2:47pm Friday 12th March 2010
By Glynn Williams
CELICA, MR2, Supra, Corolla AE86: Toyota’s great driver-focused sports cars of the past have inspired its vision for a future-generation concept model.
In creating the FT-86 (Future Toyota-86) Sports Concept, making its European debut at the Geneva motor show, Toyota has directly referenced the excitement and fundamental fun-to-drive quality that characterised the Corolla AE86.
In its day the AE86 became a must-have model for rallying and circuit racing, with its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive powertrain, compact dimensions, light weight, impeccable balance and strong power to weight ratio. Even more than 20 years on from the end of production, it remains a popular choice with privateer rally teams.
The FT-86 Sports Concept previews a new-generation Toyota sports car, designed to recapture the spirit of the AE86, sharing its front-engine, rear-wheel drive credentials.
The FT-86 is designed to deliver simple, dynamic power with environmental responsibility. It is an entirely driver-orientated car, engineered to capture the intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous responses to even the smallest throttle and steering inputs.
Rather than use a heavy, large displacement engine for performance, it is equipped with a free-revving 2.0 litre petrol unit with a six-speed manual gearbox with compact dimensions, light weight and a low centre gravity. Deployed in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive format, this powertrain delivers lively, accessible performance with engaging dynamic abilities and maximum pleasure.
Toyota’s ED2 European design and development centre dubs the styling of the FT-86 “Functional Beauty”, the classic sports car form having been generated entirely within the constraints of aerodynamics and function. Now let’s see it produced!
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