Subaru BRZ development documentary (pts 1 + 2)

C'mon Honda.... next gen Prelude!!!!

Carscoop!: Subaru BRZ Black Edition by Prova from the Tokyo Auto Salon [Video]

I have got to say this is one gorgeous car....

Prova, one of the more notable Subaru tuners in the Land of the Rising Sun, teamed up with the Japanese automaker to display a bespoke edition of the new BRZ sports coupe at this past weekend's 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The BRZ Black Edition is supposed to be a more mature tuning take on the rear-wheel drive model that goes on sale worldwide this spring.

The package combines a blacked out body with orange pinstriping and a styling kit that includes a front lip spoiler, side skirts, a different rear diffuser and a (not so mature…) massive rear wing, along with new 19-inch alloy wheels from Enkei shod in beefier rubber.

A high-performance braking system and a sports exhaust system with central mounted tail pipes plus body hugging Recaro bucket seats and a new audio system inside round out the changes on the Black Edition showcar.

Neither Prova nor Subaru said if they have any plans to produce the BRZ Black Edition.

Source;
http://www.carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/01/subaru-brz-black-edition-by-prova-from.html

2011 Tokyo Auto Show: Subaru BR-Z Revealed

We’ve already seen one result of the joint project between Toyota and Subaru, the Toyota GT 86, and now we have the official photos of Subaru’s variant, the BRZ. By now, nothing about the BRZ is much of a surprise even though we anxiously await the world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The rear-wheel-drive BRZ will be powered by a 2.0L Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine with 200-hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options will be either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual and the sports car will weigh in at 2,689-lbs. More of the focus of the BRZ however is in its handling capabilities and its lightweight chassis, as Subaru aimed for “Pure Handling Delight” with their new sports car.

Throughout the design, Subaru focused on an ultra-low center of gravity, allowing for a low hood design and a perimeter-type body frame layout. On the inside, Subaru gave the BRZ a fun-to-drive notion, outfitting it with a smaller steering wheel, a tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer in the center of the gauges and bespoke sports car seats.

All BRZ models will come standard with 17-inch wheels and tires and electronic stability control. Stay tuned as AutoGuide will be at the Tokyo Motor Show for the official debut with plenty more photos for you to indulge in.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/11/subaru-brz-revealed-2011-tokyo-motor-show-preview.html

Subaru BRZ STI Concept: New Photos Released Ahead of LA Auto Show Debut

Revealed yesterday for the first time, Subaru has since released a selection of photos showing the new BRZ STI Concept from many more angles. The first up-close look at the car won’t come for another two weeks with the reveal set for November 16th at the LA Auto Show.

Taking design cues from the more dramatic FT-86 II Concept, despite the name this STI concept won’t be turbocharged, but will instead use the same 2.0-liter naturally aspirated motor found in the FT-86/FR-S. If leaked specs of the FT-86 are any guess, the car will deliver 197-hp with a curb weight of around 2700 lbs.

Look for full details November 16th, with the start of AutoGuide’s 2011 LA Auto Show coverage here.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/11/subaru-brz-sti-concept-new-photos-released-ahead-of-la-auto-show-debut.html

Subaru BRZ: new tech details

The new Subaru BRZ coupé will have the lowest centre of gravity of any production car when it goes on sale next summer, according to the manufacturer.

The BRZ’s rear-wheel-drive configuration has meant that Subaru's compact 2.0-litre Boxer engine can be mounted even lower in the chassis than would normally be permissible in the manufacturer's conventional four-wheel-drive layout.

Despite being co-developed with Toyota, the vast majority of the engineering work has been undertaken by Subaru; although the company has confirmed that the BRZ's flat-four unit will incorporate a Toyota direct fuel-injection system.

Power outputs, however, will differ with a Subaru-spec ECU liberating the BRZ’s power to “less than 300bhp,” compared with the FT-86’s 200bhp figure.

Details of the car’s final spec remain under wraps - even Subaru's UK new MD admitted to Autocar that he'd only seen a clay model of the finished product - but insiders suggest that the grille and bumpers will differentiate the RBZ from its Toyota-badged sibling.

A roadster version could yet play a part in future model plans, but a topless car is ‘under consideration’ rather than developmental reality.

Subaru insists that no costing strategy has been established, but with the Volkswagen Scirocco confirmed as the main rival, expect the RBZ’s price tag to land somewhere in the current coupé ballpark.

The lack of a final figure - or even an image of the production car - has apparently not dissuaded Subaru fans from already registering their interest with the company's dealership network.

While the new 2+2 coupé is expected to fill a healthy new niche for the manufacturer, Subaru UK has made it clear that it intends to focus much of its energy on 'lifestyle' products, such as the new XV crossover, as it looks to achieve a sales target of 7500 units in 2012.

The Subaru BRZ will be unveiled at the Tokyo show next month.

Nic Cackett

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=259739

Subaru Hybrid For 2014 To Echo Honda, GM Mild-Hybrid Approach

Beyond the obvious Toyota, if any other make were to build hybrid cars, you might expect it to be Subaru.

The small Japanese company's cars are revered for durability and standard all-wheel drive, and their drivers are often assumed to be on the liberal side of center.

Subaru owners tend to cluster in mountainous enclaves of progressive politics, and data show their owners skew more Democratic than almost any other brand.

Now, at last, Subaru's hybrid plans are coming clear.

First hybrid in 2013
The company will launch its first hybrid vehicle in Japan within two years. That car will be a model of the Subaru Legacy mid-size sedan, most likely for the 2014 model year.

But according to a Subaru of America executive who briefed GreenCarReports on condition of anonymity, while development of the hybrid-electric drive technology is largely done, the company is still debating which vehicle will debut the hybrid system for the U.S. market.

Candidates include the popular Forester compact crossover utility vehicle, the equally popular Outback mid-size crossover, and perhaps the Legacy sedan as well.

Subaru could choose to put the system in its lowest-mileage vehicles (the larger Legacy and Outback), or increase the mileage of a more fuel efficient vehicle (the Impreza sedan or hatchback) to give the company a gas-mileage champion halo car.

Already the new 2012 Subaru Impreza will get 36 mpg on the highway, a substantial improvement over the 2011 model that gives it the highest gas mileage of any all-wheel drive car.

Mild hybrid a la Honda
The Subaru hybrid system, previewed in the Subaru B5 TPH Concept of 2005 and, at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, in the Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept, is a mild hybrid system very similar to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) setup.

The General Motors eAssist system is conceptually similar, although the electric motor replaces the alternator rather than sitting between engine and transmission.

In the latest Subaru concept, a 10-kilowatt (13-horsepower) electric motor is sandwiched between a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine and the company's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

A lithium-ion battery pack, derived from the one used in the now-discontinued Japanese-market Stella EV electric minicar, provides power to the motor, which also recharges the battery during regenerative braking.

But unlike full hybrid systems like those used by Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, and others, the hybrid system is not powerful enough to propel the car on electricity alone.

Instead, it restarts the engine when the car begins to move away from a stop, and it contributes torque to supplement engine power, reducing the load on the engine and hence the fuel it consumes.

Toyota tech? Not so much
Since 2005, when Toyota purchased the share of Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent company) previously owned by General Motors, industry analysts had assumed that the small company would adopt Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system--as Nissan did for its 2008-2011 Altima Hybrid, and Mazda plans to do.

But Subaru is a stubbornly independent company with a strong engineering culture. Aside from Porsche, it's the sole company offering horizontally opposed engines, which are smaller and give vehicles a lower center of gravity than inline engines.

Fitting Toyota's hybrid to a pancake engine might have posed its own challenges, but Subaru's engineers developed their hybrid system internally, along with the lithium-ion battery pack. And so the Subaru hybrid that will launch as a 2014 model will be a mild hybrid--a technology that Toyota doesn't offer.

The two companies are presently cooperating on a two-door sports coupe known as the FT-86. It will be sold as a Scion in the U.S., and the Subaru version--the brand's first rear-wheel drive car for the U.S. in almost 20 years--will be called the BRZ.

Source;
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066695_subaru-hybrid-for-2014-to-echo-honda-gm-mild-hybrid-approach

Subaru Forester Attractive Cars

The Subaru Forester is an all-wheel drive station wagon, now crossover, manufactured since 1997 by Fuji Heavy Industries. Available in Japan from 1997, in the United States from 1998, the Forester shared its platform with the Impreza up to the third generation and now features a hybrid platform of the Japanese Impreza wagon and the rear platform of the U.S.-spec Impreza sedan. The Forester was designed and built with four-wheel drive (AWD) as standard equipment. Currently, the Forester is a station wagon version of Impreza, which the wagon version is dropped and replaced with the 5-door crossover hatchback.The Forester was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show November 1995 as the "Sutoriga" (Stalker) concept, and made available for sale February 1997 in Japan, and to the US market in 1998 using the Impreza platform but with the larger 2.5 liter DOHC EJ25D four-cylinder boxer engine from the Outback, making 165 hp (123 kW) at 5600 rpm and 162 lb·ft (220 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm. In Japan, the Forester replaced the Subaru Impreza Gravel Express, known in the USA as the Subaru Outback Sport. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the Nissan Rasheen in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Mitsubishi RVR, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The name "forester" is meant to imply the vehicle is "of the forest". Due to the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for Passenger Vehicles, and does not require a risk of rollover warning label on the driver's visor. Size and price wise it fits between the shared Impreza platform, and the larger Legacy.A second generation was introduced in 2003, based on the new Impreza platform, featuring several fine-tune improvements over the past model. The 2003 Forester features weight-saving refinements such as an aluminum hood, perforated rails, and a hydro-formed front sub-frame. The most noticeable change was the offering of 2.5 L versions (normally aspirated and turbocharged) and in the U.S. the introduction of the turbo charged 2.5L model.The third generation Forester was styled by Subaru Chief Designer Mamoru Ishii. The dimensions derive from engineers using the basic body structure of the Japanese-spec Impreza wagon with the rear platform of the U.S.-spec Impreza sedan. The Forester's wheelbase has increased 3.5 inches (89 mm), with overall increases of 3.0 inches (76 mm) in length, 1.8 inches (46 mm) in width and 4.3 inches (110 mm) in height. Notably, the third generation Forester forgoes the frameless side windows used on Subarus since the early 1970s. The third generation embraces the car based SUV, and leaves behind the older wagon design; it's larger in nearly every dimension, taller, and features a sloping roof line with more cargo space.For 2011, the Subaru Forester gets a new grill, and the XT receives a new exclusive rear spoiler. The naturally aspirated Foresters adone a new DOHC 2.5l FB25 and 2.0l flat four FB20.

Subaru Forester Looks So Attractive Cars

Luxury Subaru Forester

Strong Subaru Forester With Red Cars

Subaru Forester Interior View

Sporty Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester On Parking

Subaru BRZ Revealed as Name of Subie’s Toyota FT-86

Subaru has announced its name for the joint sports car project developed with Toyota, dubbing the rear-drive coupe the BRZ.



The news comes in a release by the Japanese automaker, announcing it will show a second rendition of the Boxer Sports Car Architecture, cumbersomely named “Subaru BRZ Prologue – Boxer Sports Car Architecture II” at the Frankfurt Auto Show.



The BRZ name stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith”. Subaru has also created a teaser webpage for the car which can be viewed here.



Source;

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/subaru-brz-revealed-as-name-of-subies-toyota-ft-86.html

MotorTrend: Subaru Impreza Going it's Own Way

July 14, 2011 / By Peter Lyon
Illustrator: Holiday Auto Magazine

Remember the drama around removing the "Skyline" prefix from the GT-R when the all-new supercar debuted in late 2007? Well, it looks like nomenclature surgery is about to happen again, only this time Subaru is doing the separating. That's right, the Impreza and famed WRX -- joined at the hip since 1992 -- are going their separate ways.

While the new production Impreza debuted at this year’s New York Auto Show, the next WRX will take a completely different path of development and will not surface until 2014. We know this because Subaru president Ikuo Mori said at a recent shareholder’s meeting: “We will launch a new sporty car in 2014.” The WRX is that car.

In the past week, we have learned from a source just how different the new WRX will be to the Impreza, employing totally different components.

This image, revealing how one artist sees the new WRX, depicts a new coupe model with a shorter wheelbase and heavy-duty bodywork It's important to note that this is just one vision of the new car, it may turn out to look much different. Our source also tells us Subaru bosses haven't decided if the WRX name will survive. For the time being, we'll refer to it as WRX.

“Apart from a few nuts and bolts, every part on the WRX will be unique. Even the engine and body. Obviously the WRX’s platform will be inherited from the new Impreza, but it will be radically modified and significantly shortened,” says our source.

From now on, the Impreza will be the company's core model, boasting a fuel-efficient, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine. The car's wheelbase has been slightly lengthened, while the A-pillar has been brought forward to maximize interior space and comfort levels. At this point, it is unclear if Subaru will attempt an Impreza-based performance model to bridge the gap until the new WRX arrives, but it appears unlikely.

"Up until now, the Impreza and WRX used many common parts, which translated into entry-level Imprezas that were over-engineered," the source continued. The basic chassis and suspension had to employ certain parts needed for the WRX. That drove costs up, and many entry-level customers did not want or understand the significance of such high-tech parts, stresses our insider.

The WRX, on the other hand, will employ the very best from Subaru's parts bin, starting with an updated version of the company's rally-proven AWD system and a turbocharged boxer engine.
"The first thing you must understand about our all-new WRX is that we have developed it from the ground up to win in motorsports events. That's why we have focused so heavily on weight issues, not to mention a shorter wheelbase that permits faster, more precise turn-in. Marry that to our proven AWD system, and we think we have a winner," explains our source.

If you look at the Sebastien Loeb's multiple-championship-winning Citroen C4 in the World Rally Championship, you can see where Subaru is coming from -- or going to. They want to build a WRX that can beat the Citroen while still offering driving enthusiasts something special for their garages. The company has pulled out of WRC, but with the new WRX, a return looks possible. Above the WRX, Subaru will still offer a low-production flagship STI, a model our source calls a "race car for the road."

"Obviously the rally model will be based on the top-of-the-line STI car, but unlike previous Impreza WRXs, this new WRX will be more hard-core and less forgiving on bumpy road surfaces," adds our source. Collaboration with Toyota on the FT-86 project also seems to have something to do with the direction of the new WRX and STI. "If the truth be known, we were able to focus so deeply on the motorsports element with the new WRX because we developed a sister car with the Toyota FT-86. Bosses gave us permission to go all out because that car exists," says our insider.

Our source also revealed what is going on in the bowels of Subaru's R&D. On the short list for the WRX’s powerplant is a turbocharged 1.6-liter boxer pumping as much as 270 hp, and a twin-charger system involving a supercharger is being tested as well. The car’s body is rumored to be a little bigger than a Toyota Yaris, while its tread width is said to expand significantly. As for the STI, we are told that the flagship will also employ the WRX’s 1.6-liter boxer turbo, but that the engine will be reworked to generate upwards of 300 hp for motorsport competitiveness.

Subaru bosses see the new WRX initially competing in domestic rallies and gymkhanas, but they are also targeting Europe's World Touring Car Championships as well as the long-awaited return to the WRC.

Bottom line? Get used to saying Subaru WRX (most of us enthusiasts do, anyway). Expect unprecedented levels of AWD handling and performance at a bargain price -- the vehicle should land in showrooms in roughly two years in the $26,000-$29,000 range.
Source;
http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/1107_subaru_wrx_to_go_its_own_way/index.html#ixzz1STGTg5Jq

Subaru confirms coupe launch

Subaru’s version of the Toyota FT-86 concept will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show, the firm has announced.

The ‘Toyobaru’ was previewed as the FT-86 as long ago as 2009, but has been delayed by at least a year. In particular, engineers and designers are said to have been struggling to implement the car’s particularly low bonnet line in production form, due to pedestrian impact regulations.

In a press release, Subaru said that its Geneva show stand is to include the Impreza Concept (unveiled at the LA show last year), the Trezia small MPV and a “Rear-wheel-drive Sports Car Technology Concept”. The firm also confirmed that the sports car would use a horizontally opposed ‘boxer’ engine.

It’s thought that both cars will use the same basic powerplant, a 2.5-litre unit, but that the Subaru version will feature turbocharging to increase its output to around 260bhp.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/254892/

What the?!? Subaru Badging over the Toyota Yaris? Trezia?!?

Did not see this one coming.... gotta say though, looks alot better than the current Yaris.... Not sure if this is North America bound, but I don't see why it wouldn't be....
Meet the all-new Trezia, the latest in a long line of Toyota models turned into Subarus as part of the ongoing partnership between the two Japanese automakers. It's essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Verso-S (called Ractis in Japan), which was introduced in Europe at this year's Paris Motor Show.

The differences between the Trezia and its Verso-S twin are limited only to the Impreza-like front grille, the chrome treatment on the tailgate trim and of course, Subaru's logos. Everything else, including the interior and even the alloy wheel and hub cover designs remain unchanged.

Like the Toyota Ractis in Japan, the Trezia will offer buyers a choice of a 1.3-liter or a 1.5-liter engines as well as front- or all-wheel drive layouts. Prices in Japan range from 1.36 million Yen to 1.87 million Yen.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-subaru-trezio-adds-impreza-face-to.html

LA 2010: Subaru Impreza Concept

Does this ever look nice! I see a bit of the current generation Accord coupe in there....
One of the biggest surprises (so far...) of the 2010 LA Auto Show has to be the Subaru Impreza Design Concept that snuck up on us just a few hours ago. Some thought it might be the long-awaited Subota coupe (a close cousin of the Toyobaru, of course), but in reality what we have here is a conceptual sedan that the Japanese automaker claims will heavily influence future models... namely the Impreza, we'd wager.

Yes, there's a working 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine bolted to a CVT gearbox behind that shapely new front grille and its massive side vents, but it's the styling we're really intrigued by. To that end, be sure to take a good, hard look at the live shots in our high-res gallery below. If you need all the details, follow the jump for the press release.

Source (with tons of pics!)

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/subaru-impreza-concept-la-2010/

Subaru to Unveil Impreza Concept at LA Auto Show

Little has been said about Subaru in the lead-up to the LA Auto Show, with the Japanese automaker keeping tight-lipped about future product plans. Now we’ve received a teaser image of what Subaru calls the Concept in Motion (CIM). While Subaru is working on a new coupe with Toyota (the FT-86/ FR-S / Toyobaru), several sources have indicated that it is actually a lightly veiled version of the next-generation Impreza.

The design certainly looks coupe-like, but so would a lot of other modern compact cars if you threw a drape over them – see the 2011 Elantra.

The image clearly highlights the fenders, an important part of every Subaru, as later WRX and STI models will no doubt get massively flared arches.

With Subaru having just launched the new 2011 WRX and STI, don’t look for those models for at least some time though. As for the Impreza production model, Subaru could bring it to market as early as the Detroit Auto Show in January, or wait for the NY Auto Show in April where the last Impreza was unveiled.

The car will likely be offered in both sedan and hatch form and feature Subaru’s all-new Boxer 4-cylinder engine mated to, you guess it, all wheel drive.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/11/subaru-to-unveil-impreza-concept-at-la-auto-show.html

2010 Honda Accord EX vs. 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE, 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i - Comparison Tests

Here's a really good comparison test between three really good cars....
Practically Chic: Does style really matter in these mid-size schleppers armed with just four cylinders and slushboxes?

For all the ascendance of crossovers—certainly the most amoebic of all automotive classifications—mid-size sedans continue to be one of autodom’s biggest sales categories. There are many reasons for this—all-around family usefulness, resistance to the swollen SUV bulk of crossovers, respectable fuel economy—but double-take glamour is rarely one of them.

This mid-size dedication to stylistic timidity has always mystified us. Given a choice between two implements that function with more or less equal efficiency, wouldn’t you be inclined to pick the one that looks the best? This is not a trick question. As a Detroit design chief observed long ago, “If practicality was all that mattered, they’d have to put a roof over Kalamazoo so they could build enough Checkers to satisfy demand.”

Checker sedans were terrific taxicabs. But their mass-market appeal was limited. Kalamazoo was never in danger of requiring a big roof, and the factory shut down in 1982.

It’s true that several purveyors of mid-size sedans have tried to raise the curbside wattage of recent offerings—the Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and even the Toyota Camry have all snazzed up a couple of notches compared with their predecessors. But how many actually turn heads? Very few; none, maybe. Staying visible in a 15-minutes-of-fame society requires some risk taking. Daring. Chutzpah.

The 2006–’10 Hyundai Sonata played to solid reviews that praised, in particular, its extensive array of standard features and a marked improvement in overall quality. But it’s safe to say that the styling failed to provoke any oohs or aahs. Responses were more of the ho and hum variety.

If you’ve been following our previews and show coverage on our website, or if you saw Hyundai’s myriad Super Bowl commercials, you already know that the Sonata, like the ugly duckling, has matured into a handsome swan. If it’s not the sleekest thing in its class, we’d like to know what is.

Of course, looks aren’t everything. If they were, Megan Fox would be president. Or, perhaps even scarier, Sarah Palin. There’s gotta be substance, too, which, in our constituency, translates as supple ride, all-day comfort, decent power, competitive fuel economy, contemporary safety features, high-quality fit and finish, and, of course, a high fun-to-drive quotient.

How does the 2011 Sonata grade out on the full report card? The quickest way to place it in the mid-size-sedan continuum is to pit it against a couple of prominent players in this class. The new Subaru Legacy—redesigned inside and out for 2010—needed to be on the menu since it has yet to be tested against its peer group. And, of course, we had to include the reigning mid-size champ—the Honda Accord, a perennial 10Best Cars titlist (24 trophies in 28 years) and winner of our last three mid-size showdowns.

The group’s specifications were constrained by the Sonata’s powertrain limitations. The Accord and the Legacy both offer six-cylinder options, but the new Sonata’s only engine, at least for now, is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder; a manual transmission comes only in the base model. Thus we specified automatics and fours in all three cars—a combination that accounts for a little more than 80 percent of the mid-size, mid-price sedan market.

Our Sonata was the slightly sportier SE model. We requested a midrange Accord EX, and the Legacy was a basic 2.5i with a CVT automatic. Base prices ranged from $20,690 (for the Subaru) to $24,540 (the Honda).

Could one of these newbies knock the Accord off its throne? We assembled our threesome in Southern California to find out.

To continue to the article...click on this link--> Continued...

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q1/2010_honda_accord_ex_vs._2011_hyundai_sonata_se_2010_subaru_legacy_2.5i-comparison_tests

2011 Subaru Coupe: Speculative Renderings and Rumors for AWD and Turbocharged Engines

The Toyota FT-86 coupe concept was only just introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show last week, but the internet-grapevine is already abuzz with speculation and chatter on its Subaru twin. These new speculative renderings of the Subaru-badged coupe that are based on Toyota'sFT-86 concept model were published in the latest issue of Japan's 'Best Car' magazine. The CGI's are accompanied by rumors of all-wheel drive and a turbocharged boxer engine for the Subie.

However, let us remind you that when Toyota and Subaru first announced that they jumped into bed together to give birth to an affordable pair of compact sports cars, the two Japanese automakers were pretty clear about both models featuring a rear-wheel drive setup.

Here's what the two companies said in a joint statement about the coupes in April 2008:

"Toyota Motor Company (TMC) and Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) - Subaru's parent company - are to jointly develop a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car that will be marketed by both TMC and FHI."

"The compact rear-wheel sports car to be jointly developed by TMC and FHI is envisioned to offer a new "fun to drive" experience based on an all-new vehicle platform powered by an FHI core-technology horizontally-opposed engine. Market introduction is targeted for the end of 2011. Production is to take place at a new plant to be built at FHI's Gunma Manufacturing Division in Japan's Gunma Prefecture. TMC will consign production to FHI."

We're not saying that AWD or even more plausibly, a turbocharged version, are out of the question, but we won't take anything for granted until we see an official statement or better yet, a concept version from Subaru that will give us an idea of the company's intentions.

The only thing that we can be sure about now is that Subaru will market its own version of the coupe. If it will be available in all markets or if Subaru will offer the option of AWD and/or a turbocharged engine is something that remains to be seen.

Photos: Best Car

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/10/2011-subaru-coupe-renderings-and.html

7tune: Subaru 086A STi Update

While the regular Subaru 086A is expected to be exactly the same as the Toyota version albeit with subtle exterior/interior styling differences, it’s the high performance STi version that’s getting the most attention now that the FT-86 Concept has broken cover ahead of this month’s Tokyo Motor Show. The standard 086A of course utilizes Subaru’s EJ20 flat-four boxer engine with D4-S direct injection, an Aisin 6-speed gearbox and a rear differential as used on the Lexus IS250/350. The rumored output of 200PS has been quoted once again as to be “almost certain” but a conflicting rumor from another source sets the output as being as low as 160PS. Nevertheless, the STi Version should answer people’s prayers for more power.

Holiday Auto (HA) reports that the STi Version will use the EJ25 2.5L engine that’s expected to produce between 240 – 250PS which is enough, HA say, to turn the 086A into a true performance car. An EJ25 turbo also hasn’t been ruled out, it seems that the Toyota/Subaru partnership have gone to great lengths to listen to what customers want and if the voices are loud enough, may come through with a boosted 086A STi. In keeping with the Impreza WRX STi, the 086A STi Version will apparently get wider front and rear guards to accommodate a wider track with wider wheels and tires. The know-how gathered from tuning the suspension for the WRX STi will be used to improve the 086A’s handling characteristics, although HA stop short of saying the parts will be directly carried over. We should also expect some additional STi only aero parts such as a unique front bumper and rear trunk spoiler to give the STi Version a more motorsports inspired look.

Although it’s not confirmed yet, there’s a strong possibility the Subaru 086A STi Version will be shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show or not long after at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon and will hit showrooms shortly thereafter.

Source;
http://www.7tune.com/subaru-086a-sti/

Toyota/Subaru Compact Sports Car May Only Have 140hp

Ugh! Say it ain't so! 140hp?!? Maybe they are trying to make this that CRZ competitor? And I hope that this car comes out looking different than a Pontiac Solstice (nice style, just it's been done already!).
News of the upcoming Toyota/Subaru 086A compact sports car might be a little disappointed with current rumors out of Japan, a decent power drop is on the cards in order to lower emissions and make the car more economical.

It’s well established now that the 086A will take center stage at Toyota’s stand at the Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) in October, with many fans of the AE86, both young and old(er) relieved that the car wasn’t axed in the wake of the global economic crisis. With new reports though it now seems that the specification of the 086A will change slightly once again to meet other criteria, that being the dreaded “eco car” movement and a switch to a much older target market than what was first considered.

Source;
http://www.autospies.com/news/Toyota-Subaru-Compact-Sports-Car-May-Only-Have-140hp-46543/

Rumormill: More Toyobaru scuttlebutt comes to the surface

A "Toyota insider" has supposedly spilled a few more beans to 7Tune about the upcoming front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe the automaker is collaborating on with Subaru, and according to the source, the 2+2 will carry a few of the Lexus LF-A's design cues when it hits the market next year.

Although Lexus' "L-Finesse" styling has remained exclusive to Toyota's luxury brand, certain elements of the language have begun to filter down to the automaker's mainstream models, specifically the recently released Venza CUV. The rendering above hints at some of the lines that could make the cut on the production version of the "086A," but contrary to past reports, 7Tune's tipster says that the Toyota and Subaru versions won't be remarkably different – only the front grille, headlamps and taillights will be unique. The report goes on to say that Toyota is desperately trying to keep the price below the two million yen mark (a little over $20,000) and, coinciding with earlier rumors, Subaru is actively considering offering an STI version of the coupe.

In a related story, ToMoCo's new president, Akio Toyoda – the exec who recently piloted the LF-A around the Green Hell during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring – told Auto Motor und Sport, "This sports culture, which we have neglected for so long, will again be maintained." Toyoda clearly wants to see the automaker back on the radar of enthusiasts and the first example of this newfound focus could find its way onto the stage at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/rumormill-more-toyobaru-scuttlebutt-comes-to-the-surface/

Road&Track dreamin’ of 2012 Toyota-Subaru sports coupe

This is not much of a news story than it is a drool job.

Road&Track: We’ve reported on this before, but we now have stronger evidence than ever that Toyota is getting back into the affordable sports-coupe game with an all-new model priced at around $20,000–$25,000. This front-engine/rear-drive 2-door will reincarnate the spirit of the 1983–1987 Corolla Levin/Trueno (AE86), a car that’s still popular today, especially among drift enthusiasts. According to our friends at Best Car magazine, Toyota’s code name for this future sports car is 086A. That it’s so similar to AE86 is no coincidence.

Toyota is partnering with Subaru to bring this project to reality. In fact, most of the engineering seems to be coming from the company known for its all-wheel-drive rally cars. Powering the future coupe will be Subaru’s 2.0-liter flat-4 equipped with a new direct-injection system, tuned to produce an impressive 200 bhp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. We predict the car will weigh about 2700 lb., so expect fairly quick acceleration times, probably around 6.0 sec. to 60 mph. The suspension will consist of MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup at the rear, with the chassis based on that of the Subaru Impreza and Legacy.

Toyota will mainly be in charge of the car’s styling. Although both Toyota and Subaru versions will be offered, the two models won’t look much different, apart from badging — think Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe.

The car is scheduled to appear sometime in 2011 or 2012. If this future car truly is a reincarnation of the AE86, Toyota and Subaru will have a big hit on their hands.

Source;
http://japancarblog.com/2012-toyota-subaru-sports-coup/

On Again?!? More details of the upcoming Toyota/Subaru 086A

There have been talks about a Subaru and Toyota’s 086A pet project and to follow-up, fresh information of the Toyubaru have come out. Although it was reported initially, now it is confirmed that the 086A chassis will be slightly revised with a shorter wheelbase, and will employ the new front strut suspension and multilink setup of the new Legacy.

It seems that development codes for the Japanese version have been finalized, bearing the 086A designation. Development codes for Europe and North America are still subject to change. The base powerplant has been established as a revised 2.0-liter EJ20 unit with direct injection fuel system that can produce 198hp at 7200 rpm and 148lb-ft torque. A disguised test car is set to hit the Nurburgring at the later part of April 2009. At this point in time, it looks like all developments are coming from the Subaru camp, but with the confirmed 086A code, it is not farfetched to expect Toyota to pull some tricks from its sleeves.

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/more-details-of-the-upcoming-toyota-subaru-086a/

For even more info;
http://www.7tune.com/086a-to-use-new-legacy-base/