With heavily disguised prototypes being seen at places like the Nurburgring Nordschleife, we can rest assured knowing that the upcoming FT-86 sports coupe from Toyota (or Scion FR-S in its more recent guise) has reached the last leg of the development phase. So what else do we know?
Well, we do know that Toyota’s actually going to produce this model (even if it’s rebadged as a Scion to pander to North American consumers) and that Akio Toyoda’s making good on his promise to re-invigorate the brand with sportier options.
Teasers galore in the past two years
After Toyota excited the import fraternity and brand die-hards with the initial unveiling of the FT-86 concept a few years ago, rekindling the spirit of the immensely popular AE86 Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno at the same time, the first snowball was rolled…and it kept on rolling while the hype grew. Then we got our appetites whetted with an in-house modified version last year and a revised concept earlier this year that featured a more aggressive look – including revised bumpers as well as new head and tail-lamps.
Not long after the Geneva Show debut of the FT-86 II, at the New York International Motor Show, Toyota subsidiary Scion launched its own version of that concept – the FR-S (Front-engined, Rear-wheel drive, Sport). In a recent interview with Road &Track, Five Axis design house founder Troy Sumitomo revealed that the latest concept represents more than just a few tweaks here and there.
With Sumitomo closely working with the Scion brand (created in 2002 for America’s younger buying market) since its inception, it didn’t take long for him to “Scionise” the FT-86, a few notable details being the inclusion of 20-inch centre-lock wheels, a few more motorsport-inspired aerodynamic enhancements (see rear end picture to view huge diffuser), more aggressively-bulged wheel arches and a new design line inspired by a twisting ribbon.
Looks good, but what lies beneath?
So, it seems that Toyota has the styling all wrapped up – even though spy photographers have caught glimpses of what is believed to be the FR-S prototype testing with less flattering exterior detail. For the second most important part, the drivetrain, the automotive giant has turned to Subaru for assistance. Thus the FT-86/FR-S will be powered by a normally-aspirated four cylinder engine in the horizontally-opposed fashion Subaru has become renowned for – but with the RWD layout that’s been lacking in the Toyota product line-up for more than a decade (with the exception of the mid-engined MR2 that is) But that’s not the end of the tale just yet. In its current guise that Subaru unit produces 110 kW and 196 N.m – according to Road &Track, with input from Toyota engineers – those figures will be close to 150 kW available at over 7 000 r/min and a little over 200 N.m of torque at 4 500 r/min. With a final mass believed to be in the region of 1 300 kg and a close-ratio six-speed gearbox sending torque to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential borrowed from the Impreza, Toyota’s aiming for a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 7,5 seconds.
But it’s not all about the engine, because Toyota is anticipating that owners and tuners will seek to eke out more oomph from the time the very first models roll off the production line – so steps to bolster the car’s suspension and structure are being taken to ensure maximum handling prowess under the strain of modifications.
So where does SA fit in?
Thankfully, Toyota South Africa Motors is working on a business plan for this new sports coupe – but can’t divulge any of the final details yet – including when the FT-86 is coming. Our sources indicate sometime during the first six months of 2012, as that’s about the time co-developer Subaru is planning to launch its version, which is also likely to come to South Africa.
More details should be available toward the end of the year when the production model makes its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.
