Subaru’s new sports car (FT-86 Toybaru)

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By Alborz Fallah | October 28th, 2009

It was only a matter of time before someone decided to take the Toyota FT-86 concept and give it the Subaru make over. The FT-86 concept is the basis of a small and affordable rear-wheel drive sports car being co-produced by car giant Toyota and all-wheel drive kings Subaru.

We’ve all had to ask whether or not Subaru will make at least one of the variants of their model all-wheel drive, put the EJ20T or EJ25T engine from the Impreza WRX or STI in it and if that being the case, where do we sign? We want two!

Japan’s Best Car Magazine has put up these rendered speculations of what the STI version of the car may look like and frankly we’ve been starring at them all morning trying to press the non-existent buy it now button.

The FT-86 should go on sale over the next two years in both Toyota and Subaru guise. It’s still unclear as to how the two manufacturers will differentiate their models and whether or not Australia will see the Subaru and Toyota models together. Some have suggested that Subaru Australia may not bring their version of the car here unless it comes in AWD.

Click through for images and more information on the Toyota FT-86 concept. We also recently brought you pictures of the car testing at the Nurburgring.

Thanks to 7Tune for Best Car pictures.

Jo

Why does the front say Celica to me…
supercujo

i like.
Alex

Looks how a Subaru SHOULD look. Muscular and edgy.

Where do I sign?

Nick

don’t hold your breath – Subaru Australia’s Nick Senior suggested that the lack of all wheel drive would mean that its chances of landing down under with the 7 stars is slim.

Tael

Subaru should replace their whole Design team with the person(s) who is responsible for these renderings. This thing looks as good as (if not, better) than the Toyota version.
Car – Enthusiast

Yeah thats a typical Celica. Dnt know why they would wana sell it as a Subbie.

But whats with the name FT-86, do they really think that they can bring back the good old AE86, well i dnt think so.

Plus “TOYBARU” ?? I think SUBAOTA sounds better, actually wait scratch that, its giving too much credit to Toyota.
KWICKS

I hope they make it as an STI – and call it “Vortex”
Philthy

I thought the brief for this thing was always cheap, RWD coupe. Not sure why it needs to be AWD to be any good? I do like the scoop and fat arches in those piccys

Rhys

It doesn’t need AWD to be good. The fact that this is the Subaru version though means AWD would be fantastic and would further differentiate it from the Toyota model which will just be RWD.

Steven

I bet the interior will be made of model airplane plastic.
http://Mini Ben Larden

On recent design form from Subaru, i think this design will remain your wet dream Alborz.
Flying High

Great concept. Just like any rendered pic. It will be a long time before we see any sort of reality…so it more like a next next car than next car.
winD

Looks to me like:

Front = Celica
Back/Side = Nissan 350/370z

*Weird*
Mitch

Other reports on the internet say its going to be AWD with a turbo engine, around 308PS roughly 230kw. 220 pounds heavier (thanx to awd) and 20cm larger in every direction.
Yanzo

toyotas version is better!
Ben

I don’t think so. The engine has been moved too far back in the chassis for the existing transaxle unit to work. To modify it will be too expensive in the near term.

Ben

Sorry, in reply to Mitch, I meant it wont be AWD

Hung Low

Looks like a 370Z with a ricers body kit!
DnBTavious

Anyone else notice that the side on view looking from the back to the front looks similar to a particular Nissan vehicle…? R35 GTR to be exact!

Jamison

Thats because this is an “artist” impression rather than a prototype model.

midi

if they have a bonnet scoop wouldnt that be saying they are thinking of having some sort of top mount in it with a turbo???????? here hopes so. im still hanging on to my 2005 wrx. everything after it looks like KIA designed the cars for them.
http://www.caradvice.com.au OSU811

the asnwer would be for toyota to bring out the stripped out light weight non turbo
RWD version for around $30k, and for subaru to bring out a hi po, AWD turbo verion for around $40k or more, then they wont be any competition for each other and gives subaru AWD to keep with there awd only theme/marketing…