Future Cars: 2012 Toyota/Subaru Sports Coupe

We've reported on this before, but we now have stronger evidence than ever that Toyota is getting back into the affordable sports-coupe game with an all-new model priced at around $20,000–$25,000. This front-engine/rear-drive 2-door will reincarnate the spirit of the 1983–1987 Corolla Levin/Trueno (AE86), a car that's still popular today, especially among drift enthusiasts. According to our friends at Best Car magazine, Toyota's code name for this future sports car is 086A. That it's so similar to AE86 is no coincidence.

Toyota is partnering with Subaru to bring this project to reality. In fact, most of the engineering seems to be coming from the company known for its all-wheel-drive rally cars. Powering the future coupe will be Subaru's 2.0-liter flat-4 equipped with a new direct-injection system, tuned to produce an impressive 200 bhp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. We predict the car will weigh about 2700 lb., so expect fairly quick acceleration times, probably around 6.0 sec. to 60 mph. The suspension will consist of MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup at the rear, with the chassis based on that of the Subaru Impreza and Legacy.

Toyota will mainly be in charge of the car's styling. Although both Toyota and Subaru versions will be offered, the two models won't look much different, apart from badging — think Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe.
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dlin - 6/8/2009 10:57:03 AM

+1 Boost

It'll probably more likely be 2900lb.

rigid - 6/8/2009 11:06:31 AM

+2 Boost

Especially if it is AWD.

Brembo - 6/8/2009 11:20:38 AM

+4 Boost

Do it! Get some young buyers back to the brand.

wins555 - 6/8/2009 11:26:06 AM

+4 Boost

Makes sense for Toyota to partner with Subaru becuase of its younger market demographics.

inspirion7 - 6/8/2009 11:34:24 AM

+3 Boost

Toyota need this type of coupe. Subie's serious performance, and Toyota's marketing will create the sport car we knew Toyota could create. Nothing wrong with dipping into another well for water if your well has ran dry. The late Supra was Toyota's most promising expression of performance. Boy I would love to see that car now in 2010! I see models around town and they still look great some 10 years later! (of course, this car is far from that type of performance model, but at lease this is a start)

henbmw - 6/8/2009 11:36:15 AM

+5 Boost

Finally a car maker realizing that losing weight is the way to go.

222max - 6/8/2009 12:55:17 PM

+1 Boost

Nissan had already committed to reducing vehicle weight last year. The new 370Z is marginally lighter than the 350Z and most future Nissans will be made with a focus on weight reduction.

inspirion7 - 6/8/2009 1:26:56 PM

+1 Boost

"Nissan had already committed to reducing vehicle weight last year. The new 370Z is marginally lighter than the 350Z and most future Nissans will be made with a focus on weight reduction."

— 222max

and the price of tea in China is up. Get it while you can.

pageman - 6/8/2009 3:44:39 PM

+1 Boost

Exciting!! This car will be an instant hit. Toyota will most likely make limited numbers and make them hard to get initially to boost hype.
Don't expect this mainstream coupe to be fully available in numbers to all Toyota stores right away from launching.
Subaru can make some serious headway as Saturn did with the Sky compared to the Solstice. I believe that the Subaru version will be more aggressive and in turn a tad more expensive. Looking forward to this.

Janizary - 6/8/2009 3:50:48 PM

+1 Boost

"... reported on this before, but we now have stronger evidence than ever that Toyota is getting back into the affordable sports-coupe game..."

"...We predict the car will weigh about 2700 lb..."

Given all of the on again/off again that has happened with this concept, I'll believe both of those once (1) a release date is given and (2) a production spec sheet is published (bloat seems to be a way of life now...with kudos to Nissan for the 370Z and Audi for its 'planned' reduction efforts).

commander104 - 6/8/2009 6:28:11 PM

+2 Boost

subaru will give toyota the soul everyone on this site whines about them not having