Subaru Test Mule

[FE of the FT]

Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" coupe in the Death Valley heat

by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on Sep 1st 2010 at 7:58PM

Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

We've read many reports lately having to do with Toyota's FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but we mustn't forget that Subaru will be getting its own version of this new two-door – it is a joint venture, after all. Our spies have captured this obviously Subaru-bodied mule out testing in Death Valley, showing that things are still on track for the "Toyobaru" to come to market in the near future.

Details are still very slim on what Subaru's version of the FT-86 will offer, and contrary to the brand's image, the new coupe may not be available with all-wheel drive. If that's the case, Subaru will have to offer a lot more in the way of styling (and perhaps power) to differentiate it from its Toyota sister. This latest prototype has sprouted a hood scoop not seen on earlier test cars, suggesting that a top-mount intercooler could be underhood, though it's also possible that this is just the result of some WRX/STI parts being used for camouflage purposes.

Toyota is expected to launch its version of the FT-86 in November of 2011, so keep your fingers crossed for Subaru's version to drop around the same time. For now, see a glimpse of what's to come in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Subaru FT-86 RWD Coupe

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[Source: KGP Photography]

SOURCE: Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" coupe in the Death Valley heat — Autoblog

[Steve French]

If that is the Subaru version of the 86, I am going to stick to the Toyota model. Please tell me the extra wing and other atrocities are in place to trick us...

[Driftr]

Its a test mule and those extra body parts are there to disguise its true form

[Flat4_driver]

Yeah. The FT-86 test mule looked almost exactly like that minus the hood scoop.

[BLUEMEANIE]

Wow. I think I'll stick to the Toyota model too.

[coop3422]

Wow. I think I'll stick to the Toyota model too.

that will look absolutely nothing like the final product. The only similarities are the drivetrain and chasis. All sheetmetal is generic to disguise it. As said before, the ft86 test mule was nearly identical to this one.

[BLUEMEANIE]

lol. I figured. They sure did a good job of uglying it up.