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[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: Toyobaru delayed until 2012 or later]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/report-toyobaru-delayed-until-2012-or-later/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/report-toyobaru-delayed-until-2012-or-later/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/report-toyobaru-delayed-until-2012-or-later/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The rumors of the sports car that Toyota and Subaru were working on have been replaced by rumors that the car has been put on hold. Earlier news had posited a rear-wheel-drive sports car with "wonderful style," based on the current Subaru Legacy platform, with a boxer engine putting out around 200 hp through a six-speed manual. Originally due in 2011, now, according to Nikkei, the car has been pushed back to at least 2012. If things get worse before they get better, we have a feeling that 2012 will also come and go without Toyota fielding another dedicated sports car entrant. So move along, folks, there's nothing to see here, please return to your Camrys and cue up Queen: another one bites the dust...

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Toyobaru delayed until 2012 or later originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuji heavy industriesFujiHeavyIndustriesjapanrumormillsports carSportsCarsubarusubaru sports carsubaru toyotaSubaruSportsCarSubaruToyotatoyotatoyota sports carToyotaSportsCarMon, 22 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota buys another chunk of FHI, Subaru]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/toyota-buys-another-chunk-of-fhi-subaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/toyota-buys-another-chunk-of-fhi-subaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/toyota-buys-another-chunk-of-fhi-subaru/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Back in April, Toyota announced that it would be gobbling up a larger percentage of Fuji Heavy Industries, makers of the Subaru brand of vehicles. Today, that deal has been made official as Fuji announced the sale that increases Toyota's voting rights in the automaker to 16.16 percent from 9.50 percent. This deal had been made possible by a newly revised Japanese law that went into effect last year. Toyota had initially purchased about nine-percent share of the company from General Motors, which no longer owns any part of Fuji Heavy.

According to reports, Toyota paid about a ten-percent premium for the increased share, as well. Its total outlay of cash for the new shares is 31.11 billion yen ($291.1 million), for which it receives 61 million additional treasury stocks. Here's hoping that this new deal ushers in the upcoming new AE86 all the more quickly.

[Source: Thomson Financial News via Straightline]

Toyota buys another chunk of FHI, Subaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Emerging reports indicate that Toyota is preparing to nearly double its stake in Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries. Toyota initially bought into Fuji when that other automotive giant, General Motors, sold its 8.7% stake to its Japanese rival. The new share-grab, the door to which was opened by revised Japanese laws, would bring Toyota's partial ownership of Fuji up to 17%, just short of double its current stake.

Since Toyota's buy-in of Fuji, cooperation between the two companies has only increased, ranging from new product development to manufacturing. Insiders predict that with the increased stake will come even more integrated collaboration between the two Japanese automakers, which, considering Toyota's enormous success worldwide, can only mean good things for Subaru's operations.

Meanwhile, it's worth noting that with Toyota reportedly considering following Honda into the sky, Fuji's other core business in aerospace could prove an invaluable asset.

[Source: Indianapolis Business Journal via Straightline]

Toyota to double stake in Subaru parent, Fuji Heavy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now that its ground offensive has taken control of the battlefield, word comes that Toyota's field commanders might have an eye toward the skies. That's right: Toyota is reportedly considering an offer from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to get into the aircraft business. MHI would like to see Toyota invest in a new passenger jet project, which, if it goes forward, would set up an aerial dogfight with the HondaJet, which is already in the segment. Mitsubishi already produces its own plane, the Regional Jet. Is this the beginning of a new battle for air supremacy? Hmmm. Somebody cue the Kenny Loggins.

UPDATE: Post erroneously referred to Fuji Heavy instead of Mitsubishi Heavy. The error has been corrected.

[Source: AFP/Breitbart]

Toyota could enter aircraft industry, HondaJet prepares for dogfight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Winding Road is reporting that a recent change in Japan's anti-trust regulations might mean that Toyota has a clear shot at acquiring a controlling interest in Fujji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru. Lest you think this might be some pie-in-the-sky notion, Subaru admits it could use the help. Toyota already has an 8.7% minority share in Subaru's parent company. With the changes in restrictions, Toyota could make a move and gobble up Subaru and all of its awd motorsports prowess.

TheCarConnection interviewed Subaru CEO Ikuo Mori, who basically admitted that Subaru might not be long for this world without Toyota's cash infusion. That doesn't mean we'd see badge engineering between the brands anytime soon, however. This wouldn't be like its partnership with GM according to the spokesperson. No 9-7X-like crossover projects are expected, but changes are in the works. Subaru apparently has set its sights on Southern California as a new focal point for the future of the company. And some extra cash would certainly help Subaru achieve its goal of increasing worldwide sales by 15% over the next three years.

[Source: Winding Road]

Is Toyota preparing to purchase Fuji Heavy outright? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company of Subaru, has missed its sales goal for a five-year plan that ends next month. The end of one five-year plan, however, is the beginning of another. The next five years will see Subaru putting a much larger emphasis on the U.S. market (w00t!). The Japanese automaker is aware that it can't squeeze any more sales out of the home market, so it's looking to America to supply the extra sales it needs to meet new targets. To achieve this goal, Subaru will supplement its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey with a satellite branch in the City of Angles (Los Angeles). The company hopes that the power of the sun rays combined with the magical properties of California drinking water will give its brand insight into what customers want in the Sun Belt states. In addition, we'll be getting 24 more Subaru dealers by 2010 to help push the all-wheel drive wares. Finally, a new production facility is being considered, though it wouldn't be located in either Japan or the U.S.

Currently Subaru sells only 179,000 vehicles in the U.S. compared to 242,000 units in Japan. By 2011, round about when the new five-year plan will be winding down, Subaru expects to be selling about 236,000 in both markets.

[Source: Automotive News]

Fuji Heavy eyes America for future profits originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru's "propeller grill" has been received by both the media and the public with, to put it lightly, mixed feelings. Well, the automaker's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, has decided to put the kibosh on it and ordered a redesign.

According to spokesman David Rowley of Subaru, the grill will not be applied to the upcoming Liberty and Outback, which will debut in Australia in September. The upcoming Impreza, due out in 2007, will also be sporting a new proboscis. States Rowley, "It's fair to say the design will not appear on future Subarus. We had always said the aerospace theme could be applied in a variety of ways, like the way it's been presented on the Impreza and Tribeca."

Rowley would not state what the new design will be for future Subies. However, it will be based on work from (now ex-) Subaru chief designer Andreas Zapatinas. Zapatinas, as you may remember, had previously designed cars for both Alfa Romeo and Fiat.

[Source: CARSguide]

Subaru to pull a Jackson and undergo another nose job originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With soaring gas prices around the globe, Toyota, makers of the Aygo, Vitz and Yaris, plans to work jointly with Subaru in the creation and production of a B-segment vehicle. According to the Associated Press, the fruits of their union will begin in 2008, with only European consumers getting a version of the mini-Subie.

For those of you not keeping tabs on who owns what with who, Toyota purchased an 8.7 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent company) when General Motors sold their shares in late 2005. As Toyota is now the largest shareholder of the company, this may be the first of many joint products to come from the two automakers, with the Camry beginning to be build at F.H.I.'s site in Indiana in 2007.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Subaru taps Toyota to help with small car production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Aug 2006 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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