Toyota FT-86 Could Get 305-HP Subaru WRX STI Engine
Previewed in concept form, the upcoming Toyota FT-86 was introduced as a budget sports car inspired by the Corolla AE86 and using a low-powered Subaru boxer engine capable of around 200-hp. Now, reports suggest that with increased development costs Toyota has decided to take the project further up-market, opting instead to run the WRX STI’s 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing a significant 305-hp.
Partnership on the car, often referred to as the ‘Toyobaru’ may extend further however, with Toyota and Subaru also looking at ways to team-up on additional future models. In fact, the next-generation Subaru Tirbeca could share a platform with the Toyota Highlander.
Toyota is expected to debut the FT-86 at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of 2011, although some reports have suggested we could get our first glimpse of the production model, badged as the Scion FR-S, at this year’s New York Auto Show in April.
[Source: Motor Trend]
Get more Toyota FT-86/FR-S News and Info at FR-SForum.com
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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If the Subaru version does not have awd I doubt anyone would buy it. Why would they buy that over the toyota? Looks alone do not sell cars to enthusiasts.. I will never buy a rear or front drive car again, unless I have money to piss away on a second "fun only on the weekends vehicle," which I currently do not have that kind of money, so I need a vehicle I can drive in all weather, especially during winter . If Subaru is loyal to it's customers and brand and retains awd like they should, then I'm sold. Currently I have a '09 impreza (paid off) and was abt to order a 2011 wrx but I will wait a few more months if they are coming out with an improved vehicle. I will not buy a 2wd Subaru tho. That's my 2 cents, and then some
AWD doesn't belong on a budget sports car. It adds weight and tons of under steer. Unless you're going to couple it with ridiculous amounts of power and an insanely complex and expensive electronic diff that drives the car for you, it's not going to be a quick and nimble car. (See Pro Drive version of essentially the same car, there's a reason they didn't make it).