Subaru BRZ around Fuji Speedway

Subaru BRZ STi Concept coming in Tokyo

Subaru will display the BRZ STi Concept at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon. The concept comes with a roof and a bonnet out of carbon fiber, like the Impreza tS, wider tires (215 at the front and 225 at the back - 18" rims) and a few other cosmetic bits and bobs, such a a small rear spoiler etc. In terms of the oily bits, no changes have been made.

Official Subaru BRZ teaser image

Subaru reveals photos of BRZ Concept STi

Subaru has revealed photos of the BRZ Concept STi ahead of its debut at the LA Auto Show. 

Latest scoop on FT-86: G's and STi versions to get turbo power

BC has published an article with the latest scoop on the FT-86 / BRZ. According to a summary that I was provided with, Toyota is planning to fit an 1.6-liter turbocharged engine one year after the initial introduction of the model. Now, what seems rather strange to me is the fact that BC claims that the turbocharged engine will be fitted in the G's / STi versions, while the "normal" versions will be powered by the naturally aspired 2.0-liter engine.

In any case, the article also mentions that the new turbo engine will be fitted in the new Subaru Impreza WRX STi as well, producing 270ps. BC also claims that the differences between the FT-86 and the BRZ (or whatever the official name will be) will be on the front and rear ends.

Yet another Subaru 216A (FT-86) rendering!

First of all, I would like to apologise for the lack of posts during the last few weeks, but as you can imagine, the earthquake in Japan has slowed things down.

On Friday, a couple of magazines arrived from Japan and this is the first post, as more will follow. So, this is the latest rendering of Subaru's 216A and according to Best Car magazine, it is likely to also get a turbocharged version of the FB20 engine producing 250 ps and 30.0 kgm of torque (compared to 200 ps and 21.0 kgm of the naturally aspired version). An even more powerful version with 300 ps is on the cards (STI?!).

Latest rendering of Subaru 216A (FT-86)!!!

Following the 2011 Geneva Motor Show where Subaru displayed the Boxer Sports Car Architecture (earlier post), now it's time for the latest rendering which has been published by Japanese Best Car magazine.

Best Car continues to claim that the naturally aspired 2.0L Boxer engine will deliver 200 ps (@ 7,200 rpm) and 21.0 kgm of torque at 4,600 rpm. Prices are expected to range between ¥ 2,300,000 and ¥ 2,600,000.

First live photos of Subaru Boxer Sports Car Architecture (216A) from Geneva

More photos after the jump!

First teaser photo of Subaru’s 216A (FT-86) concept!

So, here is the first glimpse of Scooby's new rear-drive sports coupe concept ahead of its Geneva debut!!!

Rear view of Subaru 216A (FT-86) STi rendering!

OK, we have seen the specific rendering by BC several times (earlier post), but this is the first time I came across with a rear view!

Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A: G's / STi versions to get turbocharged engine

BC's article about the upcoming FT-86 doesn't reveal much new info, just that the top versions, badged as G's and STi, are very likely to be powered by a turbocharged engine. The naturally aspired FB20 engine, which will power the standard versions, will produce 180 ps and 20.5 kgm of torque. That's less than the expected 200 ps, but I guess as the launch date approaches, more accurate info will be revealed.

The low weight should enable the FT-86 to be among the "greenest" cars in its class (earlier post), and the estimated fuel efficiency is 17.5 km/L (10.15 mode). The overall dimensions of the FT-86 (L x W x H) are 4,160 x 1,760 x 1,260 (mm).

Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A: Debut at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, sales start in April 2012

President of Fuji Heavy Industries Mori Ikuo, has already confirmed that the Scoobi version will be revealed at the end of 2011 (earlier post), and rumors have suggested that both versions (detailed post) will make their debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Well, it seems that Mag-X claims the same and according to the report, sales are expected to start in April 2012!

Subaru to showcase FR sports car technology concept (FT-86) at Geneva Motor Show!!!

Subaru has just announced what it will exhibit at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, opening on May 1. The Impreza concept presented at LA will be unveiled, along with the new Subaru Trezia, Toyota's Verso-S (aka Ractis) brother. The new Trezia will be available with a 1.3 L petrol egnine, as well as a 1.4 L turbo diesel one.

However, since the launch of the production FT-86 is not very far away, Subaru will present a rear-wheel drive sports car technology concept! According to Subaru, the concept will show how Subaru  proposes to integrate its expertise into a rear-wheel drive car to offer a new and highly enjoyable, Subaru-like driving experience. The technology concept will demonstrate how the all-new car platform  makes full use of Subaru’s engineering and Boxer technology.

Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A: They come at the end of 2011 indeed!!!

In an interview with the President of Fuji Heavy Industries Mori Ikuo, it was revealed that the Subaru version will be presented at the end of 2011, and from what I could understand from the Japanese text, it will be revealed in December. Toyota is expected to launch it also at the same time.

The article also reveals that testing, as well as the body of the car have been almost completed, and tests are been carried out at the moment in order to fine tune the car for foreign markets. Mori revealed that the car is very comfortable and fuel efficient. The low seating position, in conjunction with the low centre of gravity, result in feeling very confident in driving it.

The price will be around 2,500,000 ¥.

I am glad that my detailed post has proved to be right, as the facts above confirm what I have written about the FT-86! If you want to read all the posts regarding the FT-86, you can use the "FT-86 variants FT-86のバリエーション" tag which is used for all upcoming versions of the model (Toyota FT-86, Subaru 216A, Scion FR-S etc).

[Source: 東京新聞; Source of photo: Subaring Days]

A glimpse of the new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

The latest issue of Best Car magazine has a very interesting cover showing all the important new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

So, here is what's coming (... I am missing a couple of Nissan sedan models):

• Daihatsu's small car based on the concept e:S (earlier post)

• Honda Fit - aka Jazz - wagon (earlier post)

• Honda Freed Hybrid 

• Honda Insight (facelift with design cues from  FCX Clarity)

• Lexus CT (looks like a spicy version... a CT-F perhaps?) 

• Lexus GS-F (earlier post)

• Mazda CX-5 (Mazda's variant of the Ford Kuga)

• Nissan Tiida - aka Versa - (earlier post)

• Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A (related posts)
  

• Toyota Prius V (related posts)

Yet another rendering of Subaru's FT-86 version (216A)

This is another rendering I came across and although it doesn't seem like a good one, I just thought that it would be nice to share it. Auto Express published recently a rendering (earlier post) and you can check out also my detailed post which includes a large number of magazine scans and a lot of info. If you are not familiar with the code "086A", it's the internal code of the Scoobi version for the Japanese market.

Auto Express renders Subaru's FT-86 version (216A)

British Auto Express has published an article about the upcoming 216A. Well, I think I have managed to cover everything in my detailed post, but in any case, this is the summary of what Auto Express claims to be the case:

• Modified Legacy's platform to be used 
• 2.0 L boxer engine delivering 200 hp
• Fuel economy of 40 mph by using Toyota's expertise
• Rear wheel drive only
• More powerful turbo version with 300 hp very likely
• Six speed manual gearbox for both versions 
• Price tag of ￡25,000 for base version

The particular rendering doesn't seem to me very realistic and in terms of styling, I prefer BC's rendering way better... 

[Sources: Auto Express, ft86club]

Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A: Likely spec of FB20 engine

I just came across with some likely spec of the FB20 engine, which will power the FT-86 / 216A (earlier post). The following data could well be fiction... but in any case I don't reckon it's far from the reality.

Engine displacement (L)
1.994

Bore/stroke (mm)
92.0 / 75.0

Compression ratio
12.5

Maximum output
200PS / 7,100 rpm

Maximum torque
21.0kg-m / 4,500 rpm

Fuel

Premium unleaded petrol – hm, I don't like this bit at all...

Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A: Rumours, magazine scans & some thoughts...!!!

I promised a post about the FT-86 (earlier post)... and here it is. I hope you will enjoy it!

The Toyota / Subaru FT-86 is definitely a highly anticipated model, from both Toyota and Scoobi fans. It's the car that not only will spice up the Subaru lineup, but most importantly, it will bring Toyota's sporty image back from the dead, and of course attract younger buyers. No, I don't reckon that Toyota's involvement in F1 did any good. What's the point racing in F1 and not having a decent sports car in your lineup? No Celica, no MR2, no Supra... just boring Aurises and Corollas.... Oh, did I mention Avensis? And let the LFA alone. Amazing piece of engineering, but for the very view. It's the short of car that we will buy a scale model of it and the younger ones will perhaps have a poster of it in their rooms.

So, what's this FT-86 all about? Below are some quotes from an interview with the chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada-son.

• "Who cares about static weight distribution, what we said was important and I kid you not, is how well balanced it is on and beyond the limit. When you're drifting, is when you need a well balanced car and that's where we spent all efforts and attention, in getting this spot on" 
• "From the first turn of the steering wheel , this car needs to be fun and special"
• "The FT-86 is going to set the benchmark for future Toyota's (next Yaris, Avensis and even Prius etc)"
• "The criteria is fun and originality for those choosing cars. You can't do this overnight, the FT-86 is where we start"
• "Using a flat 4 is intentional, I want the weight as low, as far back and tightly packed as possible. The compact size of the engine gives us tremendous freedom in its positioning". The H4 engine sits 110 mm lower than a conventional R4 engine would be.

Tada admitted that other brands are catching up to Toyota's eco lead. To ensure it maintains a stand out difference they will be first to produce fun to drive properly entertaining green cars. The FT-86 is the beginning of this game plan.




Many people want a lightweight, compact and inexpensive sports car, rear wheel drive of course, you know like in the old good days. We had enough with all those "luxury-ish" coupes with a premium tag. Initially, the whole FT-86 project has given the impression that it is going to be an AE86 revival, but at the end of the day, there are some chaps called marketing guys... so, fingers crossed.

Anyway, I have read many speculations about the FT-86, contradictory opinions about engine sizes, release dates etc. Therefore, I decided to do some searching and make a conclusion on what is more likely to come out from those two companies. I have spent almost a week and I hope you will find this post interesting and informative. So, the first question coming to my mind is “when can I buy one?”. Most likely in spring 2012, following its debut at the end of 2011 (at Tokyo Motor Show) in Japan.

Next question to be answered is whether both brands will sell the FT-86 in the same markets. The answer to this is not clear, since the Scoobi version (codenamed 216A) had different internal codes -  086A, 087A & 088A for the Japanese, US and European markets respectively – but now, rumours suggest that it won't make it to the US. It seems though that Europe will get the Scoobi, as well as the Toyota version. In the US, the Toyota version will get the youthful Scion badge (I don't really know the reasons behind this decision, but it could well be due to the fixed pricing structure at all dealerships, thus avoiding any price hikes) and the name FR-S is a trademark that has been filed by Toyota both in the US and Canada. No words yet about other markets, such as Asia, Australia and Japan.

So, now the tricky bit. Engines... Initially, I had read that it will come with a 2.0L engine delivering 190hp.  Then, Japanese Best Car magazine suggested that the Subaru 216A  will have two versions in terms of power. One equipped with a revised two-liter Subaru EJ20 engine delivering 250hp (184kW) and the other one being a possible WRX STi version (with AWD) making 308hp (227kW).

To make things more interesting, British Autocar claims that the 216A will get a 260hp version of the Impreza WRX STi's turbocharged engine...

In any case, it seems that two engines will be used, a 2.0L (ﾘﾀ) H4 and a 2.5L (ﾘﾀ) H4, both coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. The engines will also feature Toyota's D-4S technology, which is basically an advanced variant of Toyota's D-4 direct injection system. The letter S stands for Superior and this is due to the combination of direct injection with conventional port injection for each cylinder (thus eight injectors in total for an H4 engine).

According to the latest issue of British Car magazine (581, December 2010) which arrived yesterday (!) and I really consider it as a well trusted source, in Europe at least, we should expect around 200hp. Both Toyota and Subaru versions will get a 2.0L naturally aspired engine. In terms of performance, 6.0sec run to 100km/h and a top speed of 200km/h  seem entirely realistic. Judging by the low weight, the FT-86 is expected to be the greenest car in its class, with a fuel consumption of 6.5 ℓ/100km being feasible.

Toyota Europe's product planning and marketing manager Duncan McMath confirmed that Subaru has provided the boxer engine, but it has been Toyota's understanding of combustion and engine management system that has helped make this engine far cleaner than any Subaru motor we have seen so far. A limited-slip diff will be available later, but there are no plans for a dual-clutch gearbox (that's a shame as I would really like my FT-86 :-) having a gearbox of such type). And a turbocharged version? "It wouldn't be hard to do" chuckles McMath mischievously.

According to recent information from a trusted source, the oncoming generation of boxer engines will be codenamed FB20 and FB25. Those engines will be fitted with lockable dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS), new Tumble Generator Valves (TGV), a high-efficiency compact oil pump and lighter components,  such as pistons and connecting rods. The result will be an amazing 30% reduction inn friction! The cooling circuit will be optimized and cooling for the head and the engine block will be separated.

A Japanese publication has mentioned that even a 3.6L H6 engine may find its way under the hood, but bare in mind that also other variants are in the works. Personally, I find this scenario highly unlikely for the FT-86 itself, mainly because there will be a lot of weight at the front. However, there are rumours that the next-gen Lexus IS will be built atop a stretched version of the FT-86 chassis and power will come from a 2.5L H4 enigne and/or a 3.6L H6 engine.

During the last few months, reports claim that development costs have spiraled to the point where Subaru can no longer justify the inclusion of the AWD system and thus, only rear-wheel drive versions will come out. To bring added individuality to the 216A, the focus in now on redesigning the area from the A-pillar forward and giving it a more distinctive front end design. If Toyota do indeed go ahead and release the G Sports version (also referred as FT-86F version – earlier post) of the FT-86, Subaru will counter that with its own STi version which will then provide the basis for an R205-like special edition.

Car magazine confirms also that the actual car will very close to the concept, with a few changes for production of course. The lights will be slightly different and the bonnet will be raised a little to meet pedestrian impact legislation. In terms of interior design, the basic look of the concept will be there, but don't expect the fancy aluminium bits and pieces due to cost savings. Also, McMath told Car that the Scoobi won't be much different, primarily for cost reasons. "If you think about the visual relationship between the Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo, you will be on the right lines" he added.

The kerbweight is expected to be around 1,200kg!

Based on information from McMath himself, there will be two trim levels available at launch, but some markets will also get a stripped version (which will form an ideal basis for tuning).  Prices in UK should start around ￡25k.

Prices for the STi and G Sports / F versions are expected to be 3,500,000 ¥ and 3,000,000 ¥ respectively, with the base model for both automakers to sell for around 2,500,000 ¥. 

Sales target is 50,000 units annually.

In the future, a four-door variant is very likely to hit the markets and also, Toyota is considering entering WRC with the FT-86.

The FT-86 will be built at FHI’s (Fuji Heavy Industries – Subaru’s parent company) plant, Gunma Manufacturing Division in Gunma Prefecture, Japan (Legacy will also be produced there). At the beginning of the project, a new plant for the production of FT-86 and future derivatives was planned, but following the financial meltdown, it was decided to repair the existing line. This move will also enable to sell the car at a lower price. All those facts make sense since the car will ride on a modified Subaru Impreza platform and all engines will be boxers.

I believe Toyota will make it right this time and it'll bring out a really exciting model. I don't get it why, but it seems that there is a problem of consistency with Japanese manufacturers. Toyota, despite all the glorious models of the past, has left us so many years without a decent sports car / hot hatch etc. On the other hand, Honda is now looking like a modern Toyota... Since the beginning of the financial meltdown, the NSX replacement has been officially canned, the next-gen Honda Civic 2HC (earlier post) is rather disappointing and I have lost my faith in the S2000 replacement. Hm, only Mazda gets better with time...

[Sources: ft86club, 7Tune, Car magazine, IMP-X's blog, やっぱりクルマが好きっ！, ボクの趣味/ホビー, カービュー]