 11 years old - and I loved it. I said: 'I want to drive something like this when I grow up.' My dream came true when I drove a 2000 GT in a vintage car rally. That was a really great experience. I want young people to feel those same desires when they see a new Toyota sports car. I want to transfer the thrill of the race track to our vehicles, and make driving fun and exciting for our customers." - Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Corporation

Since Toyota began the development of its two-cylinder boxer-engined Sports 800 in 1962, the company has maintained a long history of creating exciting, driver-focused sports cars that have proved as popular with the public as they have been successful in competition.

The beautiful 2000 GT, first displayed at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, helped establish the company's global reputation as a sports car manufacturer. This 2.0-litre straight-six powered coupe finished third in the 1966 Japanese GP and went on to establish three world endurance records, including the fastest average speed continuously over 16,000 kilometres - 207 km/h.

A convertible 2000 GT appeared in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. Sadly - created as a movie one-off because the film's star, Sean Connery, could not fit comfortably in the standard coupe - it was never made commercially available.

In the US, former Le Mans winner Carroll Shelby entered the 2000 GT in the 1968 Sports Car Club of America's C-Production category. Despite little development, the lead car notched up four wins against the then-dominant Porsche 911.

In response to the focus of the annual Japanese Grand Prix on sports racing cars with larger engines, Toyota launched its first purpose-built racer in 1968, the Toyota 7, which featured a mid-mounted, 3.0-litre V8 subsequently upgraded to 5.0 litres. The 1970 Toyota 7 Turbo was the world's first turbo-engined racing car.

Before its launch in 1984, Toyota appointed legendary US racing driver Dan Gurney to the testing and development of the MR2. Toyota has always understood the value of motorsport and a racing driver's analytical skills for improving its road-going models. The MR2 gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the best-handling sports cars of all time.

Seven generations of the Celica were sold throughout the world for 36 years between 1970 and 2006. The first Celicas incorporated rear-wheel-drive powertrains and were praised by sports car enthusiasts for their agility. The Celica GT, introduced in Europe in 1974, featured a five-speed transmission and wider tyres.

Appealing strongly to the European market, the redesigned Celica of 1985 featured front-wheel drive and the powerful 2.0-litre 3S-GE engine.

The Celica also achieved considerable success in competition. The Celica Twin-Cam Turbo achieved three consecutive Safari Rally wins between 1984 and 1986.

Taking its first World Rally Championship win in Australia in 1989, the all-wheel drive Celica GT-Four went on to record back-to-back WRC driver's and manufacturer's titles in 1993 and 1994. The GT-Four was the first Japanese car to win both driver's and manufacturer's WRC titles.

Toyota's Supra was launched in 1979. The first two generations were based on the Celica; the Supra only becoming a model in its own right with the third-generation car of 1986. Its roots may be traced back to the 2000 GT, and all four generations boasted straight-six engines and rear-wheel drive.

Engine cubic capacity rose with each generation from 2.5 litres to 2.7 and then 3.0 litres, culminating in the 1993 Mk VI Supra's 320bhp engine with sequential turbocharging, which gave the car a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 5.2 seconds, and a governed maximum speed of 250 km/h.

With its reputation for delivering pure excitement and embodying the fundamental joy of driving, the Corolla Levin AE86 is the inspiration behind Toyota's latest sports car concept, the FT-86 II.

The Corolla Levin AE86's front engine, rear-wheel drive powertrain, compact dimensions, light weight, impeccable balance and superior power-to-weight ratio made it the must-have choice for rallying and circuit driving throughout its 1983-1987 production life. Even today, the AE86 is still a popular choice with private rallying teams.

Sharing its predecessor's front-engine, rear-wheel drive credentials, the FT-86 II concept introduces a new generation of sports car which perfectly recaptures the exhilarating spirit of the last Corolla Levin AE 86.

...ends/

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I'm tempted to hold off getting a lease car too if this comes in next year.

My plan is to finish up my lease in two years and grab the later SE models that hit the market - I think this would be great with turbo and some suspension refinement and brakes.

[mik]

its hard to judge how big it is from the pics, maybe its similar to the current celica platform except without the fwd.?

[trippytaka]

Close to that size.

[divine_afg]

Originally Posted by trippytaka

We are all pretty excited about the FT-86... it will be at MIMS (Melbourne International Motorshow) so if you're heading there, have a look. It's a hot piece of kit.

Top points from me are it's rear drive platform. Should be a hell of a lot of fun.

The joint effot with Fuji (subaru) is an interesting one and it will certainly be interesting to see what this thing goes like if the 2.5L turbo boxer finds its way under the bonnet.

Price tag... I would say base will stay cheap. Have a look at what Toyota is doing with the prices... FJ cruiser under 50k, corolla reduced, Prius dropped by 7k. And the FT-86 is aimed squarely at young people, so it has to be an entry point price range. Hopefully

TRD !

[blueoval]

So will it stay effectively a 2 door sports car or will there be 4 door variant?

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by divine_afg

TRD !

It would be nice to see TRD alive again and producing special edition cars.

At the moment there are no plans that I have seen that indicate a 4 door. All the statements out of Toyota have been that it's purely a sports car (2 door).

[dimka100]

People seem to forget that a car is not just about paper stats … Toyota develops cars for paper stats as for people who know nothing about cars it’s a marketing trick that works …

As for me personally the last time I remember Toyota was making a car that was actually enjoyable to drive was mid 90s, and that’s a long time ago … these days everything Toyota makes is so overhyped it’s not funny … e.g. F1 technology in this car LOLOL Toyota sucked at F1, please they were easy one of the worst teams by far with the largest budget by far LOL …

Marketing is not everything people, just remember that it will most probably end up with a 2ltr engine from a base Subaru imprezza (total boredom of an engine) and handling tweaked by the same people who build corolla sportivos LOL …

[Poetic Justice]

Cant imagine a 4 door variant...

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by dimka100

People seem to forget that a car is not just about paper stats … Toyota develops cars for paper stats as for people who know nothing about cars it’s a marketing trick that works …

As for me personally the last time I remember Toyota was making a car that was actually enjoyable to drive was mid 90s, and that’s a long time ago … these days everything Toyota makes is so overhyped it’s not funny … e.g. F1 technology in this car LOLOL Toyota sucked at F1, please they were easy one of the worst teams by far with the largest budget by far LOL …

Marketing is not everything people, just remember that it will most probably end up with a 2ltr engine from a base Subaru imprezza (total boredom of an engine) and handling tweaked by the same people who build corolla sportivos LOL …

I guess it depends on what you think is fun to drive.

[blueoval]

While Toyota was a joke in F1, they are selling the car to the average Joe who would find it a thrill compared to their run of the mill camry not F1 drivers or teams. Everyone is different I guess, and it's hard to get thrills from a car worth 35k new. I guess we will see what the reviewer's think when it gets released.

[atec77]

Originally Posted by Jack960

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...302-1be0b.html

Definetly be keeping an eye out on this car.





I must admit, i was never a fan of toyota to begin with, but there is know denying the fact that they are releasing some quality cars at decent prices.

wrong end drive though ?

[Grippy]

Very nice! Similar front end to the Lexus Supercar.

[Polyal]

It would make a great little rally/targa style car.

[2011G6E]

The basic premise of the FT86 when the idea was first put out there was to emulate the old AE86...namely a rear wheel drive two door coupe body, good handling, and as cheap a price as they could manage.

Looks like they've done that rather well!

Bring it on!!!

[blueoval]

The fact that they are bringing it out as RWD will help sell it. Thats whats winning it for me.

[Jack960]

I think its more based off the supra then the celica, but then again the supra was based off the celica >.< I like the supra, it came down between the supra and the bf xr6 for me. But the supra is too old now, parts are rare, insurance is expensive. If this car comes out for 30 - 40k looking as it does in the photos (much like a supra in my opinion) ill be seriously considering it.

By the way, my dad has a brand new camry company car and i must say, i am rather impressed with it. It looks ok outside, nice inside, seats 5 people comfortably (not people crammed in the back like many cars) and i drives quite nicely. It feels solid, handles well and sticks to the road. Best of all, the thing only uses 6.8L/100km, which i find impressive for the size of the car. Of course the compromise is the power, aint got nothing on my xr6 ;)

Toyota are doing pretty well for themselves (with the exception of the prius :P)

[MethodX]

Whats wrong you guys? Hate this, its a Toyota.
Dont hate GM.

[2011G6E]

If it wasn't such a good looking rear-drive car, that (because it's a Toyota) you just know will just keep on chundering along for a decade or more with even the slackest of servicing, it might be easier to hate...

[SteveJH]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

If it wasn't such a good looking rear-drive car, that (because it's a Toyota) you just know will just keep on chundering along for a decade or more with even the slackest of servicing, it might be easier to hate...

But its actually a subaru, including the Subaru boxter engine...so, still so reliable??

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by SCUD

It is the production ready car, the black one.

It will be on stand at the Melbourne Motor show.

They are still calling it a concept, so its highly likely the production version will be tamed down considerable considering its a Toyota. Some of those things on the concept are definately not production ready.

[lowfly]

Needs the Sti engine with rear drive

[mik]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

If it wasn't such a good looking rear-drive car, that (because it's a Toyota) you just know will just keep on chundering along for a decade or more with even the slackest of servicing, it might be easier to hate...

they are`nt all like that sadly, i`ve towed plenty of my young brothers toyo`s with dead engines behind the au

[Poetic Justice]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

They are still calling it a concept, so its highly likely the production version will be tamed down considerable considering its a Toyota. Some of those things on the concept are definately not production ready.

Well it wont change much, like most concepts

[Bossxr8]

Already mentioned in Wheels headlights and taillights will need to be changed, and front bar will be toned down from the snowplough fitted to the concept. Probably raised suspension too.

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by SteveJH

But its actually a subaru, including the Subaru boxter engine...so, still so reliable??

Well from the merciless flogging that engine takes at the hands of ham-fisted young bogans, it's pretty much bulletproof.

There seems to be a bit of confusion about which is the "prototype concept version" and which is the production version. The production version is apparently pretty much the one in the pictures...the concept was far more sedate, for a change.
Found a picture of it here: very tame looking compared to the production ready one they are showing now...

[flappist]

Originally Posted by dimka100

People seem to forget that a car is not just about paper stats … Toyota develops cars for paper stats as for people who know nothing about cars it’s a marketing trick that works …

As for me personally the last time I remember Toyota was making a car that was actually enjoyable to drive was mid 90s, and that’s a long time ago … these days everything Toyota makes is so overhyped it’s not funny … e.g. F1 technology in this car LOLOL Toyota sucked at F1, please they were easy one of the worst teams by far with the largest budget by far LOL …

Marketing is not everything people, just remember that it will most probably end up with a 2ltr engine from a base Subaru imprezza (total boredom of an engine) and handling tweaked by the same people who build corolla sportivos LOL …

Two questions:

1) What do you drive?

2) What are your personal experiences driving a Toyota Lexus IS-F and IS-350?

[Bossxr8]

Here we go again.