Toyota to Revamp FT-86 Design

The co-developed Toyota/Subaru FT-86 revival of the famed AE86 RWD street racing icon might get a new exterior say rumors.

We’ve already seen the concept unveiled at the last Tokyo Motor Show complete with color of a baboon’s ass but Toyota might just be going towards another direction when it comes to the styling.

Weird thing is that we’ve already seen a G-Sports version of the car and developing the special body panels would’ve already cost Toyota some money.

It’s Toyota’s decision anyway. If they think using a better shell for their sporty RWD coupe’s the best way to go, then so be it.

We could all just hope that this car’s dependable as heck. Unlike the millions of cars already recalled (and are still recalling).

Subaru Version of Toyota FT-86 Will Have More Power

So you’ve set your eyes on getting the Toyota FT-86 ince it comes out? Well you might be better off waiting for its Subaru sister. Subaru has just announced that its version will be bigger and more powerful than Toyota’s.

The Subaru version is set to get 50 more hp from the 2.0L 4-cylinder boxer engine for a total of 250 hp. Toyota’s version is only configured to dish out 200 hp. In addition, Subaru’s version will remain true to the company’s AWD philosophy comapred to Toyota’s RWD car.

Subaru’s version will also be larger nad will cost about $5,000 more than Toyota’s which is currently pegged at $20,000. On a marketing standpoint, that should keep them from competing directly against each other.

The real question now is how will these cars perform. Around a track, we’re pegging the Subie to be faster and more planted given the larger power output and the AWD but Toyota’s might just be the more fun. Its RWD layout will make it better for powerslides.

Toyota, Subaru Considering Sports Coupe Convertibles

Toyota seems to be fixated on how to make money out of their Subaru co-developed FT-86 RWD sports coupe. The car, which is supposed to be a tribute to the famed A86 Corolla GT/Corolla Levin/Trueno Sprinter.

The Toyota version has just been recently showcased in the Tokyo Motor Show and is expected to hit the market in early 2011.

Subaru has yet to make their own design of the car but fgans hope that Subaru will stick to their 4WD guns. The car currently makes around 200 hp from the 2.0L boxer engine. A Subaru STi version might be able to pump it up to at least 400 hp.

Now, word has it that the two companies are considering creating soft-top versions of the new sports coupe. But given the launch dates of these things, it might take at least a year before that goes out.

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

Aside from the Impreza STi Carbon, Subaru’s also set to unveil a hybrid concept at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Dubbed the Hybrid Tourer Concept, the car is “Subaru’s latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance.”

Powering the cars is a 2.0L turbocharge gasoline engine which delivers power to all four wheels in classic Subaru all-wheel drive glory.

As a hybrid, the system uses two electric motors with a power and drive motor up front and a drive motor at the rear.

The car sports quite the futuristic design. The shape has been design with aerodynamics in mind and for added spice, the car’s got gull wing doors!

Source: Subaru

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Impreza STi Carbon

Subaru’s been pretty quiet for the past few months. In fact, their last interesting bit of news from them in my book is the launch of the Impreza and that turned out to be a big disappointment.

The latest Impreza is butt ugly and a shadow of its former self and the Evo has undoubtedly trumped the
Impreza in this latest toss-up.

But that’s not stopping Subaru from creating something for the Tokyo motor show. This here’s the Subaru Impreza Carbon. It’s basically an Impreza STI with carbon-fiber roof to help bring down the car’s weight.

Other changes include slapping on a five-speed auto gearbox straight from the Legacy and no proper manual will be offered (come on!). The interior’s bathed in sued too.

The show’s in their home turf anyway. And with bigger automakers out, that’s less competition in the stands.

Frankfurt 2009: Euro-spec Subaru Legacy and Outback

We’ve all seen the US versions of the new Subaru Outback and Legacy but if you’re waiting for what the Euro-spec versions will be packing, then you have to wait for their official unveilings at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

The Euro versions will bear redesigned front grilles, a new bumper and even larger wing mirrors to differentiate the cars from their North American siblings.

Compared to the old models, the Legacy saloon and estate models will be a bit longer 65mm and 55 mm to be exact, respectively. The wheelbase has also been widened by 80 mm so that means more space, even if it’s just for leg room.

The Legacy will come with a choice of a 2.0L gasoline engine, a 2.5L gas, and 2.0L turbocharged boxer diesel. The Outback will not have the 2.0L gas option.