The ‘Toyobaru’ – Toyota’s FT-86 concept car sired under a joint venture with Subaru – has been spied undergoing tests at the Nurburgring. And our man with the long lens has timed the new rear-drive coupé at under nine minutes around the Nordschleife.
Due to be unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo motor show next week, Toyota is keeping details of the hot coupé close to its chests. We do know that it will feature an engine from the Subaru range – likely to be a flat-four boxer unit. No word on forced induction yet, but we’re glad to hear a permanent rear-wheel drive configuration will be used.
What is Toyota saying?
The full story will be issued in Tokyo next week, we hear.
CAR is told the car will be a ‘lightweight, rear-wheel drive coupé’ which harks right back to the AE86 Corolla from the ‘80s. The name is another strong indication that Toyota is trying to rekindle the flame lit on rally stages all those years ago.
If the car does go into production, and we understand that’s a near certainty, we’ve learned it could be as soon as 2011.
I’ve heard a lot of rumours about the ‘Toyobaru’…
It’s certainly the most talked-about Toyota to emerge in recent years. All sorts of theories are being bandied about regarding the name, the engine and the drivetrain configuration. We wait with bated breath to see what is officially announced next week.
Watch this space for the latest news from the Tokyo motor show, where the FT-86 concept will form the centrepiece of the Toyota stand.