
This video is a quick look at a new car and new tracks for Gran Turismo 5, featuring the Toyota FT-86 Concept car. The rear-wheel drive coupe that will be badged as a Toyota was co-developed with Subaru (who provides the engine) and will make its world debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The name FT-86 is a nod to the popular RWD Corolla AE86 of the mid-1980s. The production version of the 2+2 FT-86 sports coupe, is due to go on sale towards the end of 2011. The engine is from Subaru and is a front-mounted, 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, a naturally aspirated version of Subaru’s 2.0-liter flat flour normally found in the Impreza that Toyota will massage to boost output closer to 200 horsepower. This is the same engine that, when turbocharged, cranks out 250HP and is found in Subaru’s much loved WRX.
View the video and photo gallery after the jump
Derek






When it comes to the auto industry you got to look for the smallest speck of sunshine–no matter how miniscule it might be. Subaru of America has just announced a 0.3% sales increase for full-year 2008 sales over 2007. That’s right, you heard me, A 0.3% INCREASE, making Subaru the one and only full-line brand with positive sales through November 2008. The firm-Subaru-pat-on-the-back goes to the Impreza, Legacy and Forester lines who have brought home the record results. Thank god for Japanese cars for keeping the American auto industry somewhat afloat. On the other hand, this year most automakers posted “sizable” decreases. Former industry leader General Motors sales fell 23 percent from last year, while previous second in the U.S., Toyota saw a 15 percent drop. (No need to mention other precedent decreases as Ford Motor 21 percent; Chrysler 30 percent; and Honda 8 percent.) If this were the Olympics, Subaru would be standing alone at the medal platform without the benefit of any other medalists. So hats off to you Subaru, and remember, it’s lonely at the top!
The march of the aftermarket carries on, it would seem. What we have pictured here is another offering from the Japanese home market tuning house Ings. Essentially it’s a body kit constructed to N-Spec rules. N-Spec being a Japanese endurance race series titled the Super Taikyu racing series (yeah little overblown, but that’s par for the course for Japanese names, isn’t it?)..




