The Truth About The FT-86. Straight From The Mouth Of The Chief Engineer

[import_nation]

“When we started working on the FT-86 we had no idea where we would end up,” said Tetsuya Tada, whom I met last Sunday to talk about his work.

“Was it going to be a ridiculously expensive car? Or one anyone can buy? All we knew it was going to be a sports car. The rest was a blank sheet.”

The FT-86 that eventually took shape on this blank sheet will be in showrooms down the street from you, all over the world, next year.
The FT-86 ”may just be the car to herald Toyota’s ‘second renaissance,” if some enthusiast blogs are right.
At the very least, this car will change how we think and dream of a sport scar: We won’t. This is not a dream car. For most of us, it will be an impulse buy.
Tetsuya Tada tells its story.



Tetsuya Tada is the Chief Engineer of the FT-86, Toyota’s new sports car that had powered the rumor mills for many years. Some enthusiast blogs enthusiastically painted Tada as the “Jason Bourne of Toyota Sports car development.” If that is the case, then he is the friendliest and most unassuming Jason Bourne I ever heard of. He is the man I’d expect to see carrying two bags when I take out my carefully sorted garbage after midnight in a quiet Japanese neighborhood. As a Toyota Chief Engineer however, Tada carries more responsibility and more power than the Ludlum hero. Scott Bellware once described the role of a Chief Engineer at Toyota like this:

“He is the person responsible for the design, development, and sale of the product. He is the organizational pinnacle and the hub through which authority and ability flow. The CE isn’t just an architect or technical lead or just a customer proxy or just a project manager or just process master. He’s all of these things and more. He doesn’t just pass along customer requirements for the product, he defines them. He doesn’t just implement the business’s design for the product, he creates it. He’s large and in-charge, and he’s uniquely and deeply qualified to be so.
Because all of these abilities and authorities are invested in one extremely capable, senior, trusted product development person, the coordination of the various perspectives, values, and vision of a product and its execution don’t suffer design-by-committee issues. And because the CE has these many responsibilities and abilities, he’s a rare person.”





Tada indeed is a rare person. Dressed in khaki pants and a striped shirt, the affable attitude accentuated by rimless glasses, he hides all that power well.
We met last Sunday at Toyota’s Megaweb down by the waterfront. Megaweb is part theme park, part test drive venue. We met there, because an FT-86 prototype is on display. We didn’t go there to drive it. First off, Megaweb is not a test track. It was barely appropriate to give the iQ a slow spin. Second, most of the FT-86 is still a secret. Doors and hatches of the car on display are locked tight. So were the lips of its Chief Engineer.
“You can ask anything except specs and price,” Tada-san announced after we found a quiet space away from the din of the Megaweb.
“In that case, let’s have lunch,” was my answer.
In lieu of talking about cars, we found out that Tada lived where I lived during his time in Germany: In Düsseldorf Oberkassel, me because of its watering holes, him because of the Japanese school. Japan’s Jason Bourne is a dad who rather did a 100km round trip commute to Toyota Cologne each day than put his children’s education at risk. Speaking of lunch, we established that we both had regular lunch at the Kikaku, Düsseldorf’s best sushi place. That created a bit of bonding, and Tada started talking about the car.

[import_nation]

When Tada stared at a white page, it was 2007. He didn’t know what to think:

“We did know from the very beginning that it was going to be a sports car. I said, well, if it’s going to be a sports car, it has to go fast. We were looking at the Nissan GT-R, the Mitsubishi Evolution, those cars were in our heads at the original stage.
Then we thought: Should we make a car that is faster than the GT-R?
You know what we did then? We did a lot of research. We talked to owners, fanatics, real buyers of sports cars around the world. They told us: Speed isn’t everything. If it’s just an incredibly fast car, they don’t really want it. What they want is a sports car that is small, compact, light, and that handles just the way they want it to handle.”

The customers wanted more: They wanted a sports car for less. A Veyron makes for good copy and dreams. But it also causes can’t-have-it frustrations. Tada listened intently to his future customers:

“The super-super-super fast cars are only for the super-rich. Even most super-rich don’t want to buy them. The people I talked to were looking for something like the 80s kind of a sports car, echoes of an AE86. They wanted a stripped-down, basic sports car with the price more like that of a piece of sports equipment, not the price of a house. Those people wanted something that doesn’t exist.”

Tada and his team set out to design the impossible. A year later, they had the design, the specs, and the price point. Tada presented it to the board of Toyota. The concept was approved. The project had an important advocate on the board: Akio Toyoda. At the time, the CEO was Katsuaki Watanabe. The time was 2008, and all over the world, the skies were falling.





Tada puts it in his trademark humble words when he describes the boardroom discussions:

“Sometimes, it is a little hard to explain why this kind of a vehicle is needed for the Toyota brand. If you just take the commercial point of view – it won’t make a lot of money, and of course, there are some people who object to that. But as they say, money isn’t everything – especially when it comes to branding.”

At the height of carmageddon, Tada received the go-ahead for what we would call an “enthusiast car.” The Japanese have a more befitting description. It’s a “nekkyousha car” a car for maniacs – in a good way. It helped that Toyota’s resident auto otaku, Akio Toyoda, was behind the concept, and it helped even more that he became President of Toyota a year later.
Asked what changed for the FT-86 when Toyoda took the helm of Toyota, Tada says: ”He became one of our test drivers.”
Asked what it means when you work in the shadow, but also in full view of the President of the world’s largest carmaker, Tada changes the subject. His true boss is the customer, and the customer didn’t want another rice racer:

“It is possible to soup-up sedans or hatchbacks to make them sporty. But what these people are after is a body that is already very low to the ground, very sleek, a body that they can then work on – if they want.”


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iDk3TEPgCA]KT AE86 drift show - YouTube[/ame]


As for low to the ground, Tada promises a “production car with the world’s lowest center of gravity.” The FT-86 will be a tinkerer’s car. The car is named “FT-86” for a reason. Toyota wants to make a mental connection to the AE86, the archetypical cult-craze car from the Star Wars era. Nearly 20 years later, the hachiroku (Japanese for 86) still commands a following for which some modern day Messiahs would kill. Toyota wants to build a new millennium hachiroku so bad, they even kept the number. Says Tada:

“The 86 was such a popular maniac car not because of what the maker did, but what the users did with it. It created its own aftermarket and a tuner industry. The idea of the FT-86 is basically the same. We want to create a car that is easy for people to tune and to play with.”

Tada indeed is a rare person. The Teutonic engineers I grew up with used go into convulsions or threw screaming fits when people modified “their cars” – except maybe using factory-approved and overpriced accessories.
Tada smiles when you ask him whether is hurts his pride as an engineer when the people of SEMA gang-rape “his car.”
“Yes.”
A short, but honest answer. Isn’t it painful to spend years designing the perfect car, and to make it so perfect in a sense that some guys in a garage can modify it beyond recognition without even breaking a sweat or lighting a welder?
“Yes.”
The Chief Engineer’s sensitivities are touched by the most benign act of modding – the choice of tires:

“We usually come up with a designated tire, a tire that is optimal for the car. We arrive at this decision after long tests. That some guys go and decide their own tire steals a little something from the enjoyment of the engineer – but that’s the concept of this vehicle. It is not made for the enjoyment of the engineer – it is made for the enjoyment of the owner.”

That owner may not need a lot of money, but he will need to know how to drive. He will need to use his own brain and the seat of his own pants. Tada had jotted down the principle in his self-derived design guide, and he sticks with it:

“From the beginning, the concept was to put the driver back in the driver’s seat, and to eliminate computers as much as possible today. Powerful sports cars use a lot of computer technology so that anyone can drive and handle them. We decided not to go down that road.”

The FT-86 has about half of the computing power that is dragged around in a modern day car. The preferred shifter is a stick. An automatic is optional. The slushbox is nothing fancy. “No DSG or anything of that kind,” says Tada, and is proud. Sure, the automatic has a computer, but the shift points cannot be changed – at least not at the flip of a switch in the dashboard. Computers want to keep you on the straight and narrow, but some FT-86 owners want that car to go sideways. If you need nannies, go down to the children’s hospital.


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UebLu0-wg54]Toyota FT-86 Concept by autocar.co.uk - YouTube[/ame]

[import_nation]

The FT-86 will be built at Fuji Heavy’s Subaru, and when I mention that, the engineer’s pride shifts into low gear – for extra revs. Tada quickly explains that this is just contract production, and it’s the same as “when we make cars at Central Motors or Kanto Auto Works.” Both are separate companies, but they are also part of the greater Toyota empire. Toyota owns a good chunk of Fuji Heavy, so Subaru is part of the family – in a way.
Subaru will produce its own version, probably called the BRZ. Both companies also developed the car together, and that must have been an interesting exercise. Recalls Tada:

“The first year was actually quite tough. The character and processes of the two companies are quite different. In the beginning, we sat down and decided who does what. That didn’t work out very well, because of the cultural differences between the companies. When people started to become more interested in the car itself, people from both sides ended up becoming one team. In the end, it wasn’t so much Toyota doing this and Subaru doing that, but people working together with one goal.”

In the maniac, well, enthusiast scene, it is pretty much gospel that the cars use Subaru’s flat four “D4-S” boxer engine. Depending on whom you believe, the production engine ranges from a tried & true to a refined & modified D4-S. That elicits protests from Tada, as loud as the softspoken man can manage:

“No,no, no – it is a completely new engine. The engine is still a boxer. The technology, even the engine block are completely new. Everything is new. The only thing that remained are the mounting points.”

Imagine how much engineer’s pride that one did cost. A completely new engine was developed. At the same time it comes with an invitation to be swapped for whatever follows the Subaru bolt pattern.
After years of concept cars, the production version of the FT-86 will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, December 2 – December 11, 2011. “Next year” (most likely in spring), the car will be launched. It won’t be available in Japan first and years later elsewhere. It will, says Tada, be available next year “all over the world.” In the U.S., it will definitely by a Scion. In the rest of the world, it will be a Toyota.


Jack Baruth and Sajeev Mehta equipped me with a long list of questions. After Tada’s initial admonition that we can talk about everything except specs and price, I didn’t have much hope for answers, but nonetheless, I tried. The following Q&A ensued:
“Can you tell me the weight?” “No.”
“Can you tell me the horsepower?” “No.”
“Can you tell me the weight distribution?” “No.”
“Can you tell me the price” “No. It will be affordable.”
“Suspension?” “McPherson, double wishbone.” And a smile.
And so it went while Tada was conspicuously consulting his watch, signaling that time, patience, or both are running out. All I could do was to use the old investigative reporter trick, put two versions on the table, and ask which one is close. I used the crowd-sourced specs from the fountain of knowledge.





Tada eye-balls both. And gives his verdict. See above.
Last question time!
“Mr. Tada – is it true that you compared the color of the FT-86 to the ass of a monkey?”
Ooops. The Chief Engineer covers his mouth in feigned shock and explains that he indeed had experienced “some trouble” after magazines had written that he indeed had compared the car’s color to a monkey’s derriere. He quickly adds that he had referred not to just any monkey, but to a genuine Japanese monkey, those amicable animals that visit hot springs in wintertime, with icicles dangling from their furs – parts of Japan’s storied heritage.





And that’s not all, says Tada. The FT-86 red can also be compared to the world famous Japanese sunset (no sunrise is mentioned) and to the dragonfly. In Japan, the dragonfly is a symbol of courage, strength, and happiness – it even symbolizes the whole Japanese archipelago.
So there you have it. The FT-86 is so customizable, so tunable, so hot-roddable that it gives you a choice of associations triggered by its color. Depending on your mood, you can pick sunset, dragonfly, or an entirely appropriate greased monkey. As long as they are Japanese.

[eightsix]

I’m getting a kind of RX-8 feel from this, what with hints of lack of power, low centre of gravity, simple automatic and so forth. I can’t help but think it’ll see RX-8ish sales levels. I want to be proven wrong, but unless it’s really, really cheap, it’s kind of a car looking for a market: no “heritage” for the greybeards, no luxury for rich, no obscene muscle for the speed freaks, no auspices of practicality for people who have to compromise.
Now, all that said, I like the way it looks. It’s the same thing I like about the Forte Koup, only with a little more purpose and a lot less overhang. I’m certainly going to try to swing it when it’s for sale, too. Hopefully I’ll fit…

[import_nation]

I’m getting a kind of RX-8 feel from this, what with hints of lack of power, low centre of gravity, simple automatic and so forth. I can’t help but think it’ll see RX-8ish sales levels. I want to be proven wrong, but unless it’s really, really cheap, it’s kind of a car looking for a market: no “heritage” for the greybeards, no luxury for rich, no obscene muscle for the speed freaks, no auspices of practicality for people who have to compromise.
Now, all that said, I like the way it looks. It’s the same thing I like about the Forte Koup, only with a little more purpose and a lot less overhang. I’m certainly going to try to swing it when it’s for sale, too. Hopefully I’ll fit…

The RX-8 didn't sell that well because it just looks weird. Not alot of people like how the rear doors are the way they are or just think the car looks strange. The RX-7 is much sexier then the RX-8.

no “heritage” for the greybeards - small market
no luxury for rich - small market
no obscene muscle for the speed freaks - small market
no auspices of practicality for people who have to compromise. - how is the fr-s not practical?

The FR-S is a performance vehicle meant to challenge the driver. It is a car that is fun to drive but is affordable. That market is much bigger then the ones you stated. Look at the 8th gen civic si sales. That thing sold well. Its affordable and is fun to drive. Offers decent performance for the price. The RX-8 is slightly expensive for what it is. And it isn't really that quick to be honest.

[cfrp]

I worry about that too. It’s got plenty of heritage as far as I’m concerned, but sports coupes started dying out 10-15 years ago. I was in high school back then, and there was a definite shift in preferences towards sedans, even among the sport compact crowd. Miata sales are low these days too. I dunno. Enthusiasts love to talk about what they want, but when it comes to actually buying we’re full of excuses.

[import_nation]

I’m thinking differently here. Like how the RX-8 was Mazda’s “halo car”. For years Toyota made cars like this; FT-86 Corolla, Celica, Supra, MR2. All gone. It’s about time they are back with something.

[import_nation]

The engine mounts thing has probably got every tuner from here to Timbuktoo (hear it’s lovely there this time of year) drooling over the possibility of Subaru boxer and Cosworth-fettled Subaru boxer swaps. I love what he said about tires… that indicates that they really spent a good amount of time fettling the suspension… because it’s only on a car that have been obsessively tweaked at the factory that changing out the standard tires actually ruin it.
I really do hope they hit all the right markers. And I’m looking forward to the inevitable FT-86 versus MX-5 reviews…

[cfrp]

I’m looking forward to the inevitable Ft-86 versus Genesis Coupe road tests.
I drove a Genesis coupe (unfortunately w/o a stick) and liked it.
We’ll have to see whether it would be a closer matchup with the 4cyl or 6cyl genesis.

[import_nation]

The Genesis… not so much. It’s more of a grand-tourer-slash-sports-car than a sports-car-slash-errh-sports-car, as the MX-5 is and the FT-86 aspires to be. I can already tell you, the Genesis 2.0T already loses in that regard to the MX-5.

[cfrp]

I just picked up an X3 with the turbo-6. I was driven there in an ’06 Elise. Sooo…yeah. If we’re lucky, this is the Miata. If we aren’t, it’s the RX-8.

[levin]

I’m thinking it may be the best 240SX ever.

[eightsix]

YOU BITE YOUR TONGUE! That thing is pure ugly compared to an S13 Coupe.
It’s also unfortunate that you won’t be able to buy it without all the nannies, simply not allowed anymore. As of 2012 all vehicles in the US are required to have ABS, stability control, tire pressure monitors (or run flats) and air bags. Everything I don’t want in a car and makes it more expensive and more failure prone.
I’ve been driving an S13 240sx coupe since I bought one new in 1991 and I’m starting to get the itch for something else. What I really want is an S13 with no miles on the chassis so it feels new again. I’ll wait to see what Nissan is doing for competition.

[import_nation]

Honda needs to build something similar to this or they are in trouble. As in, next RSX…RWD? Won’t hold my breath, but they need such to compete with Scion as they want to (sidebar: the next RL was supposed to be RWD with a V8, wouldn’t it have been nice to produce a coupe version…but was shelved along with the USDM spec diesel in TSX, gotta love the crap US economy…) Sales volume aside, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe has seemed to be a hit with tuners, if Toyota/Subaru can duplicate this success, AND MATCH OR BEAT THE PRICE, they might have a modern day AE86 cult following brewing.
I’d drive one, and i’m a picky SOB. Make it a 2+2 I could put my kids in occasionally and there might be a Scion or Subie in my garage. Keep up the fight Tada-san! And make it sub $20k…

[cfrp]

while the idea of another RWD Honda is fantastic, I do believe it is just that; a fantasy. I owned an S2000, and it was by far and away the best car I have ever owned and/or operated. it was a motorcycle with 4 wheels. but i’ve also owned 3 other Hondas. and I would settle for the Honda that made its name here by being known for the same things Toyota is known for: quality and reliability. and then to that mix they added world-class engine development. Honda started as a motor company, and for so long, no matter what Honda you drove, you always felt like the engine up front was something more special and had more character than the generic 1.8L in your neighbor’s Corolla. If Honda kept making cars like the Integra, the Prelude, the Accords before they turned into Camrys with different interiors.. yes they wouldn’t sell as many as Toyota, but they won’t anyways. As far as this FT-86 is concerned… I wish it wouldn’t be a Scion. Heritage does matter. This car, for all the work being put into it, it should link back to Toyota’s great cars like the RWD Celica, the Supra, the AW11 MR2, and yes the AE86. If you say Scion, it brings to mind Americanized Japanese mini-cars. I actually like the Scions for what they are. this car, if it’s as good as it seems like it will be, won’t need to be ‘marketed’ at people. they’ll seek it out. and I don’t think it needs to be a ‘halo’ car. just let it stand for what Toyota stood for at the time the AE86 Corolla was on sale. Yes they made vanilla sedans, but they also made interesting cars that people cared about.
and if this forces Nissan to resurect the S-series cars.. well bring it on. just don’t give the US versions crappy truck motors.
maybe we’re nostalgic for the Japanese motor industry that existed in the 80s and 90s and has moved ahead without us. and maybe this TOYOTA will bring it back..