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Toyota and Subaru sports coupes closer to production

04/09/2008, 11:48 AM

By paulee

Toyota’s investment in Subaru is about to get a lot more interesting, as the two Japanese automakers are reportedly collaborating on bringing not one but two affordable sports coupes to market. The most recent updates to the unofficial news has the cars — one with the Subaru logo, the other flying the Toyota flag — on the roads in Japan by 2010, and making its way to North America shortly thereafter, while final designs should be approved by July. The coupe is believed to drive the rear wheels in base form, and draw inspiration from the classic Japanese cult car, the AE86 Corolla, or ‘hachi-roku’ to fans.

While the car is to keep Subaru’s signature flat-four engine, it will forego the equally synonymous all-wheel drive system, mainly to keep costs down. A 2.0-liter boxer, with the corporate 2.5-liter likely in North American cars, is believed to power the car, putting out between 175 and 200 horsepower. While mechanical components and basic body structures will be common between the two, Toyota’s version will look unique from Subaru’s thanks to proprietary front and rear end treatments, according to Autocar.

The report goes on to suggest a four-wheel drive turbo model will follow, and even a convertible to compete with Mazda’s MX-5 is eventually likely. The car is expected to start at an equivalent of $20,000 in Japan, where Subaru will produce it in its Gunma plant, with Toyota overseeing its development.

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04/09, 11:58 AM

posted by:

jumpoffit

just don’t screw it up toyota

04/09, 12:01 PM

posted by:

Need4SSpeed

I am greatly anticipating a RWD/AWD sports car from Toyota, because nothing in their entire current line-up attracts me. I know LLN mentioned the AE86 Carolla, but I hope Toyota brings back the Celica, like when it used be RWD, or even the MR2. All I know is that when this car comes out if it looks, good, has the performance to back it, and a price that isn’t overkill, then I’ll be in my nearest Toyota dealership in a few years.

04/09, 12:15 PM

posted by:

jackjimturkey

Sprinter redux?

04/09, 12:15 PM

posted by:

jackjimturkey

I’m driving as s2000 later today.

04/09, 12:29 PM

posted by:

nowei

it seems logical to badge the rwd version as a toyota and an awd version as a subaru. might be tough to choose, though.

04/09, 12:31 PM

posted by:

johnnycanuck

Well this will definitely force GM’s hand to put a 4 cyl in the Camaro. I can almost hear Lutz sliming his way to engineering as I type.

04/09, 12:35 PM

posted by:

LaCaLover

I already saw he pictures of the Subaru in todays Auto Express magazine, it doesn’t look great

04/09, 12:39 PM

posted by:

400horseSS

A sporty robotic 2 door.

04/09, 12:40 PM

posted by:

Need4SSpeed

Is there a web-link to that LaCaLover? Yeah well with the direction Toyota’s design is going (i’m not caring for) I wouldn’t be surprised. I just hope that it looks good. I guess we’ll have to wait a little longer. Hopefully this car doesn’t become what the Camaro has been for Chevy.

04/09, 1:00 PM

posted by:

A4

the subarus ought to stay AWD and the toyotas ought to stay RWD.

04/09, 1:03 PM

posted by:

mr.meanpants

Subarus never look great. They cannot design their way out of a paper bag. SVX was their best looking car ever.

04/09, 1:29 PM

posted by:

e36m

“Subarus never look great. They cannot design their way out of a paper bag. SVX was their best looking car ever.”

SVX is not saying much either

04/09, 2:17 PM

posted by:

RaineMan

Why put a 4 in the Camaro? Not that I think it’s a bad idea… but GM already has Sky/Solstice with upcoming hard-top versions to compete in the small sports coupe arena. Looking at between 175-200hp… these aren’t going to be Camaro/Mustang fighters. They will be aimed squarely at the MX5 and Sky/Solstice

04/09, 2:17 PM

posted by:

WEKS

I’m glad Toyota is getting back in to the “sports” game.

04/09, 2:23 PM

posted by:

johnnycanuck

RaineMan: I’m assuming the new Toyubaru will be 4 seats vs. 2.

04/09, 2:52 PM

posted by:

Zo0M 6 Zo0M

So basically its going to be like what the scion TC is…except with all wheel drive putting out between 175 and 200 horsepower. Well lets see the Tc makes 160 hp but with the TRD supercharger gets it to around 200 and this car stock will be around the same horsepower so my question is whats the difference?? besides just having all wheel drive? wouldnt it just kill TC sales?

04/09, 2:52 PM

posted by:

LaCaLover

Need4SSpeed it was autocar magazine, auto express has great pictures of the new golf convertible. Get the links quick before LLN removes this post
www dot autocar dot co dot uk
www dot autoexpress dot co dot uk

04/09, 3:04 PM

posted by:

Need4SSpeed

lol Thanks LaCaLover!

Zo0M 6 Zo0M, even with the TRD S/C @200hp it doesn’t make the Tc that much quicker. It’s also a lower budget FWD car not to mention a SCION. Toyota needs this in their line-up especially if they offer a RWD 200hp version and a AWD 300+ version. A RWD 200hp Toyota badged 2+2 seater that will most likely cost between 20-25k base won’t steal too many sales from the Tc espeicially if the Tc stays where it’s at in SCION and FWD and around 160-175hp and costs under 20k less. Plus they won’t be sharing any architecture this is sharing its underpinnings with the Subarur Impreza, and is boxer powered. I want a RWD car for my next vehicle so this will be something I’ll be looking foward to if it’s not butt ugly. Also a 300hp+ boxer turbo AWD car that’s not a EVO or STI that has 2drs, and costs less will have me signing my name on the dotted line on the sales contract.

04/09, 3:33 PM

posted by:

global_lightning

Just keep it between 2400 – 2500 lbs, just like the last Celica. That car had great handling, and it was fun even with the base 130 hp engine.

04/10, 12:45 AM

posted by:

Veda

“Subarus never look great. They cannot design their way out of a paper bag. SVX was their best looking car ever.”

With the exception of the very well proportioned R1. I almost bought one if the dealer wasn’t putting such a huge margin.

04/10, 11:59 AM

posted by:

lamboz get a life

Bring back the Supra.

04/10, 12:06 PM

posted by:

tripleonefive

Bring back lamboz father so he can take him out to the aluminum shed and beat him so he’ll shut up
Im glad that Bu is working with Toyota the brands are known for solid reliable cars and Subarus AWD and boxer style can greatly benefit the Toyota sports cars

 
 
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