Rendered speculation on the Subaru FT-86
Subaru are taking their version of the Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept – the Subaru FT-86 / Subaru 216A – to the Geneva Motor Show in March
We’ve known about the Toyota Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept – the Toyota FT-86 – since 2009. A joint project with Subaru to produce an affordable, compact and fun sports car, we had plenty of detail of what Toyota were up to. But Subaru has remained tight-lipped about their version. Which has inevitably lead to speculation.
The Subaru FT-86 speculation revolved around the powerplant and drivetrain. We expect the Toyota FT-86 to come with the 2.0 litre Boxer lump out of the Impreza – a major part of Subaru’s contribution to the FT-86 project – and a RWD platform (the clue’s in the name).
And despite the project’s name – and its stated intention to produce a compact, affordable rear-wheel drive sports car – many speculated that the Subaru FT-86 would come with 300bhp and 4WD. We found that speculation unlikely, but in the absence of anything concrete the Interweb speculation continued.
But now we’ll find out soon enough as Subaru are planning on taking their version of the Toyobaru off to Geneva in March. The press release they sent us doesn’t let on what will be under the bonnet – beyond it being a Boxer lump – but it does make it clear it will be rear wheel drive – just as we expected.
In addition to the ‘Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept’, Subaru are planning on taking the Impreza Concept we’ve already seen and the Subaru Trezia, a ‘New Compact Smart Wagon’ to Geneva as well.
But it’s the Subaru FT-86 all eyes will be on.
