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/

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/