Thursday 17th November 2011

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

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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.

No bonnet scoop or 4WD but WR Blue prevails

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

A lightweight Lexus LFA you can actually afford?

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.

[Hellbound]

Show pics;

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

[marcosgt]

Nice pics - Could do without the wing, imo.

Quite nicely understated otherwise.

M.

[kambites]

The wing on the Subaru is awful. Otherwise it's a nice looking car.

[Hellbound]

Removing the wing to give it a euro-style elegance is something most people would do, should be an optional extra though. Tick the STI box and then delete the rear spoiler.

This car can't come soon enough!

[OwenK]

I think the BRZ STI looks lovely, they've done a great job with that.

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.

[arkenphel]

'Make compromises'? Personally i think they compromised on the wrong thing. They should've kept the 4wd and used a toyota engine, which would be more fuel efficient (though a bit down on character).

Still looks good though, and worth celebrating.

[jbi]

How cheap are toyota planning on selling this thing for?

It's aimed at youngsters and apparently will be priced appropriately. Sub 20k?

[kambites]

jbi said:

How cheap are toyota planning on selling this thing for?

It's aimed at youngsters and apparently will be priced appropriately. Sub 20k?

I don't think under 20k is realistic, but it ought to be under 25.

[jbi]

been doing a bit of web prowling and there's all kinds of speculation out there, but it seem like they are aiming for a base price of $25,000 which is about £16,000 at current market rates

Doubt we will see it that cheap though

[kambites]

jbi said:

Doubt we will see it that cheap though

No we wont. But I think even at 25k it would be extraordinarily good value.

[GravelBen]

arkenphel said:

They should've kept the 4wd and used a toyota engine, which would be more fuel efficient (though a bit down on character).

So you have experience of the fuel economy of this completely new, not-yet-released engine then?

[kambites]

GravelBen said:

arkenphel said:

They should've kept the 4wd and used a toyota engine, which would be more fuel efficient (though a bit down on character).

So you have experience of the fuel economy of this completely new, not-yet-released engine then?

Well they have released the figures for the Japanese test, I believe.

[Rusty-C]

I'd go for the Subaru but, if possible, without the spoiler.

[GravelBen]

kambites said:

GravelBen said:

arkenphel said:

They should've kept the 4wd and used a toyota engine, which would be more fuel efficient (though a bit down on character).

So you have experience of the fuel economy of this completely new, not-yet-released engine then?

Well they have released the figures for the Japanese test, I believe.

And figures for the same car with 'a toyota engine' to show that it would have been more economical?

[Alfa159Ti]

After all the years of hype I cannot help but feel totally underwhelmed by these two cars now proper pics are starting to emerge. Am I alone on this?

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.

[kambites]

I certainly don't feel that way because that was never the point of the car to my mind. There are plenty of coupes out there that major on style over substance, if that's what you want. The whole point of this one was that it would drive well so the fact that it doesn't look great is almost a relief because it shows that their focus has been elsewhere.

I don't think it's bad looking anyway. Just a bit generic.

[teeCup]

Both look interesting, although Harry Metcalfe(of EVO fame) stated on his twitter that he had spoken to someone from Subaru at the show, who was certain both Toyota and Subaru versions would have the same power.

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!

[G0ldfysh]

On my wish list of possible one car for all in the future

[Crow555]

I actually quite like the wing. It's not really in Subaru's character to make a subtle car.

[Liquid Knight]

I still prefer the Alfa 4C. If these end up on the road the world will be a better place overnight.