Toyota FT-86 "hachi roku" Concept revealed

By George Skentzos | October 06th, 2009

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As of late, Toyota has become a brand synonymous with ‘whitegoods’ motoring, usually a favourite of fleet buyers and ‘A to B’ type motorists.

Now the brand is set to rekindle its performance spirit by resurrecting its iconic gem – the AE86 coupe – with the pending debut of the Toyota FT-86 Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The FT-86 (“86″ pronounced “hachi roku”) Concept represents the culmination of a collaborative engineering agreement between Toyota and Subaru with each manufacturer sharing components and expertise to deliver an affordable rear-drive sports coupe.

While Subaru is not planning to debut its sister model at the Tokyo Motor Show, it will share the same underpinnings and powertrain but feature an all-new look on the outside.

The FT-86 Concept is a step in the right direction for Toyota and draws its inspiration from the FT-HS Hybrid Concept shown at the Melbourne Motor Show which was popularly speculated to influence the next Supra.

Instead of aligning to the latest motoring trend and employing an expensive hybrid powertrain, the FT-86 Concept uses a Subaru-derived 2.0-litre normally-aspirated boxer engine which sends power to the rear wheels.

The whole car has been engineered to reincarnate the iconic performance coupe in its purest form with a low centre of gravity, lightweight construction, silky aerodynamics and modest power fore racecar-like handling.

Sales are expected to begin in Australia by late 2011 with pricing surely to fall well below the current $40,000 hot-hatch benchmark.

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Richard

Hmmmm… not bad from Toyobaru… now bring on the true lightweight, affordable, rear wheel drive sports car from Japan – the new Nissan 200SX/Silvia!
- Simon
  
  A rival for the MX-5.
NacaYoda

Very exciting news, Toyota!
JML

Best-looking tofu delivery vehicle I’ve ever seen.
Myke

Remove the badge and I would not have known it was a Toyota. That is a handsome concept, now put it into production XD
- Wheelnut
  
  Aaaahhh we’re still waiting for the Next generation Supra Concept to make it in to production – and that was unveiled 10 years ago.
smokin’R32

Very refreshing to see Toyota back in the performance game
- Simon
  
  Sure, when/if this makes production.
Gary

Umm what’s with the zips in the last photo?
- ZANDIT
  
  Looks like the access to the sound system. If you look at the writing on the dash, it shows where the dvd goes and which way to rotate what I assume is dails in behind the “leather”
Shak

I for one am very prejudiced against Toyota, and if you take the badge off then i’ll happily drive one but not with a toyota badge on it. just find the image of whitegoods not very appealing
- AAA
  
  I for one am very prejudiced against people who are very prejudiced against Toyota. A good design is a good design regardless of the badge.
  - hate4all
    
    And I am very prejudiced against people who are prejudiced against those who are prejudiced against Toyota.
    No……..not really. Just thought I’d point out the futility of the argument.
  - poggo
    
    ill second that a good design is a good design regardless of the badge. im also prejudiced againt ppl who r prejudiced against toyota. being a toyota owner i value what toyota are good at delivering, reliability. this mixed with good performance and stunning looks like the FT-86 gives one hell of a car. toyota has done me proud. just for petes sake release it toyota, ill sign up now.
- hate4all
  
  What a juvenile statement. Clearly you wouldn’t buy one. Clearly you aren’t a true motoring enthusiast or journalist.
  I’m not the biggest fan of Toyota either but I’d jump at the chance to drive one of these. All for the experience. It’s so much easier to criticise while remaining ignorant
- Lukaas
  
  you’re young obviously.
  
  In Japan, Toyota is not just a “white goods” car manufacturer.
  In the mid-90s to late 90s, Toyota, along with Nissan and Mazda ruled the “affordable” sports/performance market.
  
  In Australia, where we get boring cars in general or if not, sold with premium price tag… Toyota is reluctant to bring performance cars that has no or little market.
  
  Toyota Australia doesnt help by not “convincing” Toyota Japan to bring sports cars here.
sigh

^ somehow you just portrayed your self like the typical muscle car fanboy…fully sick v20 engine huh?
http://www.checkwebhosting.com Neutral

Where is the rear view?!?!
- smokin’R32
  
  Autoblog.
Baji

uhhh… aurion fan, that V6 in the TRD is not from a Formula 1 car. Its simply the same v6 used in the standard aurion with a supercharger bolted on.

…..

Anyway, WOWZA is all i can say to the FT-86. Looks awesome, i wouldn’t mind having one.
MrQuick

Don’t feed the troll

Move right along
Alan

WOW, totally unlike any Toyota for a long long time. This really is very good looking with a funky interior. Now just have to wait and see how much (or how little) of it is transfered onto the production version.
Dude

whats with the subaru headlamps?
o

what a toyota that isnt boring
jay

So those are actual photos and not a journalist’s artist impression? As long as they give it a real gearbox with 3 pedals (cough mr2 spyder) and driver nannies that can be switched off… i’d jump for it.
- PerthTRDFAN
  
  You can turn the nannies off in all new toyota’s its very easy.
Dino

I like it a lot!
Wheelnut

Looks like Toyota have reversed their decision and will now sell the Car overseas..

Either way I’d rather have a Hyundai Genesis RWD Coupe
- The Realist
  
  You would also rather a Hyundai Tuscon to go off road than a Landcruiser…
Martin

Well I think it looks quite good, hopefully they will implement some of this things design features on future models, even if this specifically doesn’t get made.

Good job.
Robin Graves

Urrggghh – Looks ok but a Toyota with a Subaru boxer engine? I hate the horrible noise those things make, sound like a VW Beetle thru a trumpet. I’d rather something akin to a 4AGE that revs like there’s no tomorrow.
- Tim
  
  You sir are a minority. Nothing sounds like a boxer!
  - Robin Graves
    
    That horrible off-beat noise sounds disgusting. Any decent engine has even phasing, not rely on a flywheel to carry it over to the next power stroke. Boxer 6 – Yes, Boxer 4 – NO! Similar thing with the older Buick-based 90Degree Commodore V6, not an even 120 degree phasing, sounds harsh and feels even harsher. I dont like Toyotas but the AE86 is a legend car, and to even attempt to put a Subaru engine into it is Blasphemy. What the hell were they thinking?
    - Robin Graves
      
      OK I was a bit wrong about the uneven phasing, I had a look at a pic of a Subaru crank – I always thought a boxer engine shared crankpins and the two cylinders opposite each other moved in the same direction. It appears they have split the crankpins 180 so that infact it does have 180 degree even phasing. So the awful noise must be because each bank fires twice in quick succession and then the other bank fires twice. Either way I hate it, I know some people love it but I hate it.
      - http://navelcontemplation.blogspot.com Supercujo
        
        The uneven noise you speak of is due to the header pipes being unequal length of each bank to the single catalytic converter. The newer non-turbo Liberty’s have equal length headers to correct this and they sound heaps better. That said, I love the sound my unequal length headers make on my 92 Liberty
  - Simon
    
    Boxer sounded great when they were new. Then they became louder with aftermaket cans/systems and became synonymous with boy racers. They became ubiquitous and old hat. Rather sad actually – made me think V8s were the best thing (aurally) again. Probably the only thing I like about HSV actually!
- Fasthonda
  
  I know exactly what you’re describing.However in all fairness,the noise that you mention is mainly due to people changing the original factory exhaust system and/or extractors/headers with after market ones.
  - Robin Graves
    
    Even the standard ones sound awful. Much rather listen to a 4AGE
    - Simon
      
      3S-GTE in this as RWD would be lush.
      - Lukaas
        
        My favourite… “affordable” engine and Toyota vehicle engine.
        
        But regulations and emissions would prevent it from happening..
        
        Unless they “re-engineer” the ol’ 3SGT-E… Yamaha would gladly raise their hands up again… but Toyota would probably like it in-house or done by Subaru, who they partly own.
Tim

And bloody hell, I love this thing! Looks great and so un-Toyota and RWD AND a BOXER! Hopefully the production model will look very similar to this.
http://www.checkwebhosting.com Neutral

Toyota, please build this!!!
Nightshifter

This would be the first desirable Toyota to me in decade!
Even better if it’s gonna get turbo engine for its range toppers!
miumiumi

I think everybody loves its style. I reckon it is more Nissan than Toyota. Remember, a concept is only a concept, that is why we love this concept. When it comes to production, we just do not know how many compromises they will make. One thing I know about the Toyota badge is for sure, that is you will never be surprised. They are the most traditional car maker; do not expect anything other than the norm.
Regarding the engine, that is the heart and soul of the car, Toyota did a good job. They give us a cheap and old engine so as to make the price affordable to the general public. Whist most of other car makers are investing in developing frugal and powerful engines, Toyota and Subaru are still happy with what they have since they have a group of ‘loyal’ customers who are happy to buy whatever given. You can argue Toyota are developing and providing heaps of hybrids in the Lexus badge. But remember, it is the Lexus badge, which means heaps and heaps of money.
I do agree with Wheelnut. If we can get Hyundai Genesis Coupe, it will be my choice. As I said, the Genesis Coupe got the heart and soul, not just the skin.
Luke

yes, please build it and call it CELICA!!!! I’m waiting for this car!!
- SC
  
  CELICA, don’t you know that hairdressers have moved on to
  Honda Jazzes and MX-5′s. PFFT Celica was so like late 90′s.
Stephen

Some interesting styling cues from previous concept cars,but in a package that looks like it’s ready for production (except for the zipper, of course).

Has anyone read anything about whether Subaru might keep their marketing theme intact (“all of our models with AWD”) intact and offer their version of this coupe with AWD?
- RdS
  
  it would actually seem very simple to make this car AWD… the drivetrain layout would be almost identical to any other subaru AWD, minus the front drive bits.
  
  i like this car anyway. i like the subaru’s and the sound of the boxer’s, but its not as if toyota cant make a decent motor. its as if the motor is a subaru unit just for the sake of sharing parts with subaru. shame.
  - http://navelcontemplation.blogspot.com Supercujo
    
    I don’t think there will be an AWD version of this. The engine has been mounted much lower to reduce the frontal profile and it can be because there is not diff to sit under the flywheel. Also, the front wheels are a long way forward, which makes it a challenge to get the drive to them off a longitudinal engine.
Lukaas

Wheelnut,

I already told you guys wait 2 years to see Toyota’s Sports coupe…

well apparently they are on target.

I will tell you guys 1 thing…

Toyota Do not like making Prototype CARS in general… its regarded as WASTE of money and time/resources.

This is pretty much a second… More PRODUCTION/ENGINEER/MANUFACTURING friendly version of the FT-HS…… take it for what its worth….

but that signifies 90% green light for production judging by Toyota way of things…. the only thing that will hold it back…. is if the recession continues and no market… but then again, they can just sell in Japan/America.

And Wheelnut, of course u rather have the RWD Hyundai genesis coupe…. its not a Toyota/Lexus.
toxic_horse

Not sure about the interior probally looks better in the metal, Awesome !!
- toxic_horse
  
  I do find the fact that it has a suburu engine a bit of a problem for me.
  I have been stung with high service costs by subaru before.
  I guess with the RWD platform there will be less to go wrong
Sus

This won’t work,a awd car maker and a fwd car maker teaming up to make a rwd sports car car,won’t work.
- Lukaas
  
  Sus,
  
  You dont know anything about anything it seems…
  
  Toyota a FWD limited manufacturer?
  
  Lol.
  
  Yes, Honda, Mazda etc should just drop their sports car aspirations as they too produce FWD everyday vehicles.
  
  Again, its obvious that a lot these days just associate Toyota to the Camry.
  
  Ignoring all the RWD (Lexus, Supra, MR2, Celsior, etc), 4WD (GT4, Caldina etc) they have done in the past.
  
  Subaru’s previous Impreza RX/RS came with RWD…..
- toxic_horse
  
  Toyota have a lot of experience in RWD sports cars.
  MR2 Supra
- Philthy
  
  Dude, have you heard of the Supra, Soarer, any toyota made prior to the 80′s, Lexus? Hilux, Hiace….Hino trucks… all RWD.
- Robin Graves
  
  Hyundai didnt do too bad in the Genesis, and they have limited RWD experience, mainly FWD up until then except in commercial vehicles.
- Sus
  
  Hay Guys can any of you point me in the direction of a Car dealer that sells brand new RWD cars with Toyota badges on them,or one that sells brand new RWD Subaru’s,Thanks.
- Sus
  
  Its Just a joke boys ligthen up,I think it looks HOT,its lite and RWD with good power,all the ingredients for a top drivers car.About time Toyota
Howie-R31

Very nice. Hopefully I can pick up some new sponsors and a payrise in the next couple years and I can have myself a new drift car :p
ElecEng

Looks good. Although putting a subaru engine doesn’t seem to suit it.

Have you heard of the Lexus RS200 (a 4 cylinder version of IS200)?? Suzuki developed engine. Very powerful and highly strung. They wanted to use an old engine, they should have used that instead. More power and torque than the boxer. But I guess that engine wouldn’t comply with EURO 5 emissions….
Paz

Toyota makes white goods? lol, first I’ve heard.

This car looks fantastic and will be a huge hit over here in Australia I guarantee it.

Paz – 7th gen 2ZZ-GE Celica owner – Sydney, Australia
Yanzo

well i’d rather buy this then a 350z or 370z, lot more character
- Lukaas
  
  Well I agree,
  
  But power wise, the 370Z’s V6 still gives it the edge.
  
  However this coupe (FT-86), is 4 seater, 2.0 liter and if turbo-charged. Potentially can output about 195kW as the current WRX has the same engine..
  
  Toyota can offer a turbo-charged model, (10 grand more) and call it a day.
  
  Entry base, $40,000 AUD. 120kW Naturally Aspirated.
  Turbo model, $50,000+ AUD. 195kW Turbo charged.
  
  If the Impreza gets 8.9 litres per 100kms. This RWD should net around 9.5+.
  
  So all in all…
  
  370Z 2 seater, V6 225kW RWD. $77,000 Drive away
  FT86 4 seater, 4 cylinder 120~195kW (turbo) RWD $54,000 Drive away.
  
  Easy choice for me anyways.
  - Shak
    
    isn’t the wrx a 2.5L turbo?
    - Lukaas
      
      My bad… USA, Europe, Australia gets a 2.5L variation.
      
      In JAPAN, the 2.0 liter turbo charged… although lacking the 0.5 L capacity… is regarded as “harder” and more “raw”…. basically “better” for performance.
      
      the 2.5L is for regulation issues….
Numb1er

Fantastic looking car overall in my opinion. Its a shame that we see so many good concept cars being designed and then when the final product hits the floors for sale they look completely different…good example the recent Mitsubishi Lancer hatchback. The concept design would have been a way better looking car if it was actually released compared to the current one.
- Lukaas
  
  I think outside the wheels… which can change still… to 16-inch probably.. lol.. maybe 17 inch.
  
  But the FR Bumper, I’ve seen on present cars it also corelates to the current styling of Toyota bumpers…
  
  the Fog lamp cover also SUGGEST that there is a a HIGHER grade model. That offers.. FOG LAMP lol.
  
  Turbo model, if done, would probably add a bonnet scoop.. lol.. hopefully not, Toyota doesnt tend to include bonnet scoops on non-SUV rally models… would require a front mounted intercooler that would be unique as it has a boxer horziontal/low position…
  
  I still think that going for a turbo model and increasing the price 10-15K ruins the purpose.
  
  I think Toyota honestly believes they can sell this car for under 20K (USA)…
  
  115~120kW
  180-190nM torque
  1050-1100 kg in weight…
  
  would make this a street go-kart….. or a “cheaper” more practical, slower “Lotus Exige”. The Trueno AE86 is legendary for the ability to drive so well around corners and superb handling and reponsiveness…. so the lack of power can be compensated by the increase handles and reduced weight…
  
  7 second 0-100 would be “okay” for a 20K (USA) car.
  
  But again, we’d probably see it for 45K in Australia, rebadged under “Celica”.
  
  Why? Because Australia is a place to overcharge for “sports” cars.
  
  Also, rumours I heard, a Hybrid version still on the cards….. hmmm…. 400nM torque 1100kg vehicle would probably do 4 second 0-100….
Hazyman

Will it arrive here anyday???
boy named sue

I’ll have a white one, with a black bonnet.
David

This is my next car
Dark Void

Looks pretty sick. The engine is trash though. I can’t wait to see somone throw a single turbo 2JZ-GTE in there!

Half you guys are on crack, Toyota has made some of the greatest sports cars to date, ummm Supra or Soarer anyone?
Ash

From all the stuff i’ve read. The engine will be the 2L subaru boxer engine, BUT highly tuned by toyota. 140-160kw N/A.
Neo Utopia

This looks heaps good, for a Toyota. Give it an updated turbo 2.0 litre internal combustion engine mated with a small electric engine which provides a boast function and low down torque then you have a unique small sports car, not just an updated (mostly styling) late 20th century small sports car.

Oh and to Market it to the next generation of buyers the name should definately not be Celica, it should be the concept name or something else Japanese. Ferrari use Italian names because they are proud to make Italian cars. Most good Japanese sports car brands should have original Japanese names and be proud of it, not just use some kitschy names which are easy to pronunce in English and which end with “ah”.
PerthTRDFAN

It will be higher than 120kW mostly due to tuning it specifically for this car and it will be direct injected as well, the 2GR-FE engine in aurions is only 200kW but the 2GR-FSE (Direct Injection version) in the IS350 lexus has 232kW so its not out of the realms of possibility to get another 40kW with a tune and DI on the std 2.0 boxer engine subaru currently offers.

As for toyota and whitegoods.. yeah lately toyota’s has been offering transportation more than passion, but you only have to look at cars like the lexus IS-F, altezza’s, IS350 and even the older yota’s supra’s MR2′s etc to know they still got it. Toyota know how to do a RWD sports car. They nailed it with the original AE86 and that was 25 years ago you think they forgot the formula?

This will get made and current estimates have it at $20-25,000 USD so with the current exchange rate we can hope to see base models here for $30-35K – ish. NOT$54K as i saw earlier its not full size remember its a “little” coupe.

Lets hope, i’d order one now if they would let me!
Zack

I, for one, would like to see how it handles with the -86 tag. If it’s anything like the AE, this would be a joy to drive sideways.