Toyota FT-86 review and test drive

October 10, 7:27 PMTampa Sports Car ExaminerMichael Berenis

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Being that I'm a private Subaru WRX builder, I believe that my review of the Toyota and Subaru sports coupe FT-86 has a unique approach. Take a look at what the two companies stand for when considering the FT-86 concept. Toyota on one hand, is a manufacturer of high quality vehicles that are unique in design and cost effective while serving several customer markets. Subaru is more of a specialty vehicle that focuses mainly on performance, reliability, and rally heritage. Will the FT-86 be the new rally car? I highly doubt it. Will the FT-86 be the replacement for the Toyota Supra? Not likely. Watch the review video below from Toyota, but first check out the specs.

Toyota FT-86 specifications:

• 2.0 liter H4
• 200 to 250 rwhp
• Rear wheel drive
• 163.7 inches long
• 101.2 inch wheel base
• 49.6 inches tall

Video content: Toyota and Subaru sports coupe review

So what exactly is the Toyota and Subaru sports coupe FT-86? Right now it is just a concept car, but if it makes it to production it is aimed at capturing the rear wheel drive JDM performance market. Some say it's the replacement Toyota Supra, but I beg to differ. There will be another release of the Toyota Supra, read more here. It resembles the Supra, however it is not a Supra. This vehicle is more like a blend of the Impreza and Supra, maybe we can call it the Imprupra. Whatever it is, it strongly resembles the late model Impreza and Supra. However, there is no way this is the return of the Supra thanks to it's small 2.0 displacement! What kind of Supra could possibly have a two liter four cylinder engine? Not any in my book.

Whether you are a Toyota or Subaru fan, the two rally competitors have came together finally and built a vehicle we all can enjoy. This vehicle is not going to see rally use however, it sits too low and being rear wheel drive will not be able to enter the more popular classes of the sport. However, it's 2.0 liter design will keep it under 2000cc class for rear wheel drive, which may make it a popular competitor. The smaller chassis and light weight frame combined with aerodynamic appeal will make this vehicle ideal for street tuners, track racers, and avid enthusiasts that just like to own a fast looking stock vehicle. Sure to catch the attention of many, check out this rendition of the FT-86 tearing up the streets of Gran Turismo.

Video content: Toyota FT-86 virtual test drive

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Read more about the author's car at http://subaru-offroad.blogspot.com