Toyota FT-86 Engine: Why doesn't Toyota create their own?

[ft86girl]

Just like the title says, why doesn't Toyota create their own engine for the FT-86? It seems like a logical solution as they will get exactly what they want and tune it to the specifications that they need. Also, they will be able to achieve the fuel efficiency that they desire. What do you think?

What kind of engine would you like to see Toyota put in the Ft-86? I think that something along the lines of the Celica or Supra would be the obvious choice. I would want something with some power which would translate into a fun drive... nothing conservative, but nothing over the top either... need to keep costs down.

[Junior]

I really think it comes down to R&D for why they won't build their own engine. Instead of spending all that time they can just borrow from a design that is already around and focus more on building and tuning the car to match the engine. It saves a huge step and probably saves a bunch of money in the long run especially in this present economy. Had it been 5-7 years ago I think they would have taken the time and created their own engine.....its just not worthwhile these days.

[ft86girl]

Good point. It makes sense that with the costs associated with R&D, that it would be more economical for Toyota to use an existing engine... saves time for testing and the sort. Hopefully, since collaborating with Subaru, the monetary savings will translate down to the consumer when the final MSRP for the FT-86 is released. Here's to hoping...

[Victor]

If we see the FT86 for less than $30,000 I think that is proof that the savings come down to us

[HachiRoku]

If Toyota would have used their own engine, do you think it would have been Celica or Supra inspired?

I'm thinking more along the lines of the Supra. I don't know why they didn't just use the basis of the Supra engine for their FT-86... if it's cheaper for Toyota to just use Subaru's boxer engine, and it cuts the costs of the FT-86, I don't care what engine the FT-86 has as long as it can perform.

[ft86girl]

If Toyota would have used their own engine, do you think it would have been Celica or Supra inspired?

If Toyota had created their own engine for the FT-86, I would think that it would have been at least Celica inspired... Supra inspired in the best case. Those were two amazing cars, so it would have been perfect to use those engines as a base and then work from there.

[Paul]

I would love if it was Supra inspired, as many others would too

[SpeedRacer]

I really think it comes down to R&D for why they won't build their own engine. Instead of spending all that time they can just borrow from a design that is already around and focus more on building and tuning the car to match the engine. It saves a huge step and probably saves a bunch of money in the long run especially in this present economy. Had it been 5-7 years ago I think they would have taken the time and created their own engine.....its just not worthwhile these days.

You said it perfect

[Driftr]

I wouldnt mind a celica engine in it as long as the rev-limited is past 7 and the valves lift at 5.5 rpms if its possibly

[levin]

I dont think we should judge the engine they decided to use yet. Its not out yet. The subaru engine they chose isnt a terrible engine. Plus they made many improvements on it. Whether those improvements are actually good ones will be up to us to see.

[scion-guy]

For small engine's, Subaru gets amazing numbers from them. I guess Toyota hasn't figured that one out yet, but seems like something they really want. Even if they were to develop a small engine to put out some decent horsepower, it would take a long time.

Subaru FTW!

[import_nation]

The subaru blocks are pretty strong as they are. Hopefully toyota improved on the subaru design and didn't cheap out on material strength.

[scion-guy]

The subaru blocks are pretty strong as they are. Hopefully toyota improved on the subaru design and didn't cheap out on material strength.

Toyota's blocks are also strong, or as myself and many others call them... bullletproof!

I sure hope Toyota has revised the Subaru block with their own technology. Toyota engines have really good torque and so far I'm expecting some decent TQ numbers from the FR-S engine.

[eightsix]

yes i remember. took my mothers corolla to a race and actually beat someone once.. good times.

[cfrp]

I think Toyota took a look the the Subie engine and realized the design isn't a bad one. They took it and improved it. The engine is based off a subaru engine but I believe it is still made my Toyota.