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Toyota-Subaru joint sports car may lead to Celica comeback

Toyota-Subaru joint sports car may lead to Celica comeback

Viknesh Vijayenthiran March 23rd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author March 23rd, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 Earlier this month, Toyota executive vice-president Masatami Takimoto confirmed the company was working on a small hybrid sports coupe for the European market but other than a few sparing details no solid information was revealed. This sent the rumor mill into overdrive, with speculation quickly emerging that the car could see a return of the MR2 nameplate. Today, France’s L'Automobile Magazine is reporting that the new RWD sports car being developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru could revive the Celica name. Both companies plan to launch separate versions of the car in 2011, but while the Subaru model will likely get a new name the Toyota model may go with something familiar. Of course, there have also been claims that Toyota might go with the Trueno name from the 1980’s ‘AE86’ Japanese classic but given the global nature of the upcoming model this is looking more and more unlikely. As for the car itself, Toyota is reportedly working on the styling while Subaru is said to be handling the engineering side of things. This means the new model will be Subaru at heart, with a four-cylinder boxer engine in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms expected. Base models will be strictly RWD and have a power output of around 220hp (170kW). Though no official details have been released, it’s expected that an AWD flagship with 300hp (225kW) from a turbocharged flat-four will be available as well. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, although an automatic is also expected to be available as well.Toyota Subaru Sports Car
Some of the names suggested for Toyota’s new RWD sports car include MR2, Trueno and Celica

Some of the names suggested for Toyota’s new RWD sports car include MR2, Trueno and Celica

Enlarge Photo

Earlier this month, Toyota executive vice-president Masatami Takimoto confirmed the company was working on a small hybrid sports coupe for the European market but other than a few sparing details no solid information was revealed. This sent the rumor mill into overdrive, with speculation quickly emerging that the car could see a return of the MR2 nameplate.

Today, France’s L'Automobile Magazine is reporting that the new RWD sports car being developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru could revive the Celica name. Both companies plan to launch separate versions of the car in 2011, but while the Subaru model will likely get a new name the Toyota model may go with something familiar.

Of course, there have also been claims that Toyota might go with the Trueno name from the 1980’s ‘AE86’ Japanese classic but given the global nature of the upcoming model this is looking more and more unlikely.

As for the car itself, Toyota is reportedly working on the styling while Subaru is said to be handling the engineering side of things. This means the new model will be Subaru at heart, with a four-cylinder boxer engine in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms expected.

Base models will be strictly RWD and have a power output of around 220hp (170kW). Though no official details have been released, it’s expected that an AWD flagship with 300hp (225kW) from a turbocharged flat-four will be available as well. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, although an automatic is also expected to be available as well.
Toyota Subaru Sports Car
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Tags: sales

Posted in: 2005, Toyota, Subaru, News, Celica


Comments (5 total)

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  1. ma_Rice1 avatar by Rice1 #1, Posted: 3/23/2009

    A rose by any other name...

  2. ma_atomos_fxx avatar by atomos_fxx #2, Posted: 3/24/2009

    I have always liked the look of this car

  3. ma_Chris avatar by Chris #3, Posted: 3/24/2009

    MR2 would be a useless name.

    Mid engine, Rear wheel, 2 seats. MR2.

    this car is front engined. FR2 or bust.

    or celica. that would be nice. a proper sports car to finally be put onto that name.

  4. ma_cislam71 avatar by cislam71 #4, Posted: 5/16/2009

    The spy shots remind of some garbage sedan styling from the 1990's... I really hope this is just some super advanced camoflauge to throw us off.

  5. ma_WizardsLore avatar by WizardsLore #5, Posted: 5/18/2009

    its an MG...the styling is horrifically like a cross between an MG and the Imprezza hatch back, with the back of the first Lexus IS's backside thrown in..

    please tell me the Cammo work on this prototype is the type that is the best ever !

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