Toyota Celica or Scion tC? Toyota reportedly deliberating over production FT-86 nameplate
Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Although the Toyota FT-86, freshly unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, is billed strictly as a concept car, we're fully expecting the rear-wheel-drive coupe to foreshadow a new production car from Toyota. The question on everyone's lips, then, is what Toyota will call the final version when it hits the market.
Some reports are indicating that Toyota will revive the Celica nameplate, a name which still carries a certain following among Japanese sportscar fans even though it hasn't been used in four years. Other reports are suggest that when the production FT-86 reaches American shores, it will act as a replacement for the current Scion tC. Both the models, in their last iterations, were front-drive models, but that may not be a factor in determining the vehicle's name.
So which is true? Only time will tell, but both reports could ultimately prove accurate. Even if Toyota does decide to badge the FT-86 a Scion, the youth-oriented brand is only active in the North American market, meaning that the Japanese automaker will still need another name for use in its domestic market and others overseas. Which name would appeal to you more? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio
[Sources: Autocar and The Detroit Bureau]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
Julius 10:31AM (10/26/2009)
Hmm... the Supra's been gone from our shores for some time as well...
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abbas350 12:49PM (10/26/2009)
my vote is celica, and give us a 4 wheel drive version pleeeaaaasse
Paul 2:59PM (10/26/2009)
Scion's advertising agency says this is the new TC. Given that they're launching it in 10 months, I'd think they have good info.
James Sonne 3:22PM (10/26/2009)
I'll be in the market for a fun, capable performance coupe in the next three years. If this is called a Scion, I won't buy it.
Nameplates carry certain demographics with them. I am not a Scion demographic. I would happily be a Toyota demographic, an Acura, Hyundai, Audi, or Nissan demographic. I wouldn't even mind the stigma of owning a BMW. I am simply not a 20 year-old hipster. I would not want to valet park in a Scion.
MrGouda 5:44PM (10/26/2009)
+1 for Toyota nameplate. I am not a fan of Scion. But am a big fan of Toyota's sporty cars like the Celica and Supra. Scions are pretty much all show and no go.
And I agree with James Sonne, certain nameplates carry certain stigmas, and Scion is for a younger audience, and I am not that young anymore. Nor do I want to be seen like a loser in one of those Pepsi commercials who is trying to relive his youth. A person like me driving a Scion would be like screaming "Look at me! I own a Scion, I'm young again!" Ugh. No thanks.
Geep 6:30PM (10/26/2009)
My vote is none of the above. They'd be foolish to call it a Scion and imo they killed the Celica with the last gen. Why not just CALL it the FT-86 or something new?
VictorRaikkonen 8:47PM (10/27/2009)
I agree w/James... I wouldn't be interested in driving anything w/a SCION badge on it; Toyota Celica ftw.
Nathan 10:29PM (10/26/2009)
I don't care what they call it, but then again I couldn't care less about what other people thought of what I drive.
I don't buy a car to impress people or make a statement, I buy it because I like to drive it. Brand or model be damned.
ev1go 1:34AM (10/30/2009)
It's better to just give it a fresh new name. Why revive old cars? They stopped selling for a reason. It's a fresh new car with a fresh new start. It deserves it's own name. Why not just call it FT86?
J-Rhyme 8:49PM (11/09/2009)
Confirmed Scion, talked to a couple guys from Toyota today.
stealthebeatles 10:32AM (10/26/2009)
If it was a Scion, I might not see Scion as a joke (like I do now).
Especially important considering I am inside the target demographic.
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fixitfixitstop 10:39AM (10/26/2009)
Really? I think the current tC offers the best bang for the buck, and I don't like Toyotas at all.
Rob 11:29AM (10/26/2009)
I have a tC and agree that it's a pretty fun little car. Good looks, a large 4-cylinder engine, and cheap! So, as a Scion owner I feel I can say with authority that this car really probably shouldn't be named as one, or not, at least, as the next tC. I think it should be called the FT-86 whichever brand it lands under. The tC nameplate is probably still a little downmarket of where this car should be. Same with Celica, honestly.
gerrrg 11:34AM (10/26/2009)
Looks like a Celica, but the tC is getting old in the tooth. Make it a Scion.
Shiftright 11:39AM (10/26/2009)
Yeah, like them or not, there's nothing funny about affordable, reliable and unique looking small cars. Never driven one, but the TC seems like a pretty good car and value to me.
Jei 11:49AM (10/26/2009)
If this concept is going to be a Scion, then their future lineup has to be equally impressive as far as updates go. I don't have that much confidence in Scion. I'd label it a Celica.
Light Speed 1:10PM (10/26/2009)
the target demographic is idiot ricers.
Jrejre 1:52PM (10/26/2009)
I don't care much if they badget it a scion or toyota (although I hear you can't really bargain on scions) but this can't be the next tC. The tC is meant to be a sub-20k car where the ft86 is probably going to compete with the 22k hyundai genesis coupe.
Not that I'd complain if I could get an ft-86 for $19,995.
nastinupe 10:49AM (10/26/2009)
That's an easy one.. Celica. The Scion tc's name doesn't deserve this car.
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Luis 11:25AM (10/26/2009)
It would be a great way for Toyota to offer a premium RWD sport coupe in the $21-30k range as the Celica and an entry-level FWD coupe to replace the tC in the $17-22k range.
That's what I would do. Toyota needs as much excitement in it's showrooms as possible, and two coupes would do the trick.