086A Spotted Testing Two Different Body Styles

Although there have been a few reports about the 086A Toyota/Subaru jointly developed compact sports car recently, there’s been only a few new pieces of information to come out. This time around we’ve got something that should keep us guessing right up until late 2011.

Japan automotive magazine Best Car has printed more information on the upcoming 086A Toyota Subaru FR sports car which is bound to get people speculating. Apparently two different body styles have been seen being tested, both on the new Subaru Legacy platform. Best Car doesn’t go into any detail about what the two coupes looked like, suffice to say that both the Toyota and Subaru models will have different body work which goes against what was previously reported. In recent reports we’ve understood that both models will only have different badges and trim designs to differentiate from each other, but now it seems both the Toyota and Subaru models should look noticeably different. How different? Judging by Best Car’s renderings (which they’ve reprinted from previous articles) it could be a case of one very sleek Toyota and a more hard-edged Subaru, but Best Car took care to add Toyota badges to both renderings so they’re not saying either way. Both companies are paying attention to future trends with the new designs so let’s hope that Subaru don’t take this opportunity and produce another less than exciting model like their recent efforts.

 Also going against previous reports, the Legacy based platform to be used with the 086A will keep its native 2750mm wheelbase. Despite the (now) longer wheelbase the 086A will still retain compact overall dimensions. Total length, width and height is said to be unchanged at 4200mm, 1750mm and 1300mm respectively. These dimensions will make it a true four-seater coupe, however it’s been mentioned that the rear seats are for “emergencies” which might be a problem for larger occupants. All other information regarding the 200PS EJ20 2.0L boxer 4-cylinder engine with D-4S direct injection, the drivetrain and suspension is unchanged since our last report.

Best Car has once again mentioned that the price of the 086A will nudge 2,500,000 yen which pushes the boundaries of an affordable compact sports car somewhat, but BC also notes that the market in Japan may not be so receptive unless Toyota can keep the price of the 086A to a maximum 2,000,000 yen. The 086A Toyota Subaru compact sports car is still scheduled to go on sale in March 2012.

Words: Justin Karow

Image: Best Car