Report: Toyota Planning Striped-Down and Beefed-Up FT-86 Track Version

[Administrator]

Toyota built the FT-86 Concept to re-energize the brand's image and it seems to have done just that, with young auto enthusiasts the world over itching to get their hands on the production version of this entry-level rear-drive sports car. Company press releases have boasted about the car's handling capabilities and now it seems Toyota is planning to build the car's reputation in the best possible way, through motorsports.

Now it's not Toyota that will be running a professionally trained team in a big motorsports event, but rather the Japanese automaker's hope that owners of the car will want to take it to the track.

According to a report in EVO magazine, Toyota will offer a stripped down version of the FT-86 with stiffer springs and larger brakes. It's unlikely that this will be a track-only clubsport model, but rather a street-legal version along the lines of Hyundai's new R-Spec trim of the Genesis Coupe.

We can't wait!

More: Report: Toyota Planning Striped-Down and Beefed-Up FT-86 Track Version on AutoGuide.com

[Guss]

Great news to hear but I do not understand how they are announcing different versions of the car yet they do not even have an official name yet!

[wingless]

When will the vehicle be available in the US?

[Driftr]

When will the vehicle be available in the US?

rumored late 2011

[wingless]

rumored late 2011

That is an unusual time of year to release a new model for the US.

They typically come out just after New Years to take advantage of the MY assignment laws in the US.

[DOHC]

Would be the smartest to release it in spring time, even though I am in Florida there is a ton of population in the US that would be in winter and this car would not have the same fun and potential in winter!

[wingless]

Releasing the car in the US in January versus December permits eleven more months for the manufacturer to label and sell that model year vehicle in the US.

[Paul]

True point about the model year but I could care either way, the sooner its out the better.

[Driftr]

I wouldnt count on it since toyota is having trouble and in this horrible economy if they had one youd probably have to special order it from their website

[Driftr]

Great news to hear but I do not understand how they are announcing different versions of the car yet they do not even have an official name yet!

who knows maybe theyl leave it as ft-86 i wouldnt mind that too much i mean its just a name right

[bigbird]

I'm thinkin FT-86R

[OxmoortoyotaJames]

I ask my reps everytime they come in. We just had a little teaser at the avalon launch. It is coming for sure. My guess is you will see it before 2011 to boost image.

[BrakeOnThru]

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to being the first kid on the block ....

[FT86'er]

I ask my reps everytime they come in. We just had a little teaser at the avalon launch. It is coming for sure. My guess is you will see it before 2011 to boost image.

What was in the teaser, anything you can tell us about?