Rumor: Toyota FT-86 4-Door Sedan in the Works

[West]

Carsguide.com.au is reporting they received a tip from a "source close to Toyota" about the possibility of a Toyota FT-86 4-door sedan. The move is likely driven due to the success of the Toyota Altezza or Lexus IS. Its not a bad move to offer the standard 2+2 along with a sedan. The last source we had from Australia was regarding Subaru's objection of using RWD. Depending on the platform originally selected from Toyota / Subaru it shouldn't be difficult to work in a sedan model. Whether you like 2+2 or Sedan, the move would no doubt increase sales for an already highly anticipated model.

THERE is more to Toyota's youth-driven FT-86 project than people first thought.

The born-again Sprinter is definitely a coupe and now there will be a four-door sedan for Toyota showrooms. Even though sedans are not popular in Japan - with the exception of the car sold as the Lexus IS200 and Toyota Altezza - Toyota can see serious potential in a global car from the FT-86.

The loyal Altezza customers are one reason why, according to a source close to Toyota, the sedan has been given the go-ahead. It also helps that the basics are available and easy to tweak for four-door work.

In truth, using the FT-86’s platform for a sports sedan is a kind of insurance policy to cover any potential shortfall FT-86 sales. At the same time, it makes the most of the rare rear-drive platform.

One Japanese commentator even goes so far as to say that the sports sedan project is a safety net, just in case the FT-86 fails, so that Toyota does not have to cancel the project altogether.

The Carsguide source tells us that the sedan will not only incorporate the FT-86’s Subaru Liberty-based mechanical package, but get the same 150-kiloWatt boxer engine and six-speed manual transmission (or CVT) from the Impreza as well.

Expected to fall into a segment rivalling something between the BMW 1- Series and 3-Series, and including the Audi A3 and the Golf GTI, the Japanese domestic sticker price should land near $30,000.

Given that more power might be required down the line, Toyota will have the ability to bring the Subaru Outback’s 3.6 litre H6 engine into the equation. But by the time the new sports sedan - not to mention the FT-86 coupe- finally makes it to showrooms in 2013, Subaru will have its own in- house hybrid boxer engine.

This will create yet another powertrain opportunity for Toyota and a package that will, according to our source, be more exciting to drive than Toyota’s current crop of hybrids.

Source: Toyota FT-86 sedan tipped | carsguide.com.au

[Cal]

If it becomes a sedan I bet suby is going to go AWD.

I still don't understand the engine choice. Didn't the world learn from the 240SX don't underpower and attractive RWD coupe?

[HyperFX]

West thats one good find! Oh my goodness, this is awsome news, if true. Now I have a reason to save up even more money. 4 door model for daily use and 2 door model for weekend track use. A awd subie 4 door is always the right choince for families and enthusiaists alike. Cwrigh25, underpowering vehicles nowadays seems like the norm since some people think more horsepower=more gas guzzling=environmental doouchebag.

[scoobie]

I highly doubt this would happen, if toyota has reported issues with development costs then why would they go back to the drawing board developing a four door sedan. Last I heard no one has complained about the lack in of a four door model, in fact the 2+2 is the perfect selection for people who want a cheap rwd sports car.

Subaru is another story, I could see them offering the four door, however that would render the current STi design pointless and I don't see them shifting gears drastically for a platform that is shared by a vested interest organization.

[ej25ti]

I rather don't lime this news very much. I don't see
Subaru needing ANOTHER sedan.

[Exitspeed]

I'm actually excited about this. A cheap RWD sedan would be the cats meow for me. As much as I'd love a coupe, my practical side (5 month old son and all) makes me drool even harder over a sedan.

If they'd make a wagon version and I would name my second some after the car.

I FUCKIN LOVE wagons.

[lookitschloe]

The end that stated a 2013 release date lowered the entire article's credibility for me.

[West]

The end that stated a 2013 release date lowered the entire article's credibility for me.

Very true. I dont know if its the fact that Ive never followed a car so much prior to release, but goddamn this car has had more rumors and twisted rehashes of real news then anything Ive ever come across. Cant wait for the days of factual news and having my arse firmly planted in the seat of my FT-86

I'm actually excited about this. A cheap RWD sedan would be the cats meow for me. As much as I'd love a coupe, my practical side (5 month old son and all) makes me drool even harder over a sedan.

If they'd make a wagon version and I would name my second some after the car.

I FUCKIN LOVE wagons.

Totally agree, I love wagons, most of all the WRX Wagon. Id half like this to be true, but honestly for me the 2+2 is ideal. This wont be my daily driver.

[ra23celica]

This is a fishing exercise. The 'source close to Toyota' is probably someone inside Toyota starting this rumour in order to get some free market research done to gauge interest in a four door model. That said, I would buy one, but lets just get the 2 door on the market first.

[Toyoriffic]

No, this "story" is legitimate. Toyota knows sales will increase by much if they offer a lower cost (or not) RWD sedan to the already-decided-upon coupe. It adds to the all-important business case to build the FT-86. With a bodystyle like this you know they're gonna build the car. But adding a 4-door to the mix adds me to the fan list for this car.

Sounds like the roadster possibility is the actual long shot to build for the Toyota FT-86.

Whoo-hoo! Bring on the Toyota FT-86 sedan!

[West]

No, this "story" is legitimate. Toyota knows sales will increase by much if they offer a lower cost (or not) RWD sedan to the already-decided-upon coupe. It adds to the all-important business case to build the FT-86. With a bodystyle like this you know they're gonna build the car. But adding a 4-door the mix adds me to the fan list for this car.

Sounds like the roadster possibility is the actual long shot to build for the Toyota FT-86.

Whoo-hoo! Bring on the Toyota FT-86 sedan!

Not sure which I would buy, but I hope its true! Toyota/Lexus knows the power of the 4-door sedan market. Hopefully this is the reason for the seemingly delay of its release.

[Toyoriffic]

Yeah, this pup is no stranger to the internet airwaves. It seems I've been reading about this proposed rig for years upon years now. Having said that, the bodydesign is just so hot and of all things that steering wheel with the straight-bottom to it is also looking interesting to me as well.

Yeah, it was Toyota themselves who said the base FT-86 RWD 6-speed manual should cost somewhere in the $20,000 range. And, this small NE Nevada town actually has a Toyota dealership, too. Never bought a Toyota before. There's a Toyota(which also sells Chrysler products), a Ford, and the combined GM store with the whole lot of GM products under their umbrella here in Elko. The Toyota dealership is only about a half mile from my work, too.

Could there be a Toyota FT-86 lurking in my future?

[SUPRAtruc2JZGE]

I wish this sedan will given to Subaru since it famous as Sedan STI. Coupe FT86 should be kept as Celica or Corolla as Ae86 original style. If Subaru or Toyota want to change the whole thing then so be it.