Subaru is preparing to unveil its version of the Toyota FT-86 sports coupe at the March Geneva Motor Show. Significantly, this new Subaru will retain the same rear-wheel drive configuration as the Toyota, while, in return, sharing its turbocharged 2,0-litre boxer engine with the FT-86.
Dubbed the “Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept” the car will be based on an all-new platform, developed as part of the joint business alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation. Subaru aims to integrate its already proven expertise in horizontally-opposed engine technology into a rear-wheel drive vehicle to offer a “new and highly enjoyable, Subaru-like driving experience”.
While few details of the final specification have been released, it is speculated that the Subaru model could have 194 kW on offer. Rumours of an STI version have also been doing the rounds after spy photographs captured a car being tested in Europe.
Initial thoughts are that the Toyota version of this sports coupe will only be sold in Japan, while the Subaru designed incarnation is destined for a worldwide audience. Expect to see both cars by 2013.