New Models

Toyota FT-86 II revealed at Geneva show

Toyota has revealed details and images of the exciting new Toyota FT-86 II Concept which has just been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. This is the second version of the highly-anticipated Toyota FT-86 sports coupe that has been in the making now since 2009.

Brett Davis

20:4301 March 2011

0comments

The main difference between this second version and the first is the styling. It features a more complete bodykit with an aggressive new front end. It is also seen as the final stage of development towards the production version, which will enter the European market in 2012 - as announced by Toyota Motors.

Toyota says the FT-86 II is 4,235mm long, 1,795mm wide and 1,270mm high, with a 2,570mm wheelbase. As per usual FT-86, the Toyota sports coupe showcases a long bonnet and swept-back cabin design, inspired by the original Toyota 2000GT of the Sixties.

It still features a Subaru-developed four-cylinder boxer engine as the original FT-86 Concept, and will retain a strict rear-wheel drive layout. Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, said upon the FT-86 II announcement,

"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."

Official engine specification are yet to be announced for the production version, but Toyota promises it will offer a 'free-revving' small capacity boxer engine, matched to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Toyota FT-86 II Concept proves Toyota is working rather hard at providing a true sports car to the market in the near future. This later version, which looks even better than the original FT-86, is also said to best represent the eventual production model in terms of styling and proportions.