Monday, 17 October 2011

FT-86 to be unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show!

The production version of Toyota’s exciting 200bhp rear-drive FT-86 will finally be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show (3rd-11th December) ahead of its UK launch next summer, reports Autocar.

Aimed at the enthusiast driver and inspired by the rear-drive 1980s Corolla AE86 favoured by drifting experts, the FT-86 will feature a low-set, Subaru-derived flat four engine, six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential.

Toyota is promising a low kerb weight; the target is 200kg lighter than a Volkswagen Scirocco, which suggests it will be close to 1,100kg.

At 4.2m long, with a generous 2,570mm wheelbase, the FT-86 will have compact dimensions and a conventional suspension layout – struts at the front and multi-link at the rear.

Handling will be "tuned" with a "European flavour", an example being the stability control system allowing "a degree of drift before intervening".

There’s also a name change on the cards. Some reports suggest that ‘Celica’ might be resurrected. The production name will finally be revealed at the Tokyo show.

With signs that sales in the US market are recovering, there are also suggestions that Toyota is dusting off plans for a new Supra. Toyota floated the idea of a new flagship coupé with the FT-HS concept in 2007, but the global recession put the idea on hold.

In addition, there are suggestions that the two-seat MR2 could be rejuventated to add some sparkle to the brand. However, insiders say there are no immediate plans to revive the MR2, which hasn’t been on sale for six years."

(Source: Autocar, 12 October)