Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumormill: Subaru version of Toyota FT-86 to be bigger, get substantially more power, AWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/rumormill-subaru-version-of-toyota-ft-86-to-be-bigger-get-subs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/rumormill-subaru-version-of-toyota-ft-86-to-be-bigger-get-subs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/rumormill-subaru-version-of-toyota-ft-86-to-be-bigger-get-subs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota FT-86 Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

While most sports car fans everywhere are waiting with bated breath for the new Toyota FT-86 to arrive from the Land of the Rising Sun, some of us are a little bit more excited about the car's Subaru cousin. Why is that, especially considering that the FT-86 appears to be kinda just what the doctor ordered (rear-wheel drive, 200 horsepower, light, cheap)? Well, for one thing, Subarus are all-wheel drive. And while rear-wheel driven sports cars definitely have their charms (earlier rumors even suggested that Fuji Heavy (i.e. Subaru) was even caving and going rear-drive with its version of the Toyobaru), there's really little in life as fun as blasting down a gravel road at a seemingly unsafe clip while kicking up mountainous clouds of dust. Plus, you know, rain and all that.

Then there's the engine. Our pals at Inside Line are reporting that the Subaru iteration of the FT-86 will have more power - 250 hp according to them. Using Jeremy Clarkson-style logic, 250 hp is better than 200 hp. Because it's more. IL claims that the Toyobaru will use a version of the just-developed-for-the-FT-86 flat-four 2.0-liter engine - supposedly naturally aspirated like in the FT-86.

But here's the thing - the smallest engine Subaru offers American consumers these days is a 2.5-liter boxer. And that motor, turbo-tuned for WRX duty, makes 265 hp (though we've driven it and we'd wager it kicks out a bit more than that). Why would Subaru put a smaller, weaker engine into a $30,000 coupe ($30,000 according to the IL article) than the motor they stick in the $25,000 WRX? Exactly -we don't think they would.

Inside Line also says the Subaru version will be larger than the Toyota car because of a "stretched platform." We're not sure if that means longer or wider - or both - but we'd err on the side of longer, as in more backseat room. What we're looking at then, is a big-ish, AWD coupe with a lot of power. Can you say 2011 SVX? We knew you could.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept


[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Subaru version of Toyota FT-86 to be bigger, get substantially more power, AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FT-86SubaruSubaru CoupeSubaru SVXSubaru WRXSubaruCoupeSubaruSvxSubaruWrxsubiyotaSVXToyobaruToyotaToyota FT-86ToyotaFt-86WRXWed, 18 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 sure doesn't sound like a boxer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/video-toyota-ft-86-sure-doesnt-sound-like-a-boxer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/video-toyota-ft-86-sure-doesnt-sound-like-a-boxer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/video-toyota-ft-86-sure-doesnt-sound-like-a-boxer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Toyota FT-86 Concept exhaust note - Click to watch the video after the jump

Toyota garnered a lot of attention at this year's Tokyo Motor Show with the debut of the FT-86 concept. And they weren't about to let it slip past them, either. As part of the spectacle, they played the sounds of the prototype supposedly rounding the Nürburgring.

The FT-86 is being jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, the former providing the platform and the latter the engine, among other components. The thing is, as our JDM-loving compatriots over at 7Tune point out, the engine noise piped in doesn't sound much like a boxer four.

Of course, that kind of deducing poses more questions than it answers: Is Toyota planning a different engine for its version of the so-called Toyobaru sports-coupe? Is Subaru's hesitation prompting Toyota to make its own plans? Did they not like how the engine sounded and opt to pipe in another soundtrack altogether? We can only speculate, but if you listen to the audio in the video clip after the jump and have your own idea, we're all ears.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept


[Source: 7Tune.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 sure doesn't sound like a boxer

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 sure doesn't sound like a boxer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxerboxer engineBoxerEngineflat fourFlatFourft-86ft-86 boxerft-86 conceptft-86 engineFt-86BoxerFt-86ConceptFt-86Enginesubarusubaru boxerSubaruBoxertoyobarutoyotatoyota ft-86ToyotaFt-86Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: JDM rumormill reports Subaru's FT-86 will get turbo power, AWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/japanese-rumormill-reports-subarus-ft-86-will-get-turbo-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/japanese-rumormill-reports-subarus-ft-86-will-get-turbo-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/japanese-rumormill-reports-subarus-ft-86-will-get-turbo-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The crew from Japan's BestCar magazine have apparently taken the initial pics of the Toyota FT-86 concept and grafted a unique nose, rear fascia and wheels onto ToMoCo's new sports coupe, and while the result is less-than-fetching, the accompanying report offers a pseudo-confirmation of what's been suspected all along.

According to BestCar's (notoriously unnamed) sources, the Subaru coupe (internally dubbed 216A) will come equipped with all-wheel drive, and a choice of two engines in Japan - the 250-horsepower 2.0-liter EJ20 or the worked over, 300-hp boxer four from the WRX STI.

Naturally, the additional kit will result in a substantial price increase over the Toyota version, not to mention a 220-power weight penalty courtesy of its AWD drivetrain.

There's also talk of a slight increase in height, width and wheelbase, but no word on whether the Subaru coupe will make it to U.S. shores. If it does, expect it to arrive sometime after its introduction in Japan in 2011, with a price tag somewhere around the $30,000 mark.


Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept


[Source: BestCar via 7Tune]

Rendered Speculation: JDM rumormill reports Subaru's FT-86 will get turbo power, AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ft-86ft86subaru 216aSubaru216atoyobarutoyotatoyota ft-86toyota ft86ToyotaFt-86ToyotaFt86Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Toyota unveils FT-86 Concept, keeps mum on details]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/toyota-ft-86-concept-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/toyota-ft-86-concept-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/toyota-ft-86-concept-tokyo-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We got a sneak peak of the FT-86 earlier this month, and now Toyota has just officially revealed its new 2+2 concept here at the Tokyo Motor Show. It's been a while since the Japanese automaker has offered anything resembling a sports car - especially one with rear-wheel drive - so there was plenty of excitement when the covers were pulled off the FT-86. The coupe looks stunning in person, and we particularly like the details like the carbon-fiber rear diffuser and the stunning white leather seats.

We were hoping for more information about the FT-86 at its debut, but Toyota is still keeping quiet about the specific details of the car that is tipped for production in late 2011. Rumor has it that a Subaru 2.0-liter flat-four will be sending power to the rear wheels, and that keeping weight down to a minimum will be a top priority. We'll be sure to bring you more details as we get them, but until then check out our high-res gallery of live photos below.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Toyota unveils FT-86 Concept, keeps mum on details originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept2009ToyotaFt-86ConceptFT-86FT-86 ConceptFt-86ConceptRWDsubiyotaTokyoTokyo 2009tokyo auto showTokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowtoyobaruToyotaToyota FT-86Toyota FT-86 ConceptToyota RWDToyotaFt-86ToyotaFt-86ConceptToyotaRwdWed, 21 Oct 2009 01:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/toyota-subaru-coupe-prototype-spy-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/toyota-subaru-coupe-prototype-spy-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/toyota-subaru-coupe-prototype-spy-shots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyobaru testing on the 'Ring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's FT-86 concept, which will be officially unveiled at next week's Tokyo Motor Show, combines attractive, aggressive aesthetics, rear-wheel drive and a Subaru-sourced boxer engine with the hopes of injecting a bit of passion into the Japanese automaker's admittedly sterile lineup. And since the vehicle has reportedly been a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru all along, we've been anxiously awaiting the Subaru-branded coupe that is sure to follow.

Last week, we gave you an update regarding Subaru's progress with its half of the Toyobaru project, complete with a sketch-tastic rendering from the UK's Autocar. Fast forward to today, and although we can't be sure if this Nürburgring-circling, cobbled-together prototype is a Subaru effort or a Toyota joint, it appears to be a development of the FT-86 that we know is headed for production.

As shot here by our friends at KGP Photography, the little coupe is well disguised, but it looks like a Fuji Heavy project to us, as it shares some Subaru design hallmarks. Up front, the masked prototype takes on the basic shape of the WRX, with bold, bulging curves and a snub nose. There is no trademark Subaru hood scoop, but the big hood has a very aggressive appearance. Out back, the car's rump is also Impreza hatch-like, with a massive rear wing disguised by some heavy camo. It isn't at all clear that what's seen here is in any way, shape or form production bodywork, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the Scooby crew adopt a chunkier aesthetic than their compatriots at Toyota.

The basic layout of the vehicle also appears to favor motivation via the rear wheels, as the 2+2 cabin is pushed back over the rear axle. The Subaru will likely sport the same direct injection 2.0-liter boxer engine currently sitting under the hood of the Toyota concept. If the little boxer can indeed produce nearly 200 horsepower as has been rumored, we're thinking it will be solid punch for the Subaru, as the Toyota FT-86 is nearly a foot shorter than an Impreza and the spy photos show what appears to be a very small form factor. Add turbocharging down the line and we suspect you've got a tuner's delight capable of taking on the big boys.

Word on the street is that Subaru isn't quite sold on the idea of the Toyota-designed rear-wheel drive platform, which may or may not be able to accommodate Subaru's signature all-wheel drive setup. We're not sure that theory makes much sense if the two are collaborating on concept versions of the vehicle, and it would be difficult to understand how Subaru could enter such an agreement without first knowing whether it could add its trademark drivetrain, but we've heard this word ourselves from Subie folks as well, so perhaps Toyota is throwing some of its weight around.

Check out the high-res gallery below and our spy shooter's thoughts after the jump.


Gallery: Toyobaru Testing on the 'Ring


[Source: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg

Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin' der Nürburg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ft-86fuji heavy industriesFujiHeavyIndustriesnordschleifeNurburgringrwd coupeRwdCoupespy picsspy shotspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotssubarutoyobarutoyota ft-86ToyotaFt-86Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Purported renderings of Subaru's FT-86 Sports Coupe emerge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/purported-renderings-of-subarus-ft-86-sports-coupe-emerge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/purported-renderings-of-subarus-ft-86-sports-coupe-emerge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/purported-renderings-of-subarus-ft-86-sports-coupe-emerge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's only been a couple of days since Toyota released initial details and photos of its TF-86 coupe concept scheduled for debut at the upcoming Tokyo show, but we've already been waiting for the other shoe to drop. The project nicknamed "Toyobaru" by the media and fansites is to be a test case for future cooperation between Toyota and Subaru, and the TF-86 is based largely on Scooby mechanicals. A Subaru-branded version of the coupe is expected to follow, and now sketches outlining the design have emerged courtesy of the blokes at Autocar.

Sources indicate, however, that Subaru's executives are far from sold on the project. The Toyota-designed platform may not be able to accommodate all-wheel-drive, a signature Subaru feature. And parent company Fuji Heavy is reportedly hesitant to share its technologies with rival Toyota. However, the counterpoint is that the coupe's inclusion in the company's lineup could attract a new demographic, and that sharing components with Toyota would help mitigate costs and reduce overhead.

[Source: Autocar]

Purported renderings of Subaru's FT-86 Sports Coupe emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AWDFuji HeavyFuji heavy industriesFujiHeavyFujiHeavyIndustriesRWDsubarusubaru sports coupesubaru tf-86SubaruSportsCoupeSubaruTf-86toyobarutoyotatoyota subarutoyota tf-86ToyotaSubaruToyotaTf-86Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyoda says Lexus LF-A on time and headed for America, reconfirms Toyobaru]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/report-toyoda-says-lexus-lf-a-on-time-and-headed-for-america-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/report-toyoda-says-lexus-lf-a-on-time-and-headed-for-america-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/report-toyoda-says-lexus-lf-a-on-time-and-headed-for-america-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lexus LF-A Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

There's a new sheriff in town at Toyota, and he's wasting no time in making his presence felt at the World's Largest Automaker. Fortunately, that finally means a return to building fun-to-drive cars after years of offering virtually nothing to tempt the enthusiast market. We can only hope that some of that sporting DNA finds its way into the rest of the automaker's staid lineup as well.

"The severe drop in the economy and auto market has created some of the most challenging times Toyota has ever faced," says new Toyota Prez Akio Toyoda. "I aim to take us back to what made Toyota successful for many years - making high-quality products at an affordable price."

According to Toyoda, two of the most eagerly anticipated (non-hybrid) vehicles from Toyota in years are moving ahead at full steam. First of all, the seemingly forever-delayed Lexus LF-A sportscar is back on track and headed Stateside. Secondly, Toyoda reconfirmed earlier reports that the planned affordable sportscar made in partnership with Subaru is on its way within the next few years. Finally, change we can believe in!


Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept


[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Toyoda says Lexus LF-A on time and headed for America, reconfirms Toyobaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akio toyodaAkioToyodalexuslexus lf-alexus sports carlexus supercarLexusLf-aLexusSportsCarLexusSupercarsubarusubaru toyotaSubaruToyotatoyobarutoyotatoyota sports cartoyota subaruToyotaSportsCarToyotaSubaruThu, 06 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Second That Emotion: Toyobaru re-confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/second-that-emotion-toyobaru-re-confirmed-for-tokyo-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/second-that-emotion-toyobaru-re-confirmed-for-tokyo-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/second-that-emotion-toyobaru-re-confirmed-for-tokyo-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As recently as February, the Toyota/Subaru sports car was declared dead, a week later it was back on, a few weeks after that there were rumblings that it would be at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. Japan's Best Car magazine is apparently reporting that the little car will definitely be revealed in Japan. The news makes some sense, as this year's show will be well down on foreign automaker participation, so it's reasonable that local makers will want to take advantage of the dedicated attention to their wares.

Assuming the Toyobaru does show up, it will supposedly sit alongside the production Lexus LF-A and the hybrid 2011 Toyota Supra concept. Now if we could just make sure there's a new NSX there...

[Source: 4WheelsNews | Image: Best Car]

Second That Emotion: Toyobaru re-confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A "Toyota insider" has supposedly spilled a few more beans to 7Tune about the upcoming front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe the automaker is collaborating on with Subaru, and according to the source, the 2+2 will carry a few of the Lexus LF-A's design cues when it hits the market next year.

Although Lexus' "L-Finesse" styling has remained exclusive to Toyota's luxury brand, certain elements of the language have begun to filter down to the automaker's mainstream models, specifically the recently released Venza CUV. The rendering above hints at some of the lines that could make the cut on the production version of the "086A," but contrary to past reports, 7Tune's tipster says that the Toyota and Subaru versions won't be remarkably different - only the front grille, headlamps and taillights will be unique. The report goes on to say that Toyota is desperately trying to keep the price below the two million yen mark (a little over $20,000) and, coinciding with earlier rumors, Subaru is actively considering offering an STI version of the coupe.

In a related story, ToMoCo's new president, Akio Toyoda - the exec who recently piloted the LF-A around the Green Hell during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring - told Auto Motor und Sport, "This sports culture, which we have neglected for so long, will again be maintained." Toyoda clearly wants to see the automaker back on the radar of enthusiasts and the first example of this newfound focus could find its way onto the stage at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

[Sources: 7Tune, Auto Motor und Sport via Japanese Nostalgia Car]

Rumormill: More Toyobaru scuttlebutt comes to the surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Toyobaru deserves a place in the mythical creature pantheon with vampires and the Loch Ness Monster -- every official denial is followed by another sighting. The latest speculation on Toyota and Subaru's coupe project provides more details, suggesting specs of 200 hp and 145 lb-ft, MacPherson struts forward and a multilink suspension aft on a 2,700-pound vehicle.

Supposedly the car's mechanicals are Subaru's work; Subaru's 2.0-liter engine is mentioned, but not the Toyota-designed heads that have been mentioned before. The look of the car is on Toyota's shoulders and will come in two slightly different flavors for each marque to sell. The car should cost around $20,000, and expect it to arrive in 2011. Or not. Hat tip to Ben D.

[Source: Road & Track]

Rendered (Again) Speculation: Yet another crack at Toyobaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>couperendered speculationRenderedSpeculationsportssubarutoyobarutoyotaMon, 08 Jun 2009 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Production Lexus LF-A, Toyobaru coupe coming to Tokyo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/rumormill-production-lexus-lf-a-toyobaru-coupe-coming-to-tokyo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/rumormill-production-lexus-lf-a-toyobaru-coupe-coming-to-tokyo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/rumormill-production-lexus-lf-a-toyobaru-coupe-coming-to-tokyo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Lexus LF-A Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

With the D-3, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Lamborghini and other automakers, pulling out of this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota is rumored to have a big showing to capitalize on the lack of reveals this October. According to InsideLine's correspondent in Japan, Toyota will unveil the production version of the Lexus LF-A, originally expected to debut in Frankfurt. The V10-powered, 600-hp supercar's future was in doubt late last year, but the on-again-off-again coupe won't be the only two-door gracing the Toyota stage.

The collaboration between Toyota and Subaru on a new coupe is also rumored to make an appearance in Tokyo, although it's unclear if the Toyobaru will debut as a concept or a production model. Based on the current Impreza platform, the rear-wheel drive will coupe will be powered by a Subaru-sourced flat-four with a new Toyota-developed head that will decrease emissions and increase fuel economy while returning an estimated 220 horsepower.

Toyota is also expected to show off a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with new EV and battery technology. But the automaker will have four fewer days to show off its wares to the public - the show has been cut down from 17 days to 13, running from October 23 to November 4.


Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept


[Source: InsideLine]

Rumormill: Production Lexus LF-A, Toyobaru coupe coming to Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 tokyo motor show2009TokyoMotorShowcoupelexuslexus lf-alexus lfaLexusLf-aLexusLfalf-alfasubarutokyo 2009tokyo motor showTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowtoyobarutoyotaTue, 24 Mar 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Call Us When It's at the Dealer: On again, off again Toyota/Subaru on... again?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/call-us-when-its-at-the-dealer-on-again-off-again-toyota-suba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/call-us-when-its-at-the-dealer-on-again-off-again-toyota-suba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/call-us-when-its-at-the-dealer-on-again-off-again-toyota-suba/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Last April, Toyota and Subaru announced a joint rear-drive sports coupe for 2011, but recent economic struggles and a focus on more efficient vehicles led many to believe that the project could be delayed or even canceled. It now appears this isn't the case. Inside Line is quoting inside PR sources in Japan as saying that the project is still very much alive. The Toyobaru will utilize a new Subaru platform converted for RWD, with power coming from Subaru's 2.0L Boxer engine.

Japanese business paper Nikkei reported in December that the joint project would be delayed until 2012, but spokespeople from both companies say the project is very much on track. Plans for the new vehicle have gone through some changes, though. Under the original plan, Subaru was to build the vehicles at a new factory in Oizumi, Japan. Due to the current economic climate, the new plan is to built the Toyobaru in Subaru's existing Gunma facility.

[Source: Inside Line]

Call Us When It's at the Dealer: On again, off again Toyota/Subaru on... again? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxer engineBoxerEnginerear drive coupeRearDriveCoupesubarutoyobarutoyotaTue, 03 Mar 2009 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Again: Toyota/Subaru RWD cars reportedly put on indefinite hold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/dead-again-toyota-subaru-rwd-cars-reportedly-put-on-indefinite/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/dead-again-toyota-subaru-rwd-cars-reportedly-put-on-indefinite/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/dead-again-toyota-subaru-rwd-cars-reportedly-put-on-indefinite/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Like a schizophrenic love affair, the on-again, off-again Subaru/Toyota rear-wheel drive coupe is apparently off again. That morsel of sobering news comes via Detroit Free Press columnist Mark Phelan, who says that both automakers now admit that the project has been put on hold. The inexpensive 2+2 sports coupes had been the subject of much speculation and a seemingly infinite number of renderings, and in fact what looked to be an early prototype had been spotted last year.

Many enthusiasts were hoping that the car would signal Toyota's intent to return to the performance heritage of the AE86 Corolla, while Subaru stood to benefit from having a sportier-bodied, less expensive coupe than the WRX (although the car's RWD configuration was seemingly at odds with the company's all-wheel drive ethos).

In any case, the goal of a pair of 2011 sports coupes has evidently fallen by the wayside as yet another victim of the global financial crisis. Despite this development, Toyota maintains its small stake in Subaru, and the two automakers will continue joint production of the Camry in Subaru's Lafeyette, Indiana facility.

Toyobaru, we hardly knew ye.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Dead Again: Toyota/Subaru RWD cars reportedly put on indefinite hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AE86rear wheel driveRear-driveRearWheelDriveRWDRWD CoupeRwdCoupeSubaruSubatoyToyobaruToyotaWRXThu, 26 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[More Rendered Speculation: Toyota/Subaru FR sportscar, no turbos for the EU]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/more-rendered-speculation-toyota-subaru-fr-sportscar-no-turbos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/more-rendered-speculation-toyota-subaru-fr-sportscar-no-turbos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/more-rendered-speculation-toyota-subaru-fr-sportscar-no-turbos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Japan's buff books are at it again, peppering a bit of informed speculation with a healthy dose of rendered conjecture to create images of Toyota's front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. While we dig the pic above, which blends a bit of Fisker Karma with the Mitsuoka Orochi, we're giving the design a snowcone's chance in Hades of resembling the production version of the coupe.

The renderings posted below the fold seem a bit more plausible and the dimensions, measuring 4,300mm long (14.1 feet), 1730mm wide (5.7 feet) and with a wheelbase of 2,570mm (8.4 feet), makes it a little smaller than the Scion tC that the FR coupe could replace.

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Continue reading More Rendered Speculation: Toyota/Subaru FR sportscar, no turbos for the EU

More Rendered Speculation: Toyota/Subaru FR sportscar, no turbos for the EU originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fr coupeFrCoupesubarutoyobarutoyotaMon, 20 Oct 2008 15:33:00 EST