What's Wrong With This Picture: Toyobaru Shapes Up Edition
From “promisingly awkward” mule to multiple styling “ concepts” we’ve had plenty of looks at the many possible shapes that Toyota is considering for its forthcoming “FT-86” rear-drive budget sports coupe. But now, with Toyota finalizing the production look of its eagerly-anticipated sports coupe, we’re finally getting a good look at the FT-86’s production-ready proportions, if not its approved styling cues. And by the looks of it, it’s a clean, conventional coupe with just enough of a convention-defying low-hood look (enabled by Subaru’s boxer engine) to avoid looking like a scaled-down Z. In fact, this car’s ability to appear conventional yet subtly distinctive seems to be rooted in its small, rear-drive proportions rather than any one styling feature we’ve seen on a concept. Given the inherent challenge of building sportscars that offers broad appeal as well as enough distinctiveness to get enthusiasts fired up, this looks like a good sign for the FT-86’s future.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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If they can give this car the lightness, performance and handling of a Miata with a hatchback and rear seat (even a tiny one) I'll be the first one with cash in hand.
I'm confused, at the NY auto show, there was a Scion /Subrau -- is this another variant of the same car?
Hard to tell what it looks like with all those whirlygig designs on it. Makes my eyes go funny. Is Murilee responsible for that?
I think this is hard to tell what is going on here. It looks ok, but with the good camo job, seeing the lines to know how good this looks is very difficult. To me, it looks a little bland.