Toyota FT-86 Concept gets shot in the studio
by Damon Lavrinc on Oct 15th 2009 at 8:01PM 
Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for image gallery
We're eagerly awaiting our first live encounter with the Toyota FT-86 Concept next week at the Tokyo Motor Show. But before we endure the long flight over the Pacific, the crew at the freshly hosted FT-86 Club has scrounged up a bevy of live shots of Toyota's new coupe in the studio.
The more we see, the more we like. And these detail images give us a clearer view of the subtle design elements that make the reborn Hachiroku so damn appealing. We're particularly partial to the straked vents aft of the front wheels that tie in with the rest of the coupe's triangular elements, and plenty of carbon fiber detailing on the door handles, side mirrors, wheels and rear diffuser doesn't hurt, either. The interior remains show-car wacky (the zippered slot for the DVD player is pure silliness, but we're digging it), but the overall aesthetic strikes us as eerily production ready -- save our favorite feature, the A-pillars bisected by a piece of glass to aid visibility while sliding sideways (similar to Volvo's 2001 SCC concept). Here's hoping the FT-86 makes it from the show stand to the sales floor unscathed and delivers the driving dynamics to finally bring Toyota back from the brink.
Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio
[Source: FT-86Club]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Sean 8:08PM (10/15/2009)
I very much like the look of this vehicle. It's sleek, and borrows from a few without looking too much like anything, IMO.
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zamafir 10:34PM (10/15/2009)
well put, some miata in the front, gtr in the c pillar, etc etc. all in all a cohesive design. i'm still not sure about the rear
anonymous j 11:09PM (10/15/2009)
I don't really think it borrows from anything, I think it just has that stigma b/c it's not European and most people are still stuck in that "box". IMO this car looks distinctly original.
petee209 12:07AM (10/16/2009)
I can't wait to see the production version and possibly a TRD / STI version :D
Monica Dickey 2:32AM (10/16/2009)
definitely! has some distinction of its own. Hot car!
daleam 3:39AM (10/16/2009)
I don't know if it "borrows" or not, but I do think it looks different than anything currently on the road, and it really is beautiful.
Stephen 9:34AM (10/16/2009)
I'm not sure if the FT-86 "borrows" this or not, but when I look at the straight on view of the back and can't help but think of the 3rd gen RX-7 tail light treatment. It even has a little duck tail like the 3rd gen. This is actually why I like the FT-86 concept so much.
I'm not versed enough in FT-86 heritage to know if this is a design cue from it's past or not.
Sal Collaziano 10:02AM (10/16/2009)
Agreed.. There are a few minor tidbits taken from an old Corolla as well - on the interior and exterior. With a good possibility of a 250hp turbo version of this car, it's bound to attract a lot of attention from enthusiast and aftermarket performance companies.. This is exactly what Toyota needs - though I do hear some rumors about it selling with a Scion badge here in America...
Sal Collaziano
http://www.ft86.net
alex 8:08PM (10/15/2009)
I like it... but I gotta say when you look at the front and then the back, you'd think you're looking at two different cars. The front is aggressive with creases all over and then the back is all smooth and clean.
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David 8:11PM (10/15/2009)
I currently drive a Mustang, but I am still very interested in this car! Wow it is fantastic!
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Thunderbuck 11:54AM (10/16/2009)
Interesting you say that. I'm currently saving up for my "mid-life crisis" car, and the Mustang GT convertible is high on my short-list.
That said, I think the FT-86 is the perfect sporty coupe for the times; a bit more presence than, say, a Civic Si or a Mazdaspeed3, but still small enough to get decent performance from a 200hp 4cyl.
I'm not buying until '11, so I'll be keeping a close eye out for the production version...
ward.derrick 8:22PM (10/15/2009)
This is the first Toyota in a long time that I would seriously consider buying, and the Subaru powertrain is a serious plus. I really hope they don't change much on this car, I love the front and rear of this car. Some form of that dashboard would be cool on the production version too.
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zamafir 12:40AM (10/16/2009)
agreed, keep the dash, it looks awesome and production capable and would go a HUGE way towards countering the typically boring cheap interiors toyota saddles their cars with.
nighttime 4:18AM (10/16/2009)
The dash is amazing, but you can't expect to pay 20k + keep a dash like that.
TheCheat 8:22PM (10/15/2009)
Yeah, gotta say, I'm considering this as my first car in a few years when I can afford it.
As long as it handles really well and has around 200hp or can easily be tuned up to that.
Looks sexy, and that's one thing I can't say about the Miata. Hopefully next gen is better looking.
We'll just have to see!
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JDM Life 8:22PM (10/15/2009)
Looks great. Cant wait for the prodution car....a Lexus badge would fit very nicely on this car also.
Another nice vehicle from Toyota I cant wait for.
Toyotas on a roll.
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Jo Schmoe 10:09PM (10/15/2009)
JDM Life-
A Lexus badge defeats the purpose of this car. This car is meant to be cheap. Back under the rock, you go.
Valentino Amoro 1:08AM (10/16/2009)
Man, you're annoying.
WTF, "another nice vehicle from Toyota", "toyota is on a roll".
LOL.
While this seems like a winner based on the specs (assuming Toyota doesnt water this down for production), Toyota is certainly not on a roll. It takes a serious machine and dedication to build respect with car enthusiasts. Nissan has been doing just that, even Mazda's recent offerings have been great.
Toyota attempted something with the IS-F, lets see how this turns out. They have my support, but compared to performance offerings from firms like GM, Nissan, Audi, Subaru, BMW Toyota has a long way to go.
This is a first step (And please dont bring up the Supra, that was wayyy back)
JP 8:23PM (10/15/2009)
I am genuinely excited about this car. If Toyota keeps the sleek looks and the weight low, it's destined to be a hit.
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gerrrg 8:31PM (10/15/2009)
I'm particularly partial to this design. It's downright hot. Wish it were a Scion.
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