AE86 Evolution or Revolution? New Toyota FR Sports

In a move that might worry AE86 enthusiasts, Toyota will consider targeting the BMW 1 Series with a wagon version of its FR Compact Sports Car. This wagon variation of its compact FR sports theme is being considered along with the aforementioned coupe, and even a sedan.

Three variations of the ‘Spiritual AE86 Replacement’ are being considered, with a coupe being the most likely to be chosen in a move that could help breathe life back into Toyota’s sports car line up. The wagon variation offers the most practicality and would compete directly with the BMW 1 Series and (to a lesser extent) Subaru Impreza, however Toyota is well aware of the popularity a compact FR coupe model would have over a wagon and will definitely take this into account. A sedan, rather like a smaller version of the superseded Toyota Altezza would be more practical than the coupe, although this outcome is the least likely at this stage.

Since our last report, a 1.8L engine is now being considered along with a top grade 2.0L engine incorporating Toyota’s new ‘Valvetronic’ valve control technology which will put to rest some concern whether the previously mentioned 1.5L engine could provide enough power to warrant a sports car classification. This is not to say a 1.5L engine will not be offered, as Subaru already offer the same capacity engine in its current Impreza line up. There is still little in the way of reliable information surrounding the power plant of the Toyota FR compact sports car but we can safely assume that the new engine will have some form of Valvetronic control, and no forced induction of any kind.

Toyota product planners are well aware of the appeal a proper AE86 replacement has amongst the younger generation of buyers, as this new FR sports car is being designed primarily for that section of the market. It is a little surprising though that it seems now Toyota is backpedalling slightly, putting more emphasis on competing with rival models rather than reopening a niche segment with a direct AE86 successor in the true sense.

Just as we reported earlier, it is now apparent after much research being carried out by Toyota that the FR compact sports car will indeed be sold at or slightly above 1,500,000 yen! We mentioned before that this was a virtual impossibility, but Toyota plans to use an ‘unprecedented amount’ of parts already used in cars in its current line up, therefore keeping production costs at a minimum. How this will affect the final outcome of the FR compact sports car is anyone’s guess at the moment, but we will have the news right here for you as it appears.

[ info sourced from Best Car Magazine ]

Text: Justin Karow

Image: Best Car