Rumor: Subaru 305HP STi Engine to be planted in Toyota FT-86?

[West]

IMO, this is speculation based on the latest news. However note, we expect to see a Turbo FT-86. We previously reported that Turbo options will be available for the Scion FT86.

Toyota is studying how to more closely converge its products with Subaru, and might share its next-generation Highlander midsize crossover platform with the Tribeca. The two have similar dimensions, notes a source familiar with the tie-in.

As always with Subaru, the sticking point is how to share a platform that would use a longitudinally mounted boxer engine, in the case of the Tribeca, with a transverse-mounted engine, as in the Highlander. The platform also will have to accommodate a hybrid version of the Highlander, and it's a good bet the system would be adapted to the pancake-engine Tribeca.

Toyota tackles the problem with the upcoming FT-86 rear-wheel-drive sports coupe by going with a Subaru pancake engine -- the STI's 305-horsepower, 290 pound-foot version of the 2.5-liter turbo four, our source says. Earlier reports had the FT-86 launching with less-powerful Subaru engines. Toyota's development costs have ballooned, however, and the FT-86 is now seen as a mid-$20s car rather than a sub-$20,000 car.

Subaru's version of the 086A, as the project is known, is still scheduled for 2013 model year introduction and will likely be sold with all-wheel drive only, as part of its differentiation from the Toyota.

Subaru is leading development of the 086A, while the converged crossover platform looks to be more of a Toyota project. To accommodate both types of engines, the platform could be the same from the A-pillar back, but would need a different floorpan from the firewall forward. Subaru's flat engines require specific solutions for crash standards.

As for the crossover/utility vehicles, both the Camry-based Toyota Highlander and the slow-selling Subaru Tribeca are due for replacement in the 2014 model year.

Read more: Toyota Extending Subaru Product Sharing to Highlander-Tribeca - Motor Trend

[Cal]

305 hp sti detuned to 250 seems more reasonable. I'm seeing this car debut at 25k for base 29k for premium.

[ej25ti]

305 hp sti detuned to 250

(a WRX)? lol

[HakosukaBunta]

(a WRX)? lol

Two door WRX, Mmmmmmmm.

Last I read the Subaru version is going to be Japan only? Lost track of this info, anybody know for sure? Thanks!

[Terrari]

Not likely. The FT86 was based on the Corolla, and the new one will probably be faithfull to its heritage. Besides, 300 hp (non-boxer) makes a good base for a new Supra. If the STI powerplant does make it to the FT86, prices should mimic the STI at $38K; a lot for a Corolla based vehicle. What makes more sense is a 2.0 turbo boxer with 240 hp as the top line FT86 and priced around $30k.

[ProZach626]

What makes more sense is a 2.0 turbo boxer with 240 hp as the top line FT86 and priced around $30k.

Where do I sign up? Sounds perfect.

[ej25ti]

Idk about you guys... but im still down for 305bhp! lol

[G4BROKE]

Surely many will not mind seeing a 305hp in this tiny vehicle, but since it's likely mod'able...will the Toyota 6spd trans hold up to increased power, and will/has Subaru put their cast pistons in the motor - or did toyota make sure pistons are better? Toyota would definately fail, once again, if those crappy cast pistons are put in the new motor, with D-4S injection, and ring lands pop. I am MOST concerned if there was no action or questions on this.
Yes, a lot of 08 STI (past), now 09 and 2010 STI's ringlands are popping all at different mileages, conditions (+driver), and surely tunes (whp). Presently no one knows if the 2011 STI pistons will pop cause no one gets or can get information on the pistons, there is only speculation and still new. I'll be awaiting the first ring land failure of a 2011.

[Terrari]

Surely many will not mind seeing a 305hp in this tiny vehicle, but since it's likely mod'able...will the Toyota 6spd trans hold up to increased power, and will/has Subaru put their cast pistons in the motor - or did toyota make sure pistons are better? Toyota would definately fail, once again, if those crappy cast pistons are put in the new motor, with D-4S injection, and ring lands pop. I am MOST concerned if there was no action or questions on this.
Yes, a lot of 08 STI (past), now 09 and 2010 STI's ringlands are popping all at different mileages, conditions (+driver), and surely tunes (whp). Presently no one knows if the 2011 STI pistons will pop cause no one gets or can get information on the pistons, there is only speculation and still new. I'll be awaiting the first ring land failure of a 2011.

Since the 2.0 and 2.5 engines are completely new lets hope Subaru has corrected the problem.

[Cal]

As much money as this has cost them I figure they would be dumb not to.

[HakosukaBunta]

If the STI powerplant does make it to the FT86, prices should mimic the STI at $38K; a lot for a Corolla based vehicle.

The Hatches are around 38K and the Sedans 32K. I got mine brand new for 31 out the door, not including taxes. I do however understand what you mean. 240ish sounds about right to me as well.

[ej25ti]

Surely many will not mind seeing a 305hp in this tiny vehicle, but since it's likely mod'able...will the Toyota 6spd trans hold up to increased power, and will/has Subaru put their cast pistons in the motor - or did toyota make sure pistons are better? Toyota would definately fail, once again, if those crappy cast pistons are put in the new motor, with D-4S injection, and ring lands pop. I am MOST concerned if there was no action or questions on this.
Yes, a lot of 08 STI (past), now 09 and 2010 STI's ringlands are popping all at different mileages, conditions (+driver), and surely tunes (whp). Presently no one knows if the 2011 STI pistons will pop cause no one gets or can get information on the pistons, there is only speculation and still new. I'll be awaiting the first ring land failure of a 2011.

I vote for the STi 6speeds! bulletttt proofff :P
and don't be so pessimistic about the 2011's, just cuz u dont got one :P
jk lol, but im sure that was a factor when designing the new motors!

[ProZach626]

Idk about you guys... but im still down for 305bhp! lol

meh. 305 would be nice, but coming from an 09 Si I'll settle for mid 200's with some actual torque and rear wheel drive.

[G4BROKE]

It's hopeful thinking but we shall see about Subaru + Toyota.

I vote for the STi 6speeds! bulletttt proofff :P
and don't be so pessimistic about the 2011's, just cuz u dont got one :P
jk lol, but im sure that was a factor when designing the new motors!

lol...STI 6 speed would weigh, and cost more (believe it's around 3.5K), we don't need that...sure is bullet proof though.

We shall see about the 2011's (jk) ..... i'm fine with MY08 beast!

[blood mtn]

no way this will be badged an Scion if it's true

[ej25ti]

lol...STI 6 speed would weigh, and cost more (believe it's around 3.5K), we don't need that...sure is bullet proof though.

well i still plan to build this for power, and it'd be nice not to have to upgrade the tranny. getrag
supra 6speed?

[G4BROKE]

well i still plan to build this for power, and it'd be nice not to have to upgrade the tranny. getrag
supra 6speed?

This is why I'm hoping the pistons are not cast (forged would be nice) and tranny does handle mod power...else it will turn into a money pit and eventually cost as much as an STI to upgrade and maintain.
Do really hope that not much has to be changed, unlike the fairly current STI's, from pistons to suspension in order for a decent badass car.

[Cal]

Do really hope that not much has to be changed, unlike the fairly current STI's, from pistons to suspension in order for a decent badass car.

Sounds like a 240sx....
Please do enlighten me. I was thinking of getting an 06 STI in the future.

[Terrari]

Sounds like a 240sx....
Please do enlighten me. I was thinking of getting an 06 STI in the future.

the 04 and 05 STi is the quickest due to weight

[G4BROKE]

Sounds like a 240sx....
Please do enlighten me. I was thinking of getting an 06 STI in the future.

Planning on keeping it stock? (really loaded question) If so, 04 - 06 are decent cause by 07 they starting using cast pistons, then trouble starts if you really wish to drive it hard. Buying a stock STI is always key but is so very difficult, buying modified is a nightmare (rare that a modded one would be ok, unless you know which Subie performance shop does good work etc).

the 04 and 05 STi is the quickest due to weight

For stock, about 100 lbs less than the others.

[Terrari]

Planning on keeping it stock? (really loaded question) If so, 04 - 06 are decent cause by 07 they starting using cast pistons, then trouble starts if you really wish to drive it hard. Buying a stock STI is always key but is so very difficult, buying modified is a nightmare (rare that a modded one would be ok, unless you know which Subie performance shop does good work etc).


For stock, about 100 lbs less than the others.

The 04 and 05 had 300hp, then hp was reduced. This in addition to their lighter weight makes the 04 or 05 quicker. Their suspensions were also superior but too stiff for the American lard ass.

[Cal]

the 04 and 05 STi is the quickest due to weight

They are also a lot less sexy as well.

Planning on keeping it stock? (really loaded question) If so, 04 - 06 are decent cause by 07 they starting using cast pistons, then trouble starts if you really wish to drive it hard. Buying a stock STI is always key but is so very difficult, buying modified is a nightmare (rare that a modded one would be ok, unless you know which Subie performance shop does good work etc).


For stock, about 100 lbs less than the others.

More than likely not. I would want to up the boost and drive the piss out of it. Apparently this is not a good idea. Maybe I just need to Sr the 240 and wait till the boost FT-86 get cheap.

[ej25ti]

The 04 and 05 had 300hp, then hp was reduced. This in addition to their lighter weight makes the 04 or 05 quicker. Their suspensions were also superior but too stiff for the American lard ass.

05 right here

[G4BROKE]

They are also a lot less sexy as well.
More than likely not. I would want to up the boost and drive the piss out of it. Apparently this is not a good idea. Maybe I just need to Sr the 240 and wait till the boost FT-86 get cheap.

You could surely do so with the 04/05 or even a 06, cheapest method would only require an aftermarket downpipe (turbo back if u want to spend more) / intake (not really required) / cobb accessport then pro tune (or open source pro tune, cheapest and doesn't require accessport) and you'll get your power to play with.

[bryantb2]

that would be sick but i think very expensive

[Exitspeed]

I have no interest in a stock 300hp $30,000+ FT. I'll be happy with 220hp-250hp, lightweight, and $23k-$25k with diff and lsd.

[ProZach626]

I have no interest in a stock 300hp $30,000+ FT. I'll be happy with 220hp-250hp, lightweight, and $23k-$25k with diff and lsd.

I'm with you 100%.

[ra23celica]

Stuff this 'pancake engine' rubbish, a boxer is a boxer is a boxer....