Toyota Launches "86" Coupe in Japan

its really awesome! One of these in white might cure me of my 2014 lotus infatuation. Actually, is that the same backdrop?

"inlinesix says:
Looks good and the specs are there, but I think labeling it as a Scion was a bad move. The front bumper is a bit overdone but not bad."

I definitely agree, but I would even take that a step further and say that the whole concept of the Scion brand was a bad move. While other automakers were eliminating brands to save money and more efficiently market their products, Toyota is inventing a whole brand so they can spend more money just to target a specific market. It just seems like an odd and inefficient strategy to me. It would be a little more exciting if this came stateside as a Toyota GT-86. The brand and nameplate would have been nice for those who know about the Hachi Roku conceptual roots.

The exterior styling and interior agree with me. I'm a little unsure about the clear rear taillights and I don't like the busy design of the wheels; no doubt they would be drafted into winter tire/wheel duty if I were to get one of these.

Stovt001, in case you are wondering, this is NOT a concept...

Those amatuer photos of it out in the sunlight in front of a crowd are absolutely the best pictures of this car I've seen yet. I really can not wait to this car in person because all the photoshopped press photos seem to be bringing out the lines in the sheet metal just a bit too much. the 1000 shades of orange is a bit over the top, sure in the flesh this car will make a better impression

So I guess the BRZ and 86 really will look nearly identical. the concepts had different head lights and bumpers, but now they're the same

Man, I'm gonna be so pissed (ok, more like mildly irritated) if they removed that kickass "boxer 86" badge while Scion-izing it--needlessly, I might add--for our shores. Seriously, that badge kicks all kinds of ass.

BTW, what is the point of Scion anyway? For a "youth brand", all I see driving 'em are old farts. Well, that and teenage douchbags (the tC). The whole point of this car was to inject some joie de vivre back into Toyota's image, so why the hell badge it as a Scion? It is a bad move. As a guy with fond memories of old school 'yota, I want this car; but I want it as a Toyota. Not as some bullshit Scion.

@scottyscooter,

yes they could have done all this without the Scion name. I agree. Probably figured American's weren't ready for the boxy, Japanese look like the Xb.

BTW I dont really care if the Subaru version looks exactly like the Toyota version.

I can careless if it's a Toyota or Scion, as long as they bring it over exactly as the JDM version.

arent those the wheels that are on the subaru wrx sti?

louiswei says:

"I can careless if it's a Toyota or Scion, as long as they bring it over exactly as the JDM version."

If you're an admirer/fan/shareholder of Toyota, you should. Like I said, the main reason behind this car is to bring "sport" back to the Toyota brand image. How are they supposed to accomplish that in North America if the one fun Toyota sold here isn't even branded as a Toyota.

Besides, this car has Toyota's sports heritage written all over it (literally, in the case of that sweet "86" badge). It doesn't seem right for it not to be a Toyota. It's a stupid, misguided marketing move. An effort to impart some sport credibility to a "youth brand" that has failed to capture its intended market. It's a lame decision. Let Scion die and allow Toyota to regain what it once was.

You know, they pretty much did the same thing with the LFA. Toyota builds a true exotic, but the "Toyota" brand name isn't deemed good enough for it. It's like they either have major self-esteem issues or are determined to keep Toyota a dull brand... in NA, at least.

Guessing price above 23-24k? Too bad about the engine. Why would someone opt for this over a Genesis Coupe 2.0T or Mazdaspeed3 or Mustang V6 or WRX? If it's priced under 20k then it will probably get attention (though steal sales from the ultimate secretary car - TC).

"The only transmission is a six-speed manual while the front suspension uses struts and the rear a double wishbone configuration."

Since when is a six-speed manual the only transmission? Every report I've read has said that a six-speed automatic is optional.

Sorry, I am not a badge whore so as long as we are getting the same car as the one in JDM then I am all good, whether it's a Scion or Toyota. Also, everyone and their moms know Scion and Lexus' ties with Toyota so in my opinion I don't see how by selling this car as a Scion wouldn't help Toyota's image. It's funny how some of the so-called enthusiasts will quick to declare Lexus is "just a Toyota" but somehow here Toyota couldn't claim victory for cars that carry Lexus and Scion badges?

As for LFA, are you serious? People are already bitching about a $380k Lexus what do you think they will say when there is a $380k Toyota?

"Why would someone opt for this over a Genesis Coupe 2.0T or Mazdaspeed3 or Mustang V6 or WRX?"

Any of those cars weighs less than 3,000 lbs? Yeah I thought so too...

Any of those cars weighs less than 3,000 lbs? Yeah I thought so too...

Exactly! Oh and the Miata starts at $23,190. The price for the 86 should help it out, not hurt it. Sure it might hurt sales of the Tc but the last time I checked thats not going to be that big of a deal. :)

I like it, I don't care what it's called. I'll be scheduling a test drive.

Imagine how much more quickly it could have been out if they could decide on a name and didn't build more concepts than production models.

And after all this time and all these ground breaking concepts, it is exactly like what you could get from the Japanese manufacturers decades ago, just updated. Front engine RWD 4 cyl coupe? Wow what an exotic concept.

@stovt001

And that's a bad thing? If the initial drives are anything to judge by, this car is far greater than its numbers suggest.

Not a fan of the taillights, but not a bad looking car.

Looks good. Those "86" badges will be a must have accessory on the Scion FR-S.

DO WANT!

Why oh why is this going to be a scion? That boxer 86 badge on the fender and steering wheel is all kinds of cool to the enthusiast.

Im thinking pricing will be $23k USD for base/stripper, $27k USD for a loaded up with alcantera, Nav, keyless entry etc.

"blueguydotcom says:
Guessing price above 23-24k? Too bad about the engine. Why would someone opt for this over a Genesis Coupe 2.0T or Mazdaspeed3 or Mustang V6 or WRX? If it's priced under 20k then it will probably get attention (though steal sales from the ultimate secretary car - TC)."

Thats a fair point. The only real reason to choose it over the mentioned cars is if it’s more fun to drive so hopefully all of Toyota/Subaru’s focus on driver engagement and chassis dynamics pays off. I read a somewhat interesting interview with the chief engineer and he was specifically talking about this issue.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/11/finally-ttac-gets-its-hands-on-the-ft86-and-its-chief-engineer/

I’m on the same page as this guy and the ideas behind this car because I don’t think that the fastest car is always the best car. It all depends on what you want out of the driving experience. For example, if you go to a Mazda dealer the Mazdaspeed3, RX8 and MX5 all start at about the same price. The Mazdaspeed3 is the fastest of the three cars, but I personally still think that the RX8 and MX5 are both better cars than a Mazdaspeed 3.

They always planned on the USA pricing for this car to be $25k or less; I really hope they are successful at brining it to our shores at that price.

Ya gotta love the internet. Everybody has been pleading with somebody to make a simple, cheap, fun to drive RWD car for the masses, so Toyota makes one and it is either: too big, too small, too powerful, not powerful enough, too cheap, too expensive, not branded properly, needs a turbo, doesn't need a turbo, is ugly, is beautiful, is AN EPIC FAIL, is a WINNAR, is well, just everything that exemplifies just how monumentally stupid the internet commentariat can be.

On a more personal note, I think the car looks much better without all the Photoshopped backgrounds and environmental effects. I think all manufacturers need to release "official" images of new vehicles taken with a cell phone.

@dinobot666, we don't know price, and it isn't really a looker. That said, I don't think a perfect car exists, just because people complain about something here and there, doesn't mean they don't like it or won't buy it. Who cares?

@dinobot666: amen!

@ dinobot666

Amen brother, AMEN!

Especially all the bitching from the so-called "enthusiasts", which makes the whole thing even more fantastic...

@lostboyz: Not really a looker? Your opinion, of course, but it sure doesn't look like any other 25K car on the road. I think it looks great.

My biggest wish is that there will be an alternate colored interior. I hate black. The Scion TC only comes with a black interior, so I am probably not going to get my wish.

@tiger_mike: I'm not saying it is a bad thing. I'm just saying Toyota is acting like they built the most exotic, groundbreaking , unheard-of car EVAR! and really they just built what they should have been building for the past decade or so, something like they were perfectly capable of making for years.

@dinobot666: Those really aren't the complaints I've seen or even held at all. On paper it is fine, and while I don't know how it will be subjectively I don't expect disappointment there either. Per my comment above, the real problem is that Toyota has hyped this thing to no end, acting like this is something so insanely out of our comprehension that we had to the introduced slowly with one concept or teaser at a time so we would be prepared to behold the glory. All they're doing is highlighting how such a simple concept has eluded them for years. Even if the car is brilliant, it is bound to disappoint because of the hype and because it was delayed and teased and introduced in various concept forms just as much as the LF-A supercar. A good sporty coupe it probably is. A supercar it most certainly is not.

This looks awesome but one issue: SCION!!

Toyota has NEVER said they are building a $25k supercar nor have they acted like they were. People who think they did must be on some serious Toyota haterade...

Toyota has said from day one that they are bringing afford, lightweight, RWD coupe back. So instead of giving us something "ground breaking" they've said it from the beginning that they are returning to the basics. Yes it's nothing new but apparently it's a lost art in today's automtive industry when everyone is gunning for power, power and power.

Sure there was hype but the hype was about bringing the purity back, not give us a sub-4-second super car at $25k. If a self-proclaimed "enthusiast" can't even figure out what the hype is all about then I have to say you are not much of an enthusiast, regardless of what car you may drive.

@louiswei and stovt001.

All the hype that was generated was pure speculation by the internet. Toyota was actually pretty lucky to get the free ride that they did. Now they just need to put asses in seats.

Again, at 2800lbs this car is a pig. You will buy this car to own Miata only to find that you'll get trumped bigtime in handling alone. All in all, it's a corolla (also 2800lbs with 4 doors instead of 2) with DI engine, rear drivetrain and a riced out body kit. And of course, by owning this car, you will have to face the humiliation of stopping at a set of lights next to another FRS only to find that it is owned exclusively by gangsta hispanics with a ghetto cap and bling chains like a proper Scion. Awaiting the Subaru counterpart (if anything it won't be a Scion.)

Not impressed. Please bring back the Toyota Celica GT! The 1976 model I had is now considered a "classic."

@ed124c, of course, I would never state my opinion as fact.

@louiswei, why do you care so much? Have you never had a complaint about a car that you liked or loved? So it's low on power to some people. Some people have different wants out of a car than others. If you can never admit a fault or a short coming of a car, you might as well hang out with 1487, because you sound like a fanboy. Notice how I said sound like, I'm not saying you are one.

I personally think the profile of the car looks great, the front is okay, and back is terrible. If you disagree I'm not going to fight you on it. I think it's low on power, but I live in michigan where we have straight roads, so how well it does in the twisties is irrelevant. See how preferences decide how important certain factors are? I don't know why everyone needs to get their panties in a bunch because people value things differently. If you like it, buy it, if you don't, then don't. State your opinion and move on, don't try to tell someone their opinion is wrong.

Meh power is way to low to even be considered fun in my eyes, 150 ft/lbs what can you do with that? I will likely go for the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe yea it weighs 3300 lbs, but with your choice of a 275hp turbo 4 or a 350v6 and a 10yr/100k warranty seems like a no brainer to me.

Love the front end. I just wonder how much of a market there is for this car.

Does anyone else think it looks similar to the last Mitsu Eclipse?

@ lostboyz,

Did I ever say the car is perfect? Why do you care so much about how I sound like? I am just making the record straight and not here to tell anyone whether or not they should like the car or hate the car. Noticed how I never said anything to people who don't like how the car looks or how people have different opinion about the car needs more horsepower? If I am a fanboy then I will tell everyone to shut up because the car is perfect but I didn't.

Some people on this board insisting:

1. The car takes too long to come out
2. Toyota has shown us too many concepts
3. The car is not ground breaking
4. Too much hype
5. Not enough of a "supercar" for $25k

All I did was to keep the record straight, that's all. If by doing that makes me sound like a fanboy then so be it. Since we have so many Bimmer/Miata fanboys on this board why can't we have a Toyota/Lexus fanboy? Unless we are all hypricrits here.

@ lzks,

No self-proclaimed "gangsta hispanics" will ever drop $25k for a car like this. Why would they want to do that when they can get a 300+ hp Mustang V6 with 22" DUB wheels? Most (read: I didn't say all) people who will be buying a FRS/BRZ are looking for the purity in driving, the LAST thing in those people's mind will be numbers and giant chrome rims.

As for the Miata reference, even at 2,800 lbs (the upper limit with all the options checked, which a REAL enthusiast would never do), the FRS/BRZ will have a better weight/hp ratio than the lightest Miata. So personally I don't know how you come up with the conclusion that this car will "get trumped bigtime in handling alone" without some inside info since I have yet to see one full test article out there.

Again, just facts, I am not interested in sentimental debates.

imo Toyota wont brand any sports cars under the toyota name anymore in the US. toyota is synonymous with cars like the prius and camry.

sporty cars under 30k will be scion, and over 30k will be lexus. its that simple. FR-S? scion. IS-F and LF-A? lexus.

@blueguydotcom: Problem with the Hyundai Genesis is that it's large, it's much heavier (like what 600 lbs heavier, or having 4 passengers with you at all times?), and the powertrain and interior quality is a let down. It's really not that great when it's slower than an Si. I have high hopes for the 86.

@stovt001 "the real problem is that Toyota has hyped this thing to no end, acting like this is something so insanely out of our comprehension that we had to the introduced slowly with one concept or teaser at a time so we would be prepared to behold the glory. All they're doing is highlighting how such a simple concept has eluded them for years. "

eluded them for years? how about everyone else? they STILL dont have anything like this! over in europe there is a whole bunch of hot hatches, but most of them are FWD. brilliant, but still FWD.

what we have here is a modern day Integra Type R, but RWD!!!! what other car comes close? this is the 4 seat miata hardtop we never had. the 4 seat S2000 hardtop we never had. the RWD ITR/Celica GTS we never had. sure the CONCEPT of such a car isnt new, but NOBODY else has one either! and toyota/subaru spent years "perfecting" this car. other people may call this car a disappointment, but people who race miatas, minis, and cars like that "get it". if you look at the toyota presentation, that's EXACTLY the buyer they were targeting. horsepower whores look elsewhere...

"1. The car takes too long to come out

No, this isn't true, but we will address this perception in 2.

2. Toyota has shown us too many concepts

Without going back to count I can think of at least 6. Add to this, most companies don't show what a car is going to look like years before release because the design ages before it ever gets to market. Notice you haven't seen the new dodge c-segment car except leaked photos, and it is coming out in less than 6 months. Toyota has been showing concepts for 2-3 years now, this is unusual, and it makes it feel like the development has been long.

3. The car is not ground breaking

It isn't.

4. Too much hype

Toyota can't control this, but they certainly haven't helped.

5. Not enough of a "supercar" for $25k

Well, you can't fix stupid.

The car is what it is, a car for enthusiasts. I'm greatful, but it isn't appealing to me. I know it doesn't compete in form factor to a mustang, but the bulk of the market is casual, and will almost always take the car that gives you more. So a v6 mustang, camaro, genesis will give A LOT more for the money than this. The only thing this excels at is the twisties, and I don't think its going to break into the miata market too much, that is a pretty faithful crowd.

The only thing that is exciting is the subaru version, which looks like it's going to be a straight rebadge with a power bump and probably better suspension.

A lot of arguments about lightness vs power. And no doubt light cars are more nimble etc etc.

However, I don't think this toybaru is that significantly lighter than the competition. And fitting a 197 hp in a 2800 lb car? You guys realize there's already a economy japanese sports car with similar numbers right? Yep, the new Civic Si. Which is rated 201 hp at 2845 lb according to insideline's own test. And it doesn't even return the sort of track test numbers the the supposedly heavier and less nimble genesis coupe or mazdaspeed 3 does.

Yes, granted the 86 will be RWD which will help but at less then 200 hp it's not like the front wheels are at the commonly believed limits for FWD cars. If it was 2000 lb or so yes it would have been more interesting with this engine. However, it would have costed a lot more.

So what do we have here? Well it's a good attempt at making a sporty RWD coupe. It's going to sell because of the Toyota name. I mean the civic si are seen everywhere even though it's not the best of it's class for performance. My feeling is is Subaru pops a turbo under the hood this car will really come alive. That's a big but though since it'll cost more and people who goes looking at Subaru are going to ask why it isn't AWD.

Anyhow lets see what the tests shows when it's actually review. Please no one get too hyped up cause the numbers does not suggest it's going to beat all competitors.

Stovt will complain about anything Toyota. Give it a rest.

People comparing the MASSIVE weight of the fr-s/86/ft-86 to the LOW weight of the Miata need to think about the 167hp and 140 torque of the Miata. This is an interesting car and Toyota has a President that likes cars now. Its a good thing people.

"Stovt will complain about anything Toyota. Give it a rest."

inlinesix, you are right, what was I thinking... After driving the LFA the dude declared "I rather have my Miata". If that's not an indication then I don't know what is...

To: duck87

"Problem with the Hyundai Genesis is that it's large, it's much heavier (like what 600 lbs heavier, or having 4 passengers with you at all times?), and the powertrain and interior quality is a let down."

The genesis actually has a very nice layout inside and personally i thought it had great fit and finish. But yes the old 2.0t was a dog, but the new 2013 Genesis rocking a 75hp bump will be a blast and still be under the $25,000 mark, and all with a industry leading warranty.

Only thing i have against it is no auto available... Dont get me wrong i wouldnt touch and auto in this low powered car but this is America and 90% of the population will turn away from a stick.

@ctobias1984: The car will have a six speed automatic, right from the start. The press release confirms that.

You are correct that, without an automatic, the car would die. I have not yet seen a new 2010 and up Legacy GT, and there is never one on the lot. (The GT only comes with a six speed manual.)

This is the first Toyota since the original MR2 that I would actually consider owning- even then I'd wait and see what minor changes Subaru has in store.

So in summary:

Toyota made a handling-oriented RWD coupe for $25k
Subaru may have a hardcore version of the same car for more money
Hyundai has the Genesis as an alternative if you prefer power over nimbleness
Ford has a V8 Mustang that has a great soundtrack

As consumers, what's not to like?

Thumbs up for the 86 or FR-S. Only thing I disagree with is the Scion branding and that does not stop me from liking this car.

Thank you Akio.

"As consumers, what's not to like?"

One of them being a Toyota?

This car is a huge disappointment. I thought it would have AT LEAST 400HP, get mid 30's mpg, weigh under 2500lbs, and cost under $20K. Oh well, I guess I'll continue to get my thrills and pure driving experience from my 1992 Ford Probe.

Everyone on here has forgotten Toyota has made a great handling RWD vehivle for the past 6 years. Here are some specs, 245hp, 6-speed manual, 7.0 sec 0-60, and .91g's on the skid pad. The Toyota X-Runner would be my choice hands down over the 86, Fr-s, or BR-z. The X-Runner was designed to handle as well as the 350Z. It exceeds almost everything this car does. If Toyota would bring back the turbo 4 cyliner model for the truck it would be even better. Sorry guys the truck is a better all around deal from Toyota. Have you seen the trunk on it?

This isn't about me hating on Toyota at all costs. I actually like this car. I just don't like manufacturers parading an endless stream of concepts long before the car goes on sale, regardless of who does it for what car. It was annoying when GM released the Camaro concept years before selling the car, and that was only two concepts (coupe and convertible). This is exactly like that, just with more concepts.

To use GM as an example again, this time for the other option, look at the Cruze. GM needed to field a competent compact sedan just like Toyota needs to field a competent sporty car. GM announced the Cruze, mocked up a concept, and not all that much later it went on sale. They quietly did what they should have been doing all along. So I'm not going to be impressed by Toyota's grand reveal of a car they should have been doing all along. This absurd rollout was a demand for us to thank them for giving us something so great, while really they should apologize for not giving it to us since the end of the Supra and MR2. I figured that was the direction they were going when they stepped up and admitted they weren't making interesting cars and wanted to fix that.

If this was the first I had heard about this car, I'd be going completely nuts and running to test drive the first one to hit the lots because a simple sporty RWD coupe is all I really want. Unfortunately, the endless annoying tease just left a bitter taste in my mouth. I'm tired of waiting for this.

"GM announced the Cruze, mocked up a concept, and not all that much later it went on sale."

That's because the Cruze was already on sale IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD since 2008, all GM did was slap a Chevy badge on it and call it a Cruze.

That, sir, is the ULTIMATE example of BADGE ENGINEERING. Which if memory serves me right, something you love to knock on the FR-S/BRZ duo.

Gotta love how when manufactures shows us too many concepts, people bitch and when they don't give us enough information about upcoming products, people bitch as well. I mean who the hell cares how many concepts they show us, as long as they deliever the final product as promised then I am all good. But then again, that's just me, the so-called enthusiasts must have higher standards I guess...

"Gotta love how when manufactures shows us too many concepts, people bitch and when they don't give us enough information about upcoming products, people bitch as well."

I for one would rather go with less information. I know things change a lot over the long development periods, so why tell me things about something I can't buy or drive any time soon, especially when those facts will probably change by the time it comes to market? I've noticed I'm always more excited about cars I only hear about shortly before they go on sale. That's exactly the case here.

My definition of badge engineering is same car sold under two different brands in the same market. That wasn't the case with the Cruze until the Buick version came out. Before that, it wasn't badge engineering because you could only get one in the US. If you could only get the Toyota or the Subaru here, and the other only in other markets, then it would not be badge engineering.

Some might argue a luxury model of a mainstream car isn't badge engineering but in that case we're playing with shades of gray and that's off topic.

@scottyscooter - I hope the handling is awesome. And while I love high revving engines, I feel a mistake is made if the engine is not turbo as almost all the competition (save for the Mustang is.

Regardless it's not a car I'll ever drive so either way i hope it ups the ante for the people making other cars.

Subaru is saying 2700 lbs for its car. AFAIK this is a boxer engine so I wonder what this beast would be like with a 2.0 turbo - don't dismiss off hand. I'm sure it will be fun to drive but with 280-300 hp this car would be an absolute riot.

I got an idea! Put a motor in it and let it compete with the gtr. I would like to see that. Might drive the gtr lovers nuts.

OOOHHH!!! Can't wait for aftermarket upgrades. This will be interesting. ((( Honda S2K's Vs. Toyota 86's ANYONE??? ))) inline vs flat. Sooner or later forced induction. Let the battle of the 4's BEGIN!!! - LEXUSIsF's M3's OUT!

Very nicely done so far!