Toyota is to unveil an evolution of its FT-86 sports car concept at the forthcoming Geneva motor show, the company has announced.
The FT-86 - which was unveiled at the Tokyo show in 2009 - is being jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru; the second of the firms is responsible for the car’s rear-drive platform and ‘boxer’ engine.
See the official Toyota FT-86 II teaser pics
Toyota has released a teaser image, which appears to show a slightly higher headlight line. That would support reports that the development team has been struggling to maintain the FT-86’s ultra-low bonnet line while complying with pedestrian impact regulations.
The firm says the concept “will give the clearest indication yet of the final design for Toyota’s next sports car”.
Read more on the Toyota FT-86 concept
Subaru recently said that its version of the car would also be at the show. However, Autocar sources in Japan suggest that while the car will be present, it is increasingly likely to be via a ‘bare bones’ display that shows the chassis and powertrain, rather than any styling or bodywork.
The Toyota is likely to appear in full production form at the Tokyo show at the end of this year, with sales starting in late 2012. It’s likely to have around 200bhp, but the Subaru version of the same car will have a higher state of tune, with at least 260bhp.
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