Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ coupes finally revealed

[import_nation]

Well, they will be. But we’ll have to wait till the Tokyo motorshow...

It's been a long time coming. Toyota and Subaru have announced that they'll be showing their co-developed Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ sports coupes at the Tokyo motor show next month. Finally.

They go on display ahead of their UK launches next summer, and, if the numbers come correct, we reckon they may well salvage both companies' currently rather dull images.

Both get a Subaru-derived flat-four engine and six-speed manual ‘box, with the option of a six-speed auto. Though ticking that one would be unbridled heresy. Output differs between the marques - the Scooby BRZ gets "less than 300bhp" while the FT-86 dangles around the 200bhp mark.

Underneath, they'll be identical, both getting limited-slip differentials and independent suspension. On the outside, they'll be differentiated by grills, badges and wheels.

The FT-86 especially is designed to appeal to the drifters - the stability control system even allows a dab of sideways before it tells you off. It'll be lithe, too - Toyota says it's 200kg lighter than a VW Scirocco (around 1100kg). It gets some trick suspension refinements, too - top-spec dampers and Euro-biased handling. Price? Around £20,000. Which seems very reasonable.

Details on the Subaru are a bit hazier. But we do know that it won't be four-wheel drive and will be a touch dearer - around £25,000, though no numbers have been confirmed - on account of the extra 100-odd bhp.

Both sound pretty promising. And we've been waiting a quite a while... But which would you buy, TopGear.commers?

I would say Top Gear is a reputable source.
SO the BRZ will have more power then the FT86. The BRZ and FT86 will look the same apart from the grill the badge and the wheels. The FT86 will be getting traction control and top spec dampers. Priced around 20,000.

I'd like to know more about the top spec dampers and euro biased handling. What do they mean?

[Flat-box]

OMG! ive been waiting for specs like that forever! buy an fr-s and some ample tuning and chips, we'll be able to unleash the extra hp tucked away by toyota!

[JohnnyP]

Unfortunately for us americans, with the current exchange rate 20,000 Euros is about $27,600. That's a bit more than even I'm willing to pay for the FR-S. I know the exchange rates aren't exact for car prices, and I'm hoping this car is under $25,000 or else I'd be tempted to get something else.

As far as the dampers go, I know in the past Toyota has used Bilstein shocks on some trucks, maybe they plan on doing something similar with an aftermarket Shock/Strut supplier.

[dboz]

Unfortunately for us americans, with the current exchange rate 20,000 Euros is about $27,600. That's a bit more than even I'm willing to pay for the FR-S. I know the exchange rates aren't exact for car prices, and I'm hoping this car is under $25,000 or else I'd be tempted to get something else.

As far as the dampers go, I know in the past Toyota has used Bilstein shocks on some trucks, maybe they plan on doing something similar with an aftermarket Shock/Strut supplier.

Agreed, that is close to Mustang GT pricing.

[Dionysos25]

Who wants a mustang GT? Overpriced, gas munching, heavy, plastic looking, with transmission problems... no thanks.

[import_nation]

Who wants a mustang GT? Overpriced, gas munching, heavy, plastic looking, with transmission problems... no thanks.

amen

[dboz]

Who wants a mustang GT? Overpriced, gas munching, heavy, plastic looking, with transmission problems... no thanks.

Anyone into performance. Really, the V6 Rustang is about 25k nicely equipped and comes with 300HP and gets 31 MPG. Screw the GT then for 29.5k with its 400+HP, who would want that????

Really, so if I spend an extra 2k I get double the horsepower, proven suspension, refined chassis that is capable of BMW M3 territory. Seriously, get off the rice cool aid. Nothing wrong with liking the FR-S, but let's keep the discussion real and not lala fantasy land.

I don't buy a RWD performance car for looks. So if you want performance and the thing is costing nearly 28k, good luck, have fun and enjoy getting toasted and laughed at for overpaying for a girls car. At 20k I get it, but not over 24k.

Seriously, do you guys even look at this stuff or just chant homage as fan boys?? How is it any more plastic looking than the ricey FR-S? The interior in the MUSTANG is hugely improved as of late. You guys need to drop the 20 year old impressions. Add a supercharger to the V6 and be at 420 at the wheels and still get 30+MPG. Sorry bro, it ain't nothing to dis.

How do you know there will be no problems with the FR-S? It is not like Toyota and Subie are killing it with quality these days. Do you watch the news for all the recalls? Did you see the WRX popping hundreds of rod bearings? It goes on and on. This is not the 1980's any longer.

[import_nation]

Anyone into performance. Really, the V6 Rustang is about 25k nicely equipped and comes with 300HP and gets 31 MPG. Screw the GT then for 29.5k with its 400+HP, who would want that????

Really, so if I spend an extra 2k I get double the horsepower, proven suspension, refined chassis that is capable of BMW M3 territory. Seriously, get off the rice cool aid. Nothing wrong with liking the FR-S, but let's keep the discussion real and not lala fantasy land.

I don't buy a RWD performance car for looks. So if you want performance and the thing is costing nearly 28k, good luck, have fun and enjoy getting toasted and laughed at for overpaying for a girls car. At 20k I get it, but not over 24k.

Seriously, do you guys even look at this stuff or just chant homage as fan boys?? How is it any more plastic looking than the ricey FR-S? The interior in the MUSTANG is hugely improved as of late. You guys need to drop the 20 year old impressions. Add a supercharger to the V6 and be at 420 at the wheels and still get 30+MPG. Sorry bro, it ain't nothing to dis.

How do you know there will be no problems with the FR-S? It is not like Toyota and Subie are killing it with quality these days. Do you watch the news for all the recalls? Did you see the WRX popping hundreds of rod bearings? It goes on and on. This is not the 1980's any longer.

For sure the Mustang is a competitive car but its a completely different car then the FR-S will be. It will be quicker then the FR-S on a straight line but on a curvy track I dont think the FR-S will have much trouble keeping up with the Mustang. The Mustang is just too heavy. The steering is unresponsive and the suspension is a too soft. I don't think its comparable to the M3. The M3 is a track monster stock. The Mustang is not. I would hope the FR-S would be a track monster stock as well. Not M3 monster but at least a reputable 4 cylinder FR like the S2000.

[dboz]

For sure the Mustang is a competitive car but its a completely different car then the FR-S will be. It will be quicker then the FR-S on a straight line but on a curvy track I dont think the FR-S will have much trouble keeping up with the Mustang. The Mustang is just too heavy. The steering is unresponsive and the suspension is a too soft. I don't think its comparable to the M3. The M3 is a track monster stock. The Mustang is not. I would hope the FR-S would be a track monster stock as well. Not M3 monster but at least a reputable 4 cylinder FR like the S2000.

Again, you guys need to expand your car knowledge base and stop rehashing 20 year old images.

2011 BMW M3 Coupe vs. 2011 Ford Mustang GT Comparison - Motor Trend


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxEhnugwzCc]M3 Killer! Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laps Laguna Seca - YouTube[/ame]

[import_nation]

I don't think its a 20 year old image. That mustang hasnt been that competitive to the germans for a long time. It is only recently that its been getting better. With the 2011 model stepping the game up even further. Though thanks for showing me that review. I would have never thought a mustang would be even comparable to the M3. Good job to Ford, this is a good step forward for americans motor companies. To be fair I think BMW does realize that the Ford has had its eyes on the prestigious M3 recently. The 2012 M3 might change things once again. But huge applause to Ford for getting their priorities straight.

Lesson learnt. Dont fck with new Mustangs.

[AE86]

Ford has come a long way, but the new m3 is a game changer they finally dashed their 20 year old motor with a new v6 twin turbo!

[dboz]

Rumor has it the next Mustang will be using the V6 turbo out of the Taurus SHO and EcoBoost F-150. That will be a home run. 400-500 HP will be very possible with that combo.

[scion-guy]

Rumor has it the next Mustang will be using the V6 turbo out of the Taurus SHO and EcoBoost F-150. That will be a home run. 400-500 HP will be very possible with that combo.

ALL > Ford

I wouldn't step foot in a ford any day, the new mustangs are a pile that failed at looking like something from the 60-70's, the mustang died a long time ago.

[dboz]

ALL > Ford

I wouldn't step foot in a ford any day, the new mustangs are a pile that failed at looking like something from the 60-70's, the mustang died a long time ago.

By definition so did Toyota. About the time the SUPRA got killed off.

[Dionysos25]

Again, you guys need to expand your car knowledge base and stop rehashing 20 year old images.

2011 BMW M3 Coupe vs. 2011 Ford Mustang GT Comparison - Motor Trend

I see your video, and raise you one of my own.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IhadvWIX6o]2011 Mustang GT Grinding Gears 1 of 2 - YouTube[/ame]