Despite the fact that the Toyota FT-86 has been around for well over a year and a half, we haven't yet seen any hard specs on it. We'd heard that it was supposed to be around 200-hp, but Toyota didn't say for sure.
This week, Autocar was successful in pinning down some Toyota sources on specific numbers, and while the actual figures aren't yet finalized, we now have a better idea of what we can expect when the FT-86 hits the market next year.
Subaru's 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder will send 200 horses to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. That will put the FT-86 at 60 mph in the seven-second range and onward to a 140 mph top speed.
Toyota developed the FT-86 with the Volkswagen Scirocco in its sights, and believes that it has created a sportier car thanks to its rear-wheel orientation, lower center of gravity and lighter curb weight. The FT-86 weighs about 440 lbs. less than the Scirocco and is expected to weigh in around 2,425 lbs.
That light weight will help the FT-86 bring home solid efficiency and emissions rating. While Toyota's main focus has been on developing a fun, sporty ride, it also intends to deliver a package with Toyota-like efficiency.
In terms of design, the concept shown last month in Geneva is reportedly about 95 percent complete. Certain changes like interior modifications and a downgrade from 20-inch wheels to18s will happen before Toyota releases the final design later this year, but overall, the car should look much the same as it does now.
Toyota will show the production FT-86 at the Tokyo Motor Show in late fall. Production will begin early next year.
[Autocar]