Autoblog

Subaru RWD coupe spotted on the 'Ring

Noah Joseph — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Subaru

Subaru RWD Coupe at the Nurburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery

We see a lot of spy shots here at Autoblog. But few vehicles have popped up quite as much as the Toyobaru FT-86. The rear-wheel drive sportscar that may very well spawn Toyota, Scion and Subaru versions has popped up on roads around the world. And now it's taken to the Nürburgring.

The legendary German road course is a favorite among chassis development engineers for the variety of corners and surfaces around its undulating distance. Most German and many Japanese and American sportscars undergo at least part of their shakedown there, with many manufacturers maintaining on-site workshops.

While the Subaru coupe and its FT-86 sibling may not be up to the task of chasing LFAs and GTRs, its appearance at the notorious Green Hell may be our best indication yet of the car's sporting potential. Have a look in our high-res gallery of spy shots for more.

Subaru RWD coupe spotted on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion FR-S caught on its working vacation in Germany

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 20 May 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Scion, Subaru, Toyota

Scion FR-S takes in the German countryside - Click above to watch video after the jump

We have the Scion FR-S on the brain, and it's not going away anytime soon thanks to the onslaught of new spy photos that keep rolling in. This time, however, we've got video instead of still photography courtesy of our friends at FT86club.com.

It's always great to see a car in motion, and besides, now we have an idea of what the Scion sports car's exhaust note might sound like.

We've been having some fun at Autoblog HQ debating exactly what's going on under all of that swirly camouflage. Some think we may, in fact, be looking at the Subaru version of the Toyota/Subie joint venture - that wing and those wheels say STI to us. However, others point out that the wing could easily be a shout-out to the Supras of yore. Regardless, we all like what we see and can't wait until someone pulls the wraps off this thing. Click past the jump to see the prototype in motion.

Continue reading Scion FR-S caught on its working vacation in Germany

Scion FR-S caught on its working vacation in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 May 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru confirms 'Toyobaru' sports coupe for Geneva

Zach Bowman — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru FT-86 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Toyota has been happy to supply the world with glimpses of and whispers about its version of the FT-86 sports coupe, Subaru has been suspiciously quiet about its planned version of the car. But it looks like that's about to change. The Pleiades has announced the vehicles that it plans to show off at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March, and tucked amongst the already-revealed Impreza Concept and the new Trezia econobox is word that the Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept will also make an appearance. The news answers the question of whether or not the Subaru end of the venture would boast the company's trademark all-wheel drive when it debuts. All signs point to no - at least in concept form.

Other than the fact that the RWD Subaru will bow in Geneva, there's no indication as to what the car will look like or whether or not it will ever show up in American showrooms. We do know that the vehicle will boast a Subaru boxer four-cylinder under its hood, though it's unclear whether the engine will be a next-generation interpretation of the engine it currently markets or if Subaru will stick the old turbo lump out front. We'll probably find out soon enough. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Subaru FT-86 STI Spy Shots

[Source: Subaru | Images: CarPix]

Continue reading Subaru confirms 'Toyobaru' sports coupe for Geneva

Subaru confirms 'Toyobaru' sports coupe for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Subaru FT-86 spotted again... is it the STI?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Subaru

Subaru FT-86 STI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has been stealing all of the limelight with its interpretation of the company's forthcoming collaboration with Subaru recently. What with news that the car may actually cost more than $25,000 and show up under the Scion banner, the interwebs have been alight with talk of the 'Yota coupe. Meanwhile, word of the Subaru half of the equation has been left to a scant few spy photos and little else.

Well, we can add yet another smattering of shots of the Pleiades-badged coupe to the mix. Our camera-equipped spyshot ninjas have managed to nab a few more pics of the Subaru mule our for testing, and this time, it appears that the engineers are hard at work playing with an STI variant. Why do we say that? Feast your eyes on that bulging hood and front-mounted intercooler. Those two pieces all but scream hi-po, and they are our first indication that the flat-four powered, all-wheel drive coupe will be available with a powertrain offering something north of 300 horsepower. As of right now, it's anyone's guess as to when we can expect to see either the FT-86 or its Subaru equivalent on the scene, but early reports are saying 2012 is a good possibility. Get excited.

Gallery: Subaru FT-86 STI Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Subaru FT-86 spotted again... is it the STI? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" coupe in the Death Valley heat

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru

Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've read many reports lately having to do with Toyota's FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but we mustn't forget that Subaru will be getting its own version of this new two-door - it is a joint venture, after all. Our spies have captured this obviously Subaru-bodied mule out testing in Death Valley, showing that things are still on track for the "Toyobaru" to come to market in the near future.

Details are still very slim on what Subaru's version of the FT-86 will offer, and contrary to the brand's image, the new coupe may not be available with all-wheel drive. If that's the case, Subaru will have to offer a lot more in the way of styling (and perhaps power) to differentiate it from its Toyota sister. This latest prototype has sprouted a hood scoop not seen on earlier test cars, suggesting that a top-mount intercooler could be underhood, though it's also possible that this is just the result of some WRX/STI parts being used for camouflage purposes.

Toyota is expected to launch its version of the FT-86 in November of 2011, so keep your fingers crossed for Subaru's version to drop around the same time. For now, see a glimpse of what's to come in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Subaru FT-86 RWD Coupe

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" coupe in the Death Valley heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill

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]

REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Subaru's 250-hp FT-86 coupe in STI trim

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Rumormill

Despite dropping all the information about its Tokyo-bound concepts, Subaru hasn't hinted at when we'll be seeing its version of the Toyota FT-86 coupe. Thankfully, Japan's Holiday Auto has stepped up to the plate to throw more fuel onto the fire with a subtly modified sketch of the FT-86 and some possible powertrain information of Subaru's first rear-wheel drive coupe.

According to the report (and a heaping helping of common sense), the Japanese rumormongers expect the STI version of the coupe to debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show (after the standard model is revealed next year), complete with Subaru's 250-hp EJ25 2.5-liter boxer. Similar to the dual-injected, 200-hp EJ20 fitted to its Toyota brethren, the engine will remain naturally aspirated, but a turbocharged version hasn't been ruled out.

In addition to a wider track and upgraded tires, wheels and brakes, expect the STI version to don a gaping front fascia and a sizeable rear wing, similar to the camo-covered mule we saw in the latest round of spy shots. If Subaru wants to compete with the rest of the high-horsepower sports cars in the U.S. and Japan, it better get cracking, because competition is fierce, and the only way it can compete is to keep the price down and the weight in check.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: Holiday Auto via 7Tune]

Rendered Speculation: Subaru's 250-hp FT-86 coupe in STI trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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