2011Toyota FT-86 II Concept Review
While everyone was expecting to see the production version of the Toyota FT-86 sports car, the company has decided to tease us with yet another concept version of the car. Called the FT-86 II, the new concept made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and, according to Toyota, it takes us a step closer to the final design of its next sports car.
Since Toyota has decided to aim its next sports car at younger buyers, they’ve stepped up their game with a more attractive exterior design. Although we are a little perturbed that we received a second concept instead of a production model, we have to say that the added work on the FT-86 II does make it look a lot better. Guess some extra hours at the drawing board paid off after all. As did the design inspired by the legendary 2000 GT which was first displayed at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show.
Toyota may have had to bring out two concepts to get the design just right, but after being postponed more times than we would like, sales for the Toyota FT-86 will begin in Europe in 2012. Prices will start from around $25,000.
Updated 03/25/2011: Toyota UK has unveiled a new set of images and a new video showing the FT-86 II Concept at a photo session in Brussels last week. Enjoy!
UPDATE 09/07/2011: With the Subaru BRZ Concept revving its way into the Frankfurt Motor Show, there was no way Toyota would be missing the opportunity to showcase the BRZ’s competition - the FT-86 II Concept. So, in true competitive fashion, Toyota will also be at the Frankfurt Motor Show with its "faster, lighter, and sportier" FT-86 II Concept.
Exterior and Interior Design
The new Toyota FT-86 II Concept features very compact dimensions. It is 4,235mm long, 1,795mm wide, and just 1,270mm high. Its design language is called "Functional Beauty" and its bold, sweeping form has been generated entirely through the constraints of function and aerodynamics developed from F1 technology.
Engine
The concept combines a free-revving boxer petrol engine with a 6-speed manual transmission with compact dimensions. The engine is light weight and has a low center of gravity to attain the best possible power-to-weight ratio. Both powertrain and driving positions have been set as low and as far back as possible to optimize balance for maximum poise, high speed stability, and dynamic agility.
When Can I Buy One?
Toyota has postponed the official launch for a very long time now, but production of the FT-86 has now been confirmed for the summer of 2012. Prices will start from around $25,000.
Competition In Market
The biggest competitor for the production version FT-86 will obviously be theSubaru FT-86, a car that will share the same technology and engines, but will feature a different design. The advantage of the Subaru version will be the STI version powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine with an output of about 300 HP.
The list of competitors will also include models like the Nissan 370Z and the base version Ford Mustang. The Nissan 370Z gets a 3.7 liter V6 engine with an output of 332 HP at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. It is on sale with a starting price of $30K. The Mustang gets a 3.7 Liter six cylinder engine that puts out a total of 305 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque combined with a fuel efficient six speed automatic transmission. The muscle car is on sale at a price of $22,145.
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