[West]

As though nothing can remain stable with the Toyota FT-86 and Subaru Variant "216a". Today we are hearing Subaru news, which is GREAT for those Subaru fans! Lets just hope the sources are legit. The 2013 release would seem odd if the car is currently being tested with Toyota. Additionally, 2013 would be over one year after the latest reported November 2011 FT86 release. The good news however, is we finally have a buzz around the Subaru FT-86 variant, just when you might of lost all hope.

With the international spotlight focused on the Toyota FT-86, it'd be easy to forget its extremely low-profile brother, the as yet unnamed Subaru "FT-86." Because the Toyota was only made possible thanks to the collaboration with Subaru, a tie-up that gives the FT-86 everything that makes a Subaru, well, a Subaru.

Sitting on a revised Legacy platform with the Impreza's rear suspension and horizontally opposed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, we can expect Subaru's version of the FT-86 to look not that much different than its Toyota twin. In contrast to the Toyota's incorporation of a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer, which is said to feature a redesigned head unit and be good for around 200 horsepower, the Subaru rendition is rumored to employ a slightly modified version of the current 2.0-liter turbo, pumping out around 260 horsepower. Obviously both cars will also get the Impreza's six-speed manual gearbox.

As we reveal in this drawing of how one artist sees the new coupe, the Subaru takes on a more aggressive stance than its Toyota rival thanks to its bonnet scoop and gold rims. But don't expect too many differences in the bodywork between the two. Both carmakers will use identical body panels, but differentiate their car's look using unique grilles, bumpers, and wheels.

According to one insider, testing of the Subaru - and Toyota - has already started at the Nurburgring in Germany, carried out not by Toyota engineers but by Subaru's test drivers, which makes a lot of sense. After all, the bulk of the underpinnings are from the Subaru parts bin, so Subie testers would be the ones to conduct the shakedowns. One source suggested that the Subaru might get a four-wheel-drive version, but this was ruled out simply because the basic theory of both Toyota and Subaru was to build sporty, rear-wheel-drive coupes using the best engineering from Subaru and the best marketing techniques and quality control from Toyota.

Slated for a 2013 debut, after the Toyota FT-86's launch was postponed two years, the Subaru should land in showrooms with a price tag north of $25,000.

Illustration by Holiday Auto

Source: Subaru's Version of the Toyota FT-86 Takes Shape Ahead of 2013 Debut - Wide Open Throttle - Motor Trend Magazine

[Cal]

That is a really interesting tid bit. I would hope the makers would use more than grilles and decals differentiate between the two cars. I would think they would use different Aero as well.

[ej25ti]

Yay news!... legacy platform? i wasnt aware of dis

[HyperFX]

Nice article West! Don't go anywhere else except Toyobaru to get your latest news scoop ladies and gents. Now i really want a toy model of that beast in the picture!!

[Jason]

So what they are saying is the Toyota FT86 is a Legacy chassis with an Impreza trans. I smell a heap of BS...

Nothing is backing their claims other than the source in which it came, I honestly feel their blog writers bring less cred than some of our very own members.

BUT, please bring more Subaru news!

[scoobie]

[ej25ti]

Originally Posted by Jason

So what they are saying is the Toyota FT86 is a Legacy chassis with an Impreza trans. I smell a heap of BS...

i pretty much agree

[ImportImage]

holy crap those lines are just like the 370z.

[mick5994]

2013!?! FFS can they drag this out any longer? How long after that will Europe be getting it, sometimes it takes a year or so. It doesnt even look like we will be getting the new Sedan Subaru across here!! Does anyone know anything about that?

I'll be gutted if I have to wait until 2013 for a new Subaru with better looks than the current Impreza Hatchback.......thats one ugly car!!

[ra23celica]

The Legacy platform surprises me if it is correct, I thought the Imprezza one was being used for the FT-86/FR-S? The Legacy chassis would be a much bigger unit. The bonnet on the concept pictured above reminds me of the ZZT231 (99-05) Celica's one. Mish-mash of words and pictures all round?!?

[Boostaholic]

Please please please say this is true! I want an AWD Subaru variant. I really don't think we will see it surface with RWD though.

Screw 2013, if what was tested in Nürburgring was the 216a then expect a simultaneous release if the Toyota FT86 and Subaru 216a.

Now, Subaru. Give us some info we can chew on!

[Azian]

damn that thing looks pretty nice!!!!

[Cal]

Originally Posted by Azian

damn that thing looks pretty nice!!!!

Too bad that is simply an artist rendition. There has been no relase of a concept as of yet.

[G4BROKE]

ohhh...motortrends...knows it all....n o t. lame.