Wednesday 28th July 2010

Toyota FT-86 Coupe 'On Target' For 2011 Launch

Rear-drive Toyota coupe could be taking on hot hatches by late next year

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The eagerly awaited production version of the Toyota FT-86 is on schedule for launch in late 2011, rather than delayed until 2013 as had been previously feared.

The news comes out of Japanese performance car blog 7tune, which attended a recent Toyota press event in Tokyo.

Dr Shigeyuki Hori and Kazuo Okino, project manager and group manager for the Sports Vehicle Management division at Toyota, revealed that the FT-86 is not only on schedule, but that it is also on-target for price.

It seems that the mid-range model should hit the Japanese market at 2.5m yen. This translates to just £18,250 and, though UK market cars can be expected to cost a fair whack more, it does mean that an entry-level UK FT-86 could still nudge onto price lists at less than £20k - the car's original target price point.

Neither Hori-san nor Okino-san would reveal much specific detail about the car, other than the fact that it is nearly 50 per cent 'finished', and that the basic shape of the car will remain unchanged - only changes to cosmetic design details will differentiate it from the concept car.

[whiteonyx]

Good to see a company making a good looking coupe but i bet it will be @25k upwards rather than sub 20k when it arrives in the UK.

[MadRob6]

Was just wondering this morning what was going on with this. Good to hear it's still going ahead.

[sootyrumble]

I have high hopes for this car especially if they do an "STI" version circa 280bhp rear drive around 1200kg be pretty yummy

Edited by sootyrumble on Wednesday 28th July 11:33

[stuckmojo]

That could be the first new car I buy, provided they don't over price it and load it with unwanted crap.

Basic light spec for me with a good engine.

Will we get a Subaru version too?

[Stevesh]

I too have high hopes but fear that these hopes will be dashed once the final specification and pricing is released.

At the end of the day the market for the car we want (light weight and focused) is a small one compared to the larger segment that want 12 air bags, sound proofing, electric seats etc.

Steve

[Riggers]

stuckmojo said:

That could be the first new car I buy, provided they don't over price it and load it with unwanted crap.

Basic light spec for me with a good engine.

Will we get a Subaru version too?

Subaru has gone curiously quiet on this one... last we heard was yes, but I wouldn't be surprised if it never comes off...

[sootyrumble]

Stevesh said:

I too have high hopes but fear that these hopes will be dashed once the final specification and pricing is released.

At the end of the day the market for the car we want (light weight and focused) is a small one compared to the larger segment that want 12 air bags, sound proofing, electric seats etc.

Steve

I don't know about this i am hoping they do it like the MX5 and deliberately pitch it at the younger market, low spec and fun, it could be a huge hit with the current financial market, personally cheap plastics don't bother me at all, all i want in a car is a comfortable recaro seat, easy to use controls, good gear change and drive train, half the time i don't even use the stereo i love the engine sound of any car.
The 20-27 year old market tend not to be so bothered at all by all the extra crud attached your exec saloon :-)

[RobM77]

I'm really pleased this is still happening after recent dissapointments. I've chatted to my favourite Toyota dealer (not my nearest!) a few times about it and would seriously consider buying a new one.

I do have a message to Toyota though - please make this a driver's car and don't try and please everyone but delight no-one.

[hornetrider]

sootyrumble said:

Stevesh said:

I too have high hopes but fear that these hopes will be dashed once the final specification and pricing is released.

At the end of the day the market for the car we want (light weight and focused) is a small one compared to the larger segment that want 12 air bags, sound proofing, electric seats etc.

Steve

I don't know about this i am hoping they do it like the MX5 and deliberately pitch it at the younger market, low spec and fun, it could be a huge hit with the current financial market, personally cheap plastics don't bother me at all, all i want in a car is a comfortable recaro seat, easy to use controls, good gear change and drive train, half the time i don't even use the stereo i love the engine sound of any car.
The 20-27 year old market tend not to be so bothered at all by all the extra crud attached your exec saloon :-)

Well at 20 grand for the base model it is probably more expensive than the MX5 unless they offer large discounts from release (unlikely).

This car will be a winner with circa 200-250bhp and a 20k price tag for that level of power. Alas I reckon with that engine spec it'll hit 25k.

Would they get the 190bhp VVTi engine in this for 20k?

[Dagnut]

I'll take a JDM with the ej20 and a twin scroll.

[nosongnodance]

Toyota has finally found its way again!

If this car makes it, it'll be the flower in what is the dustbin of the rest of their range.

A recent trip to a Toyota showroom was like waiting in hell's waiting room. A sea of deliberately inoffensively 'styled' blandness for the masses.

[RobM77]

hornetrider said:

sootyrumble said:

Stevesh said:

I too have high hopes but fear that these hopes will be dashed once the final specification and pricing is released.

At the end of the day the market for the car we want (light weight and focused) is a small one compared to the larger segment that want 12 air bags, sound proofing, electric seats etc.

Steve

I don't know about this i am hoping they do it like the MX5 and deliberately pitch it at the younger market, low spec and fun, it could be a huge hit with the current financial market, personally cheap plastics don't bother me at all, all i want in a car is a comfortable recaro seat, easy to use controls, good gear change and drive train, half the time i don't even use the stereo i love the engine sound of any car.
The 20-27 year old market tend not to be so bothered at all by all the extra crud attached your exec saloon :-)

Well at 20 grand for the base model it is probably more expensive than the MX5 unless they offer large discounts from release (unlikely).

This car will be a winner with circa 200-250bhp and a 20k price tag for that level of power. Alas I reckon with that engine spec it'll hit 25k.

Would they get the 190bhp VVTi engine in this for 20k?

The latest hot hatches are approaching £20k now, so a £20k rear drive coupe is sure to be a winner if it can pack enough punch. I've decided that I want one, but I'd consider not buying one if it had less than 190bhp; ideally I'd like over 200bhp.

[Rusty-C]

hornetrider said:

sootyrumble said:

Stevesh said:

I too have high hopes but fear that these hopes will be dashed once the final specification and pricing is released.

At the end of the day the market for the car we want (light weight and focused) is a small one compared to the larger segment that want 12 air bags, sound proofing, electric seats etc.

Steve

I don't know about this i am hoping they do it like the MX5 and deliberately pitch it at the younger market, low spec and fun, it could be a huge hit with the current financial market, personally cheap plastics don't bother me at all, all i want in a car is a comfortable recaro seat, easy to use controls, good gear change and drive train, half the time i don't even use the stereo i love the engine sound of any car.
The 20-27 year old market tend not to be so bothered at all by all the extra crud attached your exec saloon :-)

Well at 20 grand for the base model it is probably more expensive than the MX5 unless they offer large discounts from release (unlikely).

This car will be a winner with circa 200-250bhp and a 20k price tag for that level of power. Alas I reckon with that engine spec it'll hit 25k.

Would they get the 190bhp VVTi engine in this for 20k?

Better than that - it's supposed to be a Subaru flat-four.

[Dr G]

nosongnodance said:

Toyota has finally found its way again!

If this car makes it, it'll be the flower in what is the dustbin of the rest of their range.

A recent trip to a Toyota showroom was like waiting in hell's waiting room. A sea of deliberately inoffensively 'styled' blandness for the masses.

I saw a Toyota 'Urban Cruiser' this morning, only noticed it because its owner was making a complete shambles of trying to park the thing.

Had the owner not drawn such attention to themselves I wouldn't have seen it at all!

Do the masses really like their cars this dull?

[Ephraim]

Saw one of the prototypes at Goodwood this year, and it's a fine looking beast. Sub-7.0sec 0-62, and good feedback is all I'd ask of it. Glad to hear it's coming "on time", the poor lass on the Toyota stand was baffled about the delay.

[Anubis]

I have a funny feeling this will turn out like the Celica. A very good looking car for the money but it looks a lot faster than it actually is.

The Celica had a chance to be a legend but it just has the 'watered down' feeling about it - someone at Toyota obviously designed and made it thinking "awesome - i've made a true petrolhead car" and a fat cat has then come along and said "I like it - now tailor it so it appeals to the many with creature comforts, etc".

This will no doubt be the same (unfortunately)...

[Dagnut]

hornetrider said:

sootyrumble said:

Stevesh said:

I too have high hopes but fear that these hopes will be dashed once the final specification and pricing is released.

At the end of the day the market for the car we want (light weight and focused) is a small one compared to the larger segment that want 12 air bags, sound proofing, electric seats etc.

Steve

I don't know about this i am hoping they do it like the MX5 and deliberately pitch it at the younger market, low spec and fun, it could be a huge hit with the current financial market, personally cheap plastics don't bother me at all, all i want in a car is a comfortable recaro seat, easy to use controls, good gear change and drive train, half the time i don't even use the stereo i love the engine sound of any car.
The 20-27 year old market tend not to be so bothered at all by all the extra crud attached your exec saloon :-)

Well at 20 grand for the base model it is probably more expensive than the MX5 unless they offer large discounts from release (unlikely).

This car will be a winner with circa 200-250bhp and a 20k price tag for that level of power. Alas I reckon with that engine spec it'll hit 25k.

Would they get the 190bhp VVTi engine in this for 20k?

That engines pretty much dead in the water, emissions, economy etc..the plan is to use Subaru engines and drive train.

[kambites]

hornetrider said:

Would they get the 190bhp VVTi engine in this for 20k?

I'm pretty sure that engine is going out of production soon, so I doubt it.

[goron59]

I'd like to see one with 300BHP+ to give BMW 135i coupe and Nissan 370Z something to think about.

Obviously not for £20k, but priced accordingly.

[nosongnodance]

Dr G said:

nosongnodance said:

Toyota has finally found its way again!

If this car makes it, it'll be the flower in what is the dustbin of the rest of their range.

A recent trip to a Toyota showroom was like waiting in hell's waiting room. A sea of deliberately inoffensively 'styled' blandness for the masses.

I saw a Toyota 'Urban Cruiser' this morning, only noticed it because its owner was making a complete shambles of trying to park the thing.

Had the owner not drawn such attention to themselves I wouldn't have seen it at all!

Do the masses really like their cars this dull?

Given their sales and popularity, not just in the UK, then I'd say so, yes. Why is a different matter. I suppose it boils down the the white goods way of looking at cars - some people only sea them as a way of getting from A to B, and don't care about looks or performance, or anything else that might figure for a petrol head.