Baby FT-86 Model on the Way from Toyota

[Administrator]

With recent reports that development costs are driving up the price of the FT-86 sports car, Toyota is rumored to be planing to bring a smaller and less powerful version of the FT-86 to market. According to Road & Track it will be roughly 150-inches in length and should cost $5,000 less than the currently planned model – meaning it will be available for less than $20,000.

As for an engine, the car will use Toyota's 3SZ-VE 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that currently makes 109-hp. That might not sound all that exciting, but a front-drive/rear-engine model that can bring younger customers into Toyota showrooms is exactly what the brand needs. It's also more in line with the original AE-86.

Besides, we're certain those in need of a horsepower fix will find numerous ways to get more power out of the car – even if it means swapping out the engine.

According to R&T, the baby FT should arrive some time in 2012.

More: Baby FT-86 Model on the Way from Toyota on AutoGuide.com

[Driftr]

If they do this im out screw it id rather stick with the shitty accord i have now and save up for a celica

[Driftr]

Iv lost my faith in toyota iv had it first they change price now they want to change engine were going to end up with a stupid fwd scion making 109 hp how exciting

[Fyrelith]

I think you may have read it wrong. If you read the posts on the main page about this "Baby FT-86" it says that the FT-86 is still coming but because of the price increase, Toyota has decided to create ANOTHER car to tend to the younger market and lower price range. So basically there will be a FT-86, a Baby FT-86 and it also talks about another more expensive car coming into the line-up. So don't lose hope just yet.

[SpeedRacer]

Ya, sounds like this is something to compete with the Mini Cooper, Smart Car and maybe the new iQ or even the CR-Z?

Hope they don't take the ugly route for this car.

[Victor]

Not sure if this is smart of Toyota. They don't want to become like GM and completely flood the market with a ton of different car models and have a bunch that don't sell very well. Focus on 5-7 cars and just go with those.

[Administrator]

Yep, that is the same road GM went down that eventually lead to their downfall. I know there are a lot of other reasons, but they were the kings of re-badging and tweaking their models just a bit for some reason.

Nadeem

[JonFT86]

Toyota is expanding too quickly! Get the FT86 out first and go from there....