TOKYO — It is already common knowledge that the powertrain and chassis of the Toyota FT-86 showcar, the joint Toyota-Subaru project, was built by Subaru, but no word has officially been released about the automakers' final plans for this collaboration. And not a word has been said about Subaru's intention for this setup.
Inside Line has learned that there will be a Subaru variant of this car coming sometime in 2011. It will share the Toyota FT-86's naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-4, but we hear that output will be raised to approximately 250 horsepower (Toyota's car is rumored to be around 200). Subaru's version will feature all-wheel drive, so more power will be necessary to carry the added weight. Both cars will be outfitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.
IL has also learned that Subaru's car will be slightly larger than the Toyota thanks to a stretched platform.
Because of its larger size, extra power and all-wheel drive, expect the Subaru to come in around $30,000, about $5,000 more than the Toyota. This keeps the two coupes from directly competing with each other, and from potentially stealing sales from the Subaru Impreza WRX.
Inside Line says: Is it any surprise that Subaru is looking to add all-wheel drive and a little extra power to the FT-86? The real question is: will it be a better sport coupe? — Mak Tokuyama, Correspondent
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