Photos: Toyota's sporty FT-86 II concept
By Loz Blain
June 27, 2011
The Toyota FT-86 II sportscar concept
Image Gallery (11 images)Perhaps fearing that the brand is losing touch with "passionate drivers", Toyota is developing a new "affordable" sports car to fill the gap it left when it dropped the Supra and MR2 from its lineup. The FT-86 II concept, built on a Subaru platform under a partnership agreement, is a rear wheel drive coupe with smart styling that's clearly aimed at younger drivers. Toyota showed off the car in Melbourne, ahead of this weekend's Australian International Motor Show - and took the opportunity to give the press an advance look at the Prius C concept, Prius V, 2012 Hilux and all-new Yaris as well. Pics inside.
Toyota has signaled its intention of breaking back into the younger male demographic, a segment it has neglected in favor of more practical, sensible cars in recent years. The FT-86 II concept heralds a new sports model projected to sell around the AUD$30,000 (approx. US$31,380) mark when in launches sometime mid next year.
The FT-86 II is built on Toyota's partnership with Subaru - which has provided the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and Impreza chassis. The styling is Toyota's work, and reminiscent of a Supra/Batmobile lovechild in its aggressive, LED-lit front jawline and long, low stance.
At the same event, presented at the impressive new Toyota Style Australia facility, we were shown the new, broadened Prius family, including the Prius V (for Versatile) station wagon, and the Prius C (for City) compact. More on the new Prius family here.
The revised Hilux was also revealed, a facelift for Australia's most popular utility vehicle, and the local press also got its first chance to see next year's Yaris compact.
Loz loves motorcycles - at the age of two, he told his mother "don't want brother, want mogabike." It was the biker connection that first brought Loz to Gizmag, but since then he's covered everything from alternative energy and weapons to medicine, marital aids - and of course, motorcycles. Loz also produces a number of video pieces for Gizmag, including his beloved bike reviews. He frequently disappears for weeks at a time to go touring with his vocal band Suade. All articles by Loz Blain
I like it. Myself I will take AC, ABS, air bags, sun roof, nice stereo. I don't want a fun car that is fun only. Fun and utility are my benchmarks. Love the Prius V, if that s the blue car. The slammed bread van look is appealing
rik.warren28th June, 2011 @ 06:58 am PDT
Perhaps fearing that the brand is losing touch with "passionate drivers", Toyota is........
Given the collapse of life on earth - the greatest mass extinction ever - that we are NOW in the process of - I would declare that the management of Toyota have not only lost touch with "passionate drivers" (another name for stupid people) - they have lost touch with reality.
Mr Stiffy28th June, 2011 @ 05:39 pm PDT
If this happens, I am a definite candidate. I love cars and driving but think it is critical to reduce my carbon footprint. I downsized in 2008 and it was a choice between a second hand MX5 or a new Ford Fiesta. (I went with the Ford and have been mainly happy) My preference now would be for a fiesta/3 sized rear wheel drive vehicle in the $25k (AUD) range but the closest is a second hand BMW 1 series which would be gutless and costly to own. I reckon there would be a definite market for a Japanese version.
I am more interested in performance and dynamics than the kind of looks that make cops notice you but if this thing handles, goes and stops well, I will definitely test one. The main issue when I do so will be the comparison between the new Toyota and a second hand MX5 of the same value.
Hogey7428th June, 2011 @ 06:52 pm PDT
The FRS BRZ FT-86, Got Watered Down, Just as I suspected.. Early marketing advertisments said this could be the next Supra, not likely, more like the next celica from looking at the body.. Sadly The Supra Successor goes to the Lexus LFA, but unfortunately it's also five hundred grand$$$. I'm sure after some time it'll go down to an affordable Three hundred grand :/
Gargamoth15th October, 2012 @ 08:25 pm PDT
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If they want to re-enter the market with a "sporty" vehicle, they might try a bare-bones, lightweight, 2-seat ragtop roadster, with a manual transmission- that is, an actual "sports car," like an MGB, TR-6, Spitfire...
William H Lanteigne28th June, 2011 @ 12:28 am PDT