Toyota’s Haichi Subaku: 2011 WRX?
In recent years Toyota has become best known for making cars that are very much like any other major appliance: They're reliable and are about as exciting as an extra-rinse cycle. It's so far worked for the motoring giant. In 2008 alone Toyota sold nearly half a million Camrys. There are a lot of boring people in America.
Subaru makes funky cars. Weather it's fire-breathing turbo, sideways-sliding wierdness, or lesbians and their cockerpoo funk, very few car makers enjoy the emotional connection with their customers like Subaru. Thing is, in 2008 Subaru only sold about 200,000 cars in total. Proving that funky doesn't really cut it if you want volume.
Around 2006 Toyota invested in Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries. Fans feared that cars like the Subaru STI would be neutered under Toyota's watch. Of course, three years on and the only major indication of Toyota's involvement are illuminated cup holders in the Subaru Legacy.
Okay, so Subaru survived the partnership without losing it's funktastic feel. How about Toyota? What did they get out of the relationship? Well, turns out Toyota has learned a few new moves thanks to its friends in Gunma. Behold, the FT-86 concept car.
Recalling the Haichi Rouku (mid-80s RWD Corolla) made famous in Initial D, this new Toyota features a compact and sporty look, rear-wheel drive and a boxer motor. In other words, it's a sure-fire formula for hoonage.
The concept model you see here is set to make its first public appearance at the Tokyo Auto Show, later this month. It's not expected to go on sale until 2011 at the earliest.
Rumors have it that the Toyota model will remain in Japan, with an AWD version coming to the States wearing a Subaru badge. If that's true, where would this possibly fit into Subaru's lineup? I can see the need for something around $14,000 -- any more and it will compete with Subaru's own Impreza, which starts around $16,000. But a car like this is unlikely to be that affordable. The Toyota version is already pegged to be around $20,000 (US equiv.)
Rough mockup of the FT-86 sporting trademark Subaru hoodscoop and World Rally Championship colors.
Now, entertain me for a moment: Subaru's other option would be to kill the current WRX and rebadge its version of the FT-86 as the new WRX... which, really, wouldn't be a bad idea. That would give Subaru the ability to spread out the WRX brand across several models and prices (turbo, naturally-aspirated, etc.), similar to what it did with the Outback line (which used to be just a trim package). And, really, what WRX owners are clamoring for is a return to coupe styling and a more purebred driving experience -- not for a more practical WRX. This would deliver. Subaru could then focus on making the Impreza it's bread-and-butter volume model, which is where the new hatchback styling is best succeeding.
Your turn, how does this new Toyota affect your car decisions going into 2011? Would you want a RWD or AWD version? Think Subaru should take my advice and use it as a base for a new WRX lineup?
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AWD turbo I have been reading it is RWD 2.0 na
That's for the Toyota version. It's been long rumored that it will be sold by Subaru in the USA. And, from my info, Subaru has no intention of abandoning it's AWD Standard position for the US market. QED: The Subaru version will be AWD. The turbo is just hopeful thinking on my part.
Looks sweet. Can't wait for it
I would love to see Toyota bring it over here, but if it comes as a Suby it had better be AWD. I don't think it should replace the WRX entirely, but it would be cool if they added a coupe option to the Impreza (RS/WRX/STi) line-up. Oh, and ditch the 5-door or make it look a LOT better.
As for me, I'll be replacing my Bugeye with either a new WRX or a Legacy GT when I get back to the States. I just don't know if that will be 2010 or 2011, so I'm holding out on my actual decision to see what changes they make to each. Either way, I guarantee I'll be ordering a sedan. I like having a sedan that can blow the doors off most coupes on the market. :-D
Horrible idea. from the early imprezas to the STI hatch of 2010 its been an evolution of an AWD turbo rally car bred monster that could compete in any style of driving on or off the tarmac and beat the cars in each one of those catigories at there own game it can be easily tuned and modified for which ever driving style you choose be it drag racing, rally X, auto X, time attack, or just a daily driver and weekend warrior for those spirited drivers that have more of a bond with there car than any other groupe out there Subie drivers are one of a kind and we are a very tightnit groupe I dont see thies new cars being welcomed with open arms with anyone I know. Its Subie Suicide. and it makes me sick to think about it.
I love the idea of a Subaru-powered Toyota-built AE86 inspired sports car, but all I see when I look at that pic from the rear is a 350Z. I love the look of that car, but wish something unique rather than the "Hey that sells great, just copy it!" idea.
It's a sexy car for sure. I'd like to see more before making comparisons to the WRX or to any other car for that matter. I hope they bring it to the States. It would be nice to see one in person.
Like most of us, I will probably love Subaru as long as they still have that turbo/AWD combo. However, these hatchback years have shown that they want to please a larger crowd. Hopefully something like this gets them back on track. It looks much more sports car-esque. Hah, and I like your mockup but you forget the huge beefy STi wing!
im saving all of my money for the new corolla