Live photos of Toyota FT-86 II Concept from Geneva (mega gallery)!!!

More photos after the jump!

First official photo of Toyota FT-86 II Concept!!!

Here it is!!! I really do want one!

Toyota FT-86 II Concept live photos (semi-covered) from Geneva!!!

Those are the first live photos of the FT-86 II Concept, which is still semi-covered... but it's just a matter of hours until we see how it really looks like!!!

More photos after the jump!

Toyota FT-86 G Sports Concept diecast model arrived!

My Toyota FT-86 G Sports Concept model (earlier post) just arrived and it really looks amazing! It should look nice next to my Sprinter Trueno AE86 model (earlier post)…

More photos after the jump!

Toyota FT-86 II Concept breaks cover (Part 3)

Following the post published yesterday containing some magazine scans and info regarding the FT-86 II Concept from the latest BC issue (3.10), those are some additional shots from my BC copy which arrived today.

More photos after the jump!

Toyota FT-86 II Concept breaks cover (Part 2) plus more info

The latest BC magazine (3.10 issue) has the photo of the FT-86 II Concept on the front cover  (earlier post) and as you can imagine, I was really anxious to read what's inside! OK, I am not really convinced that the image is how exactly the real concept will look like when it will be shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, but as the time approaches for the launch of the production version, more accurate info will start to be revealed.

So, BC claims that the FT-86 II Concept is a clear indication of the direction of the final design (hmm, no surprises there) and the final product won't have so many fancy bits as the concepts did. The production version, as mentioned several times in the past, will be presented at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Sales will start in May 2012 and power will come from Subaru's new FB20 engine. The target in terms of fuel efficiency is 14.8 km/L and the power output is estimated to be 200 PS at 7,200 rpm. Maximum torque claimed by BC is 21.0 kgm at 4,600 rpm. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual gearbox and the FT-86 will be able to reach 100 km/h, from a standstill, in 7.7 seconds.

In terms of dimensions, length is expected to be 4,160 mm (with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm), width 1,760 mm and height 1,260 mm. The weight will not exceed 1,300 kg (did it get a bit of weight compared to what was speculated in the past?)

Prices will be around ¥ 2,300,000 for the basic trim level and ¥ 2,500,000 for the higher-spec model. G's version is very likely to be introduced at a later date. 

[Source of mag scans: ft86club - Chokonen888]

Toyota FT-86 II Concept breaks cover!!!

The FT-86 (earlier post) is perhaps the most highly anticipated Japanese model for 2011 and a second concept will be shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (earlier post). The new BC issue, available on February 10, has on the front cover a photo of the new concept and as you can see, the only visible difference, at the first glance, is the shape of the headlights. As reported in the past, the overall shape won't change (detailed post).

Stay tuned for more information...

Toyota FT-86 II Concept to be unveiled at Geneva!!!

Subaru has already announced that it will show a concept of its FT-86 version at the Geneva Motor Show (earlier post), but apparently Toyota plans to do the same!!! Toyota Motor Europe has released a teaser photo showing the FT86 II Concept! As you can see, the new "concept" has larger headlamps and it looks a bit more aggressive IMO.

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!

Toyota FT-86 in GT5!

Now those are some wicked shots!!!!! Absolutely amazing!

[Source: Facebook (FT-86 concept)]

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]

Toyota FT-86 boxer-engine logo...

I am not convinced that this is something that could be considered as trusted info or whatever, but in any case I decided to post it. This is a logo for Toyota's version of FT-86 uncovered by Car and Driver.

What that really means? The only conclusion that can be made is the fact that Toyota will use the number 86 somehow (it's shown in the centre where the crankshaft would live).

Just some thoughts about the new Vitz, Toyota and Honda...

Honda is my favourite Japanese manufacturer, while Toyota has been so far a big let down in my eyes, but things seem to change fast. The financial meltdown has forced manufacturers to change their strategies and now Toyota looks much more promising, with Honda having lost its edge.

In my point of view, everything started with pulling out from F1 and canceling the NSX project. Those decisions left Honda with its "green machines", but in the case of the Insight (earlier post), it didn't work out that well. Then, Honda decided to bring out the Fit Hybrid (earlier post). Well, this could be a move in order to utilize the electrical and oily bits of the Insight, since it didn't prove to be successful and somehow, the development cost had to be covered. But, I am not sure if there is much point in that.

I don't know whether the new Civic will be any good or not, but by judging from the spy shots, I don't reckon that it will have the same impact as the current generation had when it was launched. Then again, it's the Type R... is there going to be a new one? And if there is, will it come with a 1.6 L turbocharged engine (earlier post)? If Honda goes ahead with an engine like that, I will be seriously disappointed. Honda is about high revving engines... let the Europeans play with their fancy turbos. And I won't mention the S2000... I have read so many rumours about its successor and I just hope that Honda will not mess with it and put electrical bits in it.

On the other hand, Toyota that has failed miserably over the last few years in bringing out anything exciting, somehow looks so promising (OK, there is Lexus' LFA which is amazing, a car to cry about, but it's a little bit above my bugdget...). There is the new FT-86 (related posts) which will bring an inexpensive sports car to the masses with all the right "ingredients". Low weight, rear wheel drive, 2.0 L naturally aspired engine producing around 200 hp, sharp styling and the important fun to drive factor!!!

In the meantime, we will get the new Vitz / Yaris. Ah, a car I never liked looks now spot on! It looks much sharper, without any drama in its design, but with a clean and aerodynamic design. What really caught my attention though was the interior design. It looks elegant, yet simple. No drama, no complicated stuff in order to impress the ladies. So far, the only interior I liked in this segment was the one of Mazda's 2, but now it's Toyota taking the lead IMO. Oh, and no hybrid version!!! A wise move from Toyota, since good fuel efficiency can be achieved in other ways as well. What's the point of making a small car heavy and complex in order to achieve great mileage? Low weight is the key factor and in the case of such a small car, a hybrid system is out of place. 

If Toyota comes up with a decent Corolla (... come on, make it "spicy"!) and perhaps a hot version of the new Vitz with Gazoo Racing being involved, then Toyota will definitely be back from the dead.

I have already a brand new Honda keyring from Japan, but I will keep it sealed since it may take a few years until I use it... as I guess my next car will be a Toyota!

Toyota FT-86 at your fingertips!!!

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]

Toyota FT-86 G Sports Concept & Sprinter Trueno AE86 diecast models

I cannot resist ordering new scale models... and this time I ordered a couple of 1/43 ones which should look nice next to each other! 

• Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 Carbon Bonnet Takumi Fujiwara by Fujimi (フジミ)
• Toyota FT-86 G Sports Concept 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon by Kid Box (キッドボックス)