086A Spotted Testing Two Different Body Styles

April 14, 2009 by Adam Zillin
Filed under Japanese News, Latest Articles

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

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READ MORE: 086A, Automotive, Compact, Japan, Rumor, Sports, Subaru

Mazdaspeed619sd

To me, they are both alright, they really should retro the a86 just like how other companies are doing the mustang and charger. And if not, if they want to really be fururistic, go the route nissan has taken with their 370 a blend of the new with the old.
http://van.vox.com Van

Have you double-checked those measurements, guys? I don’t think they match up…
http://van.vox.com Van

Ah, d’oh. That’s the wheelbase of the 2010 Legacy. My bad!
http://www.7tune.com Justin Karow

Mazdaspeed: I agree with you, Toyota should do a retro style version and Subaru can, ah, do something nicer than the new Legacy…
Peter

The green car looks ace!
SteveTX

I like the concept, but here’s what I think both companies don’t understand: People want a CHEAP, RWD sports car. And when I say CHEAP, I mean somewhere around the $15-18k USD range. It’s that simple.

Of course, I think the problem Toyota and Subaru are encountering is that they worry people will want keyless entry, automatic windows, and lighted cupholders–which is fine as an option add-on–but totally unnecessary for something that should be, essentially, the second coming of the original Miata/MX-5/Eunos Roadster.
fmws

SteveTX is right, this is what most people want from a sports car, not a crappy Scion TC.. Somewhere between that range would be affordable and at the same time fun to drive. By the way, I like the green one, it seems really nice and sleek..a retro version of the AE86 would be great as well, but I’m not sure what the Subaru would be based on.
http://www.banpei.net banpei

Well, the 2000000 yen is just about the same price as the AE86 costed in Europe around 1983, so IMO it is extremely cheap and I don’t expect this price to be anything near the actual price!

BTW: I think they are doing the right thing to have two bodystyles. We will probably see hybrid between the Subaru and the Toyota, just like we saw with the Nissan S platform.
http://www.7tune.com Justin Karow

When I read “the Legacy based platform to be used with the 086A will keep its native 2750mm wheelbase”, I saw that as a cost-cutting measure definitely.

Banpei I think you might be onto something too, I wonder if Toyota buyers will swap badges and panels to make it a Subaru (because of the engine) or whether Subaru buyers will swap badges and panels to Toyota one because of the chassis code?

Steve: I agree, even 2 million yen, with options, is pushing it. It seems like Toyota doesn’t consider this the ultimate halo car and therefore doesn’t want to lose money on it to improve its image in that market segment. The LF-A on the other hand…
James

Please keep posting this sort of content guys. This stuff is what makes 7tune different from the other car-based blogs, it’s what keeps me coming back.
http://van.vox.com Van

Man, all they need to do is chuck RWD into the Scion tC and they’re set.
Peter

Can someone tell me what the website is of Best Car? Can’t seem to find it.. even google lets me down.. or it’s my lack of skill
Gouki

kickass
7shades

I’ve been saying this for as long as the rumours have been circulating.

I have a deposit ready NOW for one of these bad boys… I intend to immediately strip it down, cage it up, and race it.

Please Mr. Toyota… Just build it…
http://www.7tune.com Justin Karow

I was wondering why Toyota never went with a 2-door Altezza? It may not’ve been the best looking coupe around but damn I would’ve put money down immediately for one.
7shades

I’ll tell you why.

Toyota do not listen to what their client base want… It TELLS its client base what they want. Its an arrogance borne from decades of success.

However… Sales are slowing, quality is dropping, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability is being rapidly eroded by the increasing number of faults with each new model.

Personally, I’m hoping the economic slowdown will force Toyota to return to its heyday (imo) of the early 90′s, when the model lineup was diverse, and build quality paramount.
Sam

The red one es un rebadged Scion tC.
Fii

The green one looks great from the front. Don’t know about the back. The red one is ok also.
jorganson

when I heard two body styles I thought coupe and hatch. maybe subaru would have the hatch and toyota/scion would get the coupe. also maybe if they keep such a long wheelbase they will move the firewall back to fit the engine behind the front wheels for a front-mid engine layout. they already said the gearbox will be in the rear.
http://www.code86.com Code86

The red one has a bit of the new Nissan Z look to it, the green one looks a bit like an aston martin. I like the green one better.

http://www.code86.com – posted here!
portablenuke

The green car has the front end of the C6 Corvette and the rear of a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The red car looks like it has Legacy lights, Honda Civis Si middle, and the front from some MG, I think. I can’t place the lights though.

Anyway, yeah, lightweight (around 2500lbs), under 20K, few standard luxury options, and RWD with a 6-speed manual. I do like keyless entry through.