Autoblog

Rumormill: Toyota FT-86 could get hybrid option

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Toyota, Rumormill

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

Toyota may have a few more changes in store for the FT-86. The company recently unveiled a second swipe at the car's exterior at the Geneva Motor Show, but from the sounds of things, a new front fascia won't be the only surprise when the car touches down. Auto Express is reporting that the Japanese automaker is open to the possibility of a hybrid FT-86 at some point in the distant future. The company's engineers specifically reworked the vehicle's front fascia and windshield to be more aerodynamic - a trait that would be more than handy on a hybridized version of the vehicle.

As of right now, though, the FT-86 is supposed to arrive with a Subaru-sourced powerplant under its swooping hood. There's some indication that the production version of the vehicle will debut later this year at the Tokyo Motor Show, and that Subaru will yank the sheets back on its own version of coupe at the same time. We're guessing that all of drivetrain and styling questions will be answered as we get closer to that event.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 II Concept: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Toyota FT-86 could get hybrid option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's Not Even Out Yet: Toyota reportedly upping price on FT-86

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Toyota

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

Toyota touts its hotly anticipated FT-86 coupe as a quick, light and attractive sports car for the masses. One of its strongest selling points is a price tag that reportedly hovering somewhere around $20,000 in base form, making the rear-drive coupe an affordable option for cash-strapped enthusiasts.

However, a report from Autocar claims that higher than expected development costs could derail any dreams of a good looking, inexpensive FT-86. The British site sites unnamed Toyota sources as saying that the base price of the little coupe has shot from £13,000 ($20,000 in U.S. funds) to £15,000 ($23,000 U.S.), with a range-topper coming in at £17,000 ($26,000 U.S.). Further, Autocar reports that Toyota sports vehicle department head Tetsuya Tada says that the company has increased the targeted FT-86 age group has been bumped by a full 10 years from the 30s to the 40s.

If the report turns out to be true, we're sure there will be more than a few disappointed enthusiasts out there. But if Toyota still delivers on the attractive, lightweight, rear driver, we're sure we can find it in our hearts to forgive an extra few thousand green-backs.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Sports Concept 'Family Portrait'

[Source: Autocar]

It's Not Even Out Yet: Toyota reportedly upping price on FT-86 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Buick, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's Episode #150 of the Autoblog Podcast, and we raided the crypt to give you your buck-and-a-half's worth. Former podcast staples John Neff and Chris Paukert have been unearthed and join Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth for this milestone occasion.

A review of the Tokyo Motor Show starts things off, and then we drill down to talk more specifically about both ends of Toyota's sports spectrum: the Lexus LFA and the Toyota FT-86 concepts. Other Tokyo standouts like the Honda CR-Z and Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept weave into the conversation before we turn to the next-generation Honda Civic, rumored to be lighter and smaller. From there, things devolve entirely before this week's big crew wraps it up.

We'll hit your questions again next time around, keep them rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. We appreciate you filling our survey with data, and remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening! You can also leave us a message at our new Google Voice number 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Who knows... we might even play it on the podcast!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Toyota unveils FT-86 Concept, keeps mum on details

Drew Phillips — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:12:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

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

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.

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VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 runs the 'Ring, sounds awesome

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 at the Nürburgring - Click above to watch video

In a video that should be titled "Things You Can't Do in a Corolla," the FT-86 has been caught in motion and sound at the Nürburgring in Germany. Of course, the pictures posted last week gave no indication of how it ran, but we can tell you - and so can the video - that it is, as they say in the business, "Hot."

We know what the Toyota concept looks like, but we're not exactly sure which version we see on the 'Ring in the video. It could be the FT-86 from Toyota or Subaru's version. However, if Toyota's version goes like the car in the video, when it finally does arrive, Toyota will truly be able to say it is back in the business of fun. At least a little. Follow the jump to see the vid. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: FT86 Club]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 runs the 'Ring, sounds awesome

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 runs the 'Ring, sounds awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FT-86 Concept gets shot in the studio

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for image gallery

We're eagerly awaiting our first live encounter with the Toyota FT-86 Concept next week at the Tokyo Motor Show. But before we endure the long flight over the Pacific, the crew at the freshly hosted FT-86 Club has scrounged up a bevy of live shots of Toyota's new coupe in the studio.

The more we see, the more we like. And these detail images give us a clearer view of the subtle design elements that make the reborn Hachiroku so damn appealing. We're particularly partial to the straked vents aft of the front wheels that tie in with the rest of the coupe's triangular elements, and plenty of carbon fiber detailing on the door handles, side mirrors, wheels and rear diffuser doesn't hurt, either. The interior remains show-car wacky (the zippered slot for the DVD player is pure silliness, but we're digging it), but the overall aesthetic strikes us as eerily production ready -- save our favorite feature, the A-pillars bisected by a piece of glass to aid visibility while sliding sideways (similar to Volvo's 2001 SCC concept). Here's hoping the FT-86 makes it from the show stand to the sales floor unscathed and delivers the driving dynamics to finally bring Toyota back from the brink.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio

[Source: FT-86Club]

Toyota FT-86 Concept gets shot in the studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #149

Dan Roth — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Budget, Hybrid, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon, Electric, Lancia

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #149 of the Autoblog Podcast, the first frost edition, has arrived. The Tokyo Motor Show is coming up, and there have been a couple previews of what to expect there. The Toyota FT-86 concept has had everyone abuzz with its heralding as the spiritual successor of the much-beloved AE86 of the 1980s. Also building excitement for Tokyo is Subaru's Hybrid Tourer concept. Moving on from Asia, we touch on Lancias being rebadged as Chryslers before wrapping up with Chrysler and Fiat's collaboration on an electric car. Very last, we hit up some questions before calling it a night and going to sleep off our ailments. Keep the feedback rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, thanks for filling our survey with data, and we'll see you soon for #150! Remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #149

Autoblog Podcast #149 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 Concept finds its way into Gran Turismo 5

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Videos, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 concept - Click above to watch video after the jump

That didn't take long. Hot on the heels of the Toyota FT-86 Concept's reveal, we've got videographic proof that ToMoCo's new boxer-powered 2+2 is bound for the virtual circuits of Gran Turismo 5.

Make the jump to see a darkened shot of the C-4S flat-four underhood, followed by the FT-86 romping through some European backroads, running a street circuit and then sliding sideways at Tsukuba with its predecessor and inspiration, the original Toyota AE86 Corolla.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 Concept finds its way into Gran Turismo 5

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 Concept finds its way into Gran Turismo 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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