Subaru’s version of the FT-86 sports coupe may be lagging behind its Toyota counterpart in the development process, but a new report indicates the Subie version will be well worth the wait. In addition to a standard Subaru model, the Japanese automaker is said to be working on a high-performance variant.
Subaru is currently working on the standard version of the tow-door but, according to Auto Express, Subaru is also readying a high-performance spin off, codenamed 086A. Like all high-performance Subaru models, the company’s STI division has been handed the task of upping the coupe’s performance quotient.
Compared to the standard car, the STI version will sport a wider stance accented by wider wheel arches, a lowered suspension, a unique body kit, bigger wheels and a more aggressive spoiler. To complete the STI treatment, Subaru will wedge a 250 horsepower version of its 2.5L boxer turbo under the car’s hood. No word is the coupe will remain rear-wheel drive or adopt an all-wheel drive system.
Those wanting STI performance at a WRX price will have to wait, however, as the sports coupe isn’t expected to debut until late 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show – making an early 2012 market launch likely. The base version of the car is expected to bow at March’s Geneva Motor Show.
10/22, 11:35 AM
posted by:
American_Cars_Crap
Sti, one of the true great multi tasking high performance cars out there. Very reliable, very fast, and easy and cheap to make it exotic car fast. Thats why I bought one.
10/22, 11:58 AM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
hmm…250 hp is sti level power, really? maybe all the 500+ hp supercars have dulled my senses, but that almost seems puny these days…and it’s a subie, so it better have awd as an option…i guess my version of this thing (awd, 300 hp) would hit a higher price point than subie was intending…
10/22, 12:02 PM
posted by:
EMINEM
Lets hope its something special
10/22, 12:04 PM
posted by:
Senator Bulworth
yeah, like your REALLY eminem hahahaha
10/22, 12:06 PM
posted by:
Dr.Martens
I have a feeling subaru is hiding the actual figures.
They seem too outdated………..
10/22, 12:10 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
If it’s 2,500lbs with 250 hp then it’s still going to be very quick. Maybe it’s not going to be awd and that’s all the rwd chassis can handle? This is going to be a small car if as they say it’s a foot shorter than a Cobalt.
10/22, 12:37 PM
posted by:
archknight
I agree with Dr. Martens on the figures, but also at 2500lbs and 250hp it’s still up there with some of the best (S2000 anyone!!!). Besides they usually have at least 2 versions in their stable and being Subaru, AWD is definitely in the works. They will probably keep the base model RWD only and the hotter version AWD to satisfy those craving more power.
10/22, 1:04 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
i doubt the awd version will be 2500 lbs, tho…that adds a couple hundred pounds, usually…maybe i just need to see this concept next to something like a genesis coupe to get a sense of size…
10/22, 1:28 PM
posted by:
HINKS
So when is this Ford Probe coming out?
10/22, 1:33 PM
posted by:
Soravia
Genesis coupe is the size of G35, so this little thing is actually as small as the FC RX-7.
10/22, 1:42 PM
posted by:
A4
Im with leftwing… there is no way they’ll put 250hp in an STI and then match it with RWD as well.
If the $17k Impreza ultimately gets a 300hp version with AWD then a $20k sports car would at least match that, I would think.
10/22, 1:44 PM
posted by:
GothamCruiser
This car, the Toyota or Subaru, sound so promising! I just can’t wait. I understand Subaru and their AWD go hand in hand but if they make this car RWD I see it as a company that isn’t afraid to offer something new and exciting to those interested. Personally I prefer RWD anyhow.
10/22, 1:54 PM
posted by:
atoms
a “tow-door” eh? I’ve always wanted rocket launchers..
10/22, 2:23 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
Only 250hp in the STI model? Uh oh this does not look promising. And yeah unless the thing weighed around what my RSX weighs if it weighs in at any more even with AWD I can’t see this being any faster than a Mustang GT or Camaro SS.
If anything seeing that in the 09 WRX if it has a 265hp 2.5L boxer, you would hope that would at least be a midrange engine choice and then give this new Subaru like the 330hp engine or whatever is currently in the STI…
Hopefully LLN is a little off on this one because I’m hoping the Subie or Toyota version will be my next ride….
10/22, 2:31 PM
posted by:
Rally Enthusiast
I really hope they make it RWD with AWD as an option. 250hp to the rear wheels would be fun and hopefully quite affordable. And if the engine proves as tune-able as the current WRX’s 2.5 liter then with some light modifications, the engine should be cable of putting down 300hp like Car and Driver did with this WRX http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=26917923. I’d consider replacing my current Impreza with this if they do a good job on it!
10/22, 4:44 PM
posted by:
lolrax
A lot of people are saying they want RWD, but a huge portion of Subaru owners live in places where it is winter for the majority of the year which makes RWD not as much fun as it is to people in warmer climates.
I have always wanted to opportunity to drive a fast, sporty, affordable coupe. But the long Canadian winters mean I need a coupe that offers me a tough, Subaru-like vehicle with real, full time AWD.
If Subaru releases this car in RWD only, it will be a massive disappointment for the brand and Subaru customers.
10/22, 11:27 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
Almost makes me wonder if Toyota will release the FT-86 in just RWD, and if Subie will offer it in only AWD….