The Toyota FT-86 coupe concept was only just introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show last week, but the internet-grapevine is already abuzz with speculation and chatter on its Subaru twin. These new speculative renderings of the Subaru-badged coupe that are based on Toyota'sFT-86 concept model were published in the latest issue of Japan's 'Best Car' magazine. The CGI's are accompanied by rumors of all-wheel drive and a turbocharged boxer engine for the Subie.
However, let us remind you that when Toyota and Subaru first announced that they jumped into bed together to give birth to an affordable pair of compact sports cars, the two Japanese automakers were pretty clear about both models featuring a rear-wheel drive setup.
Here's what the two companies said in a joint statement about the coupes in April 2008:
"Toyota Motor Company (TMC) and Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) - Subaru's parent company - are to jointly develop a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car that will be marketed by both TMC and FHI."
"The compact rear-wheel sports car to be jointly developed by TMC and FHI is envisioned to offer a new "fun to drive" experience based on an all-new vehicle platform powered by an FHI core-technology horizontally-opposed engine. Market introduction is targeted for the end of 2011. Production is to take place at a new plant to be built at FHI's Gunma Manufacturing Division in Japan's Gunma Prefecture. TMC will consign production to FHI."
We're not saying that AWD or even more plausibly, a turbocharged version, are out of the question, but we won't take anything for granted until we see an official statement or better yet, a concept version from Subaru that will give us an idea of the company's intentions.
The only thing that we can be sure about now is that Subaru will market its own version of the coupe. If it will be available in all markets or if Subaru will offer the option of AWD and/or a turbocharged engine is something that remains to be seen.
Photos: Best Car
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