2012 Toyota FT-86: Future Look with Subaru Engine

The 2012 Toyota FT-86 coup will be in serial production next year. Previously we knew that the car will have short wheelbase and and engine supplied by Subaru. Few days ago Toyota EU revealed more about the concept and the automation of this new model.

First comes the engine. The 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated engine of the 2012 Toyota FT-86 coup has been jointly developed between Subaru and Toyota. Both companies have a passion for sports cars and this joint venture should result in a superb demonstration of a high quality know-how. According to Toyota EU news release "Subaru brings its newly developed horizontally opposed boxer engine while Toyota adds its D-4S technology (direct injection combined with port injection)." The outcome is an increased horsepower and torque without compromising fuel consumption and environmental performance.

The shift will be either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual shift of the 2012 Toyota FT-86 will be quick and precise, the company say. The shift on the automatic transmission will be sporty and will be controlled by paddle shifts, mounted by steering wheel.

Toyota says a limited-slip differential will "effectively" distribute power to the rear wheels. The FT-86 will have a new front-engine and rear-wheel drive platform. Toyota has designed this platform to give the driver confident stability and manoeuvrability. Driving corners will still be "quick and nimble."

The car's center of gravity is low and the design is light weight. Toyota says it has achieved the "best possible power-to-weight ratio," giving the driver "an intrinsic joy of driving" experience.

Coming in 2012

It will take another few months before knowing the final characteristics of this car. Toyota FT-86 sports coupe is going to be experienced as twins: a Subaru and possibly as Scion in the United States.

Updated on May 3, 2011 at 1:58 EDT - Toyota Customer Care just Tweeted to us writing that the FR-S Concept will inspire a new model coming to the @Scion brand in 2012.