REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works
Toyota FT-86 - click above image for hi-res gallery
In news that will only shock those that haven't been paying attention, Toyota has reportedly confirmed that if the market demands it, there will be a convertible version of the new FT-86. Though Toyota still hasn't settled on a name for the upcoming budget rear-drive sports car, the announcement of a drop-top option lends a bit more credence to the rumor that the Celica nameplate might be brought back from the dead.
Now, the notion of a convertible Celica really shouldn't shock anyone. However, what should shock you (at least a little) is the possibility of convertible Subaru. Because, besides a few one-offs and at least one was-never-going-to-see-the-light-of-day concept, Subaru has never built a convertible. And of course, this means that the very real possibility of an all-wheel drive, 300+ horsepower, 300+ lb-ft. of torque, six-speed manual Subaru roadster exists. Where do we sign up? Thanks to everyone for the tips!
Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept
[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
jmc8387 2:34PM (10/30/2009)
Great too see a convertible option as well. Call this car Celica and give me the option of buying a GT-Four option with 300 hp turbo four and all-wheel-drive!
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9600baud 2:40PM (10/30/2009)
I thought the same but then it hit me... there's already a car like that and its called an STI. So whats the point?
jmc8387 2:46PM (10/30/2009)
I personally would rather have the Celica. I am along time Toyota sports car enthusiast for 25 years now. I use to dream of one day Toyota bringing over the 94-99 GT-Four Celicas. There is so much heritage with Celica that I would prefer it over the Subaru.
9600baud 2:53PM (10/30/2009)
running on a Subaru engine and turbocharger.
Dont get me wrong it'd be awesome but redundant. I think they should focus on this car being as cheap, lightweight, and tossable as possible instead, otherwise it'll cost $30k for the "GT" version and really not bring anything new to the table...
Farris 2:57PM (10/30/2009)
As BoxerFanatic has said numerous times, this car cannot have AWD unless it has an extremely unique front diff, center diff, transmission, etc.
Not only that, but I seriously doubt Subaru would allow a car that's that similar to the STi to ever see the light of day.
jmc8387 2:58PM (10/30/2009)
Yeah I understand where you are coming from. Realistically though, I would rather this top out at $30k than anything lower and get alot of nice features for that price than a more stripped down entry level car. I look at it this way, back in 1998 my Mom bought a brand new Celica liftback. In 98 fully loaded it topped out at a bit over $26k. Twelve years later I think that shooting for a $20k car would make it very cheap in materials and features. We shall see though, hopefully Toyota and Subaru will over several trim levels so they can be competitive in various price ranges.
zamafir 3:01PM (10/30/2009)
"Not only that, but I seriously doubt Subaru would allow a car that's that similar to the STi to ever see the light of day."
Toyota OWNS Subaru. If toyota wants it, they'll get it.
John H. 3:14PM (10/30/2009)
@9600b: it's a 2-door coupe, not a 4-dr / 5-dr. simple as that.
tankd0g 3:28PM (10/30/2009)
There's no STI coupe, that's kinda the point. I don't want a "sports" car that has a place for a baby seat.
Farris 4:02PM (10/30/2009)
Good point, Zamafir! I completely forgot that Subie was owned by ToMoCo.
Hopefully this thing is worth the wait. I'll be new car shopping in a few years... if this is out by then it'll most likely be on my shortlist of cars to test drive.
Tony 4:24PM (10/30/2009)
I'm still against the Celica name. If they wanted to revive the Celica then they should have referred to it on the concept instead of the FT-86. They also brought up drifting as a goal for the product and I dont see any Celicas running around. Dori Dori didn't drove one.
I dont think Subaru will let Toyota step too much into their territory by helping them revive the GT-4/All Trac especially since its a Subie trademark not Toyotas.
Tourian 5:17PM (10/30/2009)
I don't think it should be called a Corolla AE86 or Celica. Both of those names mean a lot to Toyota and having them powered and based on Subaru tech seems wrong IMO. Time for a new name.
FT-86.com 6:00PM (10/30/2009)
I dont know if they really can say convertible as the are still deciding wether this car is being made or not when I talked to the chief project manager... But maybe they made their decision?
If you guys want to learn more about the FT-86 photos videos etc... join us on our forums at
http://FT-86.com
Hope to see you there
Ren Nagata 11:29PM (10/30/2009)
so what youre saying is that mercedes cant make the C63 AMG because theres already an M3
BigDumbFace 2:37PM (10/30/2009)
Toyobaru or Sciobaru?
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Purplewon 2:46PM (10/30/2009)
Subiota.
BigDumbFace 2:53PM (10/30/2009)
Subarion?
Taglane 4:31PM (10/30/2009)
Definitely a Scibaru.
Randy915 4:47AM (10/31/2009)
2011 Celica, done.
JayC 2:36PM (10/30/2009)
Just concentrate on making a good coupe first, then worry about the ragtop...
Please don't ruin it by making something cheap that no one wants.
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