Report: Toyota FT-86 delayed until 2013, hybrid under consideration

[AF_Mike]

Report: Toyota FT-86 delayed until 2013, hybrid under consideration

If a report from Japan's Best Car is to be believed, Toyota will delay the release of the FT-86 from 2011 to 2013.

The reasons behind the delay are varied, and include a different design direction, the economic slowdown and possibly a revised powertrain strategy that could include some kind of hybrid motivation.

As reported previously, the original FT-86 concept was just that – a design study – and Toyota is apparently second-guessing the styling of the coupe before it reaches production. Additionally, ToMoCo is reportedly gauging the success of the Honda CR-Z, which could influence the final drivetrain specs of the FT-86. If that means a hybrid powerplant is in the cards, we're not totally heartbroken, but if Toyota decides to remake the coupe as a front-driver, consider our dreams officially dashed. Regardless, the next iteration of the FT-86 is slated to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of 2011.

Read More At: Report: Toyota FT-86 delayed until 2013, hybrid under consideration — Autoblog

[Driftr]

whats the point of having a hybrid rwd its useless you cant have any fun in it at all the battery will just die and most likely if its hybrid what wed be expecting 150 hp tops a sports car isnt meant to be a hybrid

[Administrator]

whats the point of having a hybrid rwd its useless you cant have any fun in it at all the battery will just die and most likely if its hybrid what wed be expecting 150 hp tops a sports car isnt meant to be a hybrid

They will probably make it front wheel drive. They are aiming at the CR-Z hybrid with this one. I think it will be good for the Prius types who want to look a little cooler than average.

Nadeem

[Driftr]

well at least this gives me more time to save up

[JonFT86]

I will no longer consider this car if they go to a hybrid version. I am buying this car for a fun, fast RWD sports car to drive. If Toyota makes the hybrid jump for the FT86 we will see massive changes, probably to the car design as well.

[wtoy]

It seems to me Toyota is not focus at all. If Toy is waiting for Honda - they seem so insecure about their products. Toyota should take the lead as designing the best cars/price/value/engineering/quality/reliability.

Also with all the FT-86 spin (free advertisement for Toyota), if they delay the product further, they will have to startover since many of the people today waiting for the FT86 will buy some other car by 2013.

If Toyota came out with an affordable optional SMG transmission (not just automatic with paddles like the Honda FIT) then Honda will stop and have to swim upstream to put it on their cars.

If I had to wait and saved more money - then I will have more money and go after a different car --- Hmmm. I will opt for Chevrolet Corvette.

[Paul]

2013 is just too long of a wait. They can't expect people to wait and just keep teasing us.