LA Show: Subaru BRZ vs Toyota FT-86
Still officially concepts but STI-branded Subaru and Toyota FT-86 coupes get PH's juices flowing
Feels like the Toyobaru coupe project has been going on for years, but we’re finally getting close to the point where the Subaru BRZand Toyota FT-86become a reality.
Here at the LA show Subaru is finally showing a STI-branded concept while Toyota – here under its US ‘youth’ brand Scion – has the latest take on the FT-86, known here as the FR-S. Both show real promise and tick all the PH boxes of light weight, rear-wheel drive and genuinely stunning lines. Both brands have had to make compromises to make the project work, Subaru dropping signature four-wheel drive and Toyota having to adopt the circa 200hp 2.0-litre direct-injection flat-four engine, but the result could well be the best of both worlds.
The STI BRZ here previews a promised production-ready version due to debut at Tokyo at the end of November. And in ‘WR Pearl Blue II’ and boasting a suitably lairy wing it looks the business, the boxer engine meaning a super-low bonnet line and the compact shape suitably pumped up and aggressive. Subaru boasts of the fact the engine sits 119mm lower and 238mm further back than the Impreza, underlining the improved weight distribution the layout brings. This STI version also boasts a carbon roof, Brembo brakes and special 18-inch wheels. Looks have usually come a fair way down the Subaru list of priorities but the BRZ is a real stunner and we can’t wait to get our hands on the real thing.
The Toyota FT-86/Scion FR-S alternative lo
oks more concept and less production-near reality but clearly shares much in the metal, especially around the rear quarters. But there’s a lot more going on up front, the arched wings rising proud of the bonnet and the whole package offering a real junior Lexus LFA look. Which is no bad thing.Both should be with us in the metal by next summer. Can’t come soon enough.
I've been following the BRZ/FT86 in detail for some time so just wanted to clarify that neither of the cars shown here will be exactly the same when they reach showrooms - they are both concept versions, although very similar to production. The BRZ is much closer (and the Scion concept has been around for some time) but a few bits will probably change, likely the rear end. As it is being built to a budget it is likely that all three (Subaru/Toyota/Scion) versions of the car will share all sheet metal panels and vary only on the plastic bumpers - the rear lights of the STI concept have a different top edge shape to that seen in the production FT86 photos, ie the part which interfaces with the metal quarter panels.
The Subaru one looks like a design from the nineties and that wing went out of fashion with Fast and Furious.
The Toyota meanwhile looks tacky in the photos I have seen (IMO of course). Kind of styled a bit like those awful old Veilside kits the Maxpower brigade used to stick on Supras and MR2s.
I don't think it's bad looking anyway. Just a bit generic.
I really cant wait for the release/ reviews of both cars, power and weight arguments aside this has to be one of the most interesting and affordable, mass produced cars developed in recent years. I really hope both models live up to the hype!
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