[West]

With the FT-86 making its debut at Geneva auto show tomorrow via a press conference it leaves us in the states a little depressed. No problem, you can watch the Geneva Auto Show 2010 press conferences live via the Web. You will have to get up early though, at 8:30AM MST the Toyota press conference will air via its live feeds, although I dont expect to hear anything breaking at this press conference. Stay tuned for live coverage as we update you with up to minute news!

Toyota

8:30am MST

Andrea Formica, Senior Vice-President European Sales & Marketing Toyota Motor Europe, presents the European Premieres of the RAV4 2010, of the Concept FT-EV II, of the Concept FT-86, of the Auris 2010 and of the Prius PHV. Andrea Formica, Senior Vice-President European Sales & Marketing Toyota Motor Europe, presents the World Premiere of the Auris Hybrid.

Toyota Video On Demand

Other LIVE Video feeds:
Live Press Conference 2

Live Press Conference 1


for more boring:

Subaru

7:45am MST

Mr Ikuo Mori, President and CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries, presents the European Premieres of the SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT and of the Plug-in STELLA. Mr Ikuo Mori, President and CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries, presents the World Premiere of the Subaru Impreza XV.

Subaru Video On Demand

[West]

Toyota Press Conference is Live!

Live Press Conference 1

[Exitspeed]

No sound at work. Please fill us in on any new details asap!

[West]

"We will introduce the FT-86 in early 2012"

Here is everything FT-86 related from Andrea Formica's announcement.

"Let me end on a different note. From the Celica, MR2 and the Supra, Toyota has created over time a heritage of exciting sports model. Now with this distinctive front engine FT-86 concept is ready to introduce the next generation of Toyota sports cars. It’s extremely light with a low center of gravity and this delivering instant precise response with even the slightest of steering input. When we introduce FT-86 in early in 2012 tt will bring real joy into the Toyota showrooms."

[Nemesis]

Awe-yah!

[Trueno]

That's awesome and all, but I was really hoping for late 2011 release maybe there is still hope for the US.

[Exitspeed]

Originally Posted by West

"We will introduce the FT-86 in early 2012"

Here is everything FT-86 related from Andrea Formica's announcement.

"Let me end on a different note. From the Celica, MR2 and the Supra, Toyota has created over time a heritage of exciting sports model. Now with this distinctive front engine FT-86 concept is ready to introduce the next generation of Toyota sports cars. It’s extremely light with a low center of gravity and this delivering instant precise response with even the slightest of steering input. When we introduce FT-86 in early in 2012 tt will bring real joy into the Toyota showrooms."

THIS is what I wanted to hear.

[Rok Bee]

Good news everyone, you only need to save $1000 a month for 23 months to buy your ft86. So sad, it could be TWO years before we can drive the ft86.

[Exitspeed]

Two years goes fast. I remember thinking that about the EVO coming over.

[Cwrigh25]

Early 2012 huh, that means they have to start building I am guessing mid 2011, so production model announcement can't be too far off.

[ej25ti]

God... I'm really hoping my 05 STi lasts that long... it's startin to have all kinds of mishaps! 0_o

[Cwrigh25]

Originally Posted by ej25ti

God... I'm really hoping my 05 STi lasts that long... it's startin to have all kinds of mishaps! 0_o

Like what? Thats only 5 years old, either its been beat on or subies don't last long. Which one, as I probably will end up owning an STI if the 216A doesn't come to America.

[ej25ti]

Originally Posted by Cwrigh25

Like what? Thats only 5 years old, either its been beat on or subies don't last long. Which one, as I probably will end up owning an STI if the 216A doesn't come to America.

ohh, it's been beat on! lol

[ra23celica]

Left hand drive build for continental Europe and the US of A usually follows a few months after right hand drive build commences, meaning there is the slightest of chances that Japan and Australia will have this car first and before the end of 2011. Woo hoo! I would guess that production will commence after the usual annual August plant shut-down for the Japanese holiday season, but in August 2011. A few months worth of build to create some stock ready for shipping and then we can get the party started!

[West]

Originally Posted by ra23celica

Left hand drive build for continental Europe and the US of A usually follows a few months after right hand drive build commences, meaning there is the slightest of chances that Japan and Australia will have this car first and before the end of 2011. Woo hoo! I would guess that production will commence after the usual annual August plant shut-down for the Japanese holiday season, but in August 2011. A few months worth of build to create some stock ready for shipping and then we can get the party started!

Thanks for the info! I was going to look into that kind of info. Was hoping it was the other way so the US would get it first Damn I'm selfish.

[Cwrigh25]

Originally Posted by West

Thanks for the info! I was going to look into that kind of info. Was hoping it was the other way so the US would get it first Damn I'm selfish.

Pssh pipe dream. I would shit bricks if we were the first ones to get something this awesome.

[ra23celica]

Originally Posted by West

"We will introduce the FT-86 in early 2012"

"

Nothing personal guys, I love you and all that, but what are we going to talk about now for the next two years???

[HyperFX]

Originally Posted by Rok Bee

Good news everyone, you only need to save $1000 a month for 23 months to buy your ft86. So sad, it could be TWO years before we can drive the ft86.

I hope Toyota offers 0% financing, Toyota loyalty incentives/new buyer to the brand incentives and release/introduce during the summer months to catch the eye of potential buyers. *don't forget the tv commercials during major sporting events!

[West]

Originally Posted by ra23celica

Nothing personal guys, I love you and all that, but what are we going to talk about now for the next two years???

Hahah, exactly. How do you think I feel, I started the site as ToySuby.com back in April 2008. Because I'm FN insane for this car and enjoy talking to myself about it haha.

There will be enough info to check back, no doubt there will be slow points. Although with the Toyota and the Subaru coming out, officially being released, details leaking, model variations, country details, tuners coming aboard, etc. It wont seem so boring.

[Cwrigh25]

Originally Posted by ra23celica

Nothing personal guys, I love you and all that, but what are we going to talk about now for the next two years???

Thats when off topic starts to blow up.

[ra23celica]

West & Cwrigh25, I was just having a little fun here. I am super keen for this car as well, and I think we have the right sort of people on this forum to 'bed down with' for the long haul and keep us going to the release date and beyond. I want this forum to the best FT-86 one on the planet and I will be bringing my A game to this site every time.

[Cwrigh25]

Originally Posted by ra23celica

West & Cwrigh25, I was just having a little fun here. I am super keen for this car as well, and I think we have the right sort of people on this forum to 'bed down with' for the long haul and keep us going to the release date and beyond. I want this forum to the best FT-86 one on the planet and I will be bringing my A game to this site every time.

Great to hear, that means you will be one of the OG members of what is to become one of the premier Ft-86/216A sites.

[West]

Originally Posted by ra23celica

West & Cwrigh25, I was just having a little fun here. I am super keen for this car as well, and I think we have the right sort of people on this forum to 'bed down with' for the long haul and keep us going to the release date and beyond. I want this forum to the best FT-86 one on the planet and I will be bringing my A game to this site every time.

ra23celica, glad to hear it sir! We hope to make this the best site indeed, and that cant be done without awesome users like yourself!

Anytime you feel something is going in a bad direction please voice your concern as I will listen to all input from users on how to make this community better.

[Exitspeed]

Originally Posted by ra23celica

Nothing personal guys, I love you and all that, but what are we going to talk about now for the next two years???

Damn, i never even thought of that.

Funny though there seems to be something new every couple weeks or so. If Toyota is smart (which I think they are)they will keep the hype machine well fueled.

[ra23celica]

I'm lost for words West - thank you. I will do my level headed best - starting now, to keep things ticking over here. Exitspeed - I can't see the hype fading, but we will all be a little older in two years time, that is guaranteed!

Now, my first range extender, and maybe it needs to start a new thread: Do we remember Toyota's press release annoucing their withdrawal from Formula 1?:

Toyota to Withdraw from F1
Tokyo - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) at the end of the 2009 season.
TMC, which had viewed its participation in F1 as contributing to the prosperity of automotive culture, remained dedicated to competing at the pinnacle of motor sports, even in the face of the abrupt economic changes that started last year. However, when considering TMC's motor-sports activities next year and beyond from a comprehensive midterm viewpoint reflecting the current severe economic realities, TMC decided to withdraw from F1.
TMC leaves F1 having compiled 13 podium and 87 point finishes over eight challenging seasons since 2002 with Panasonic Toyota Racing, a full-constructor team. It views its time in F1 - in which teams put forth their best efforts to fiercely compete at racing's highest level - as an irreplaceable experience that provided an opportunity to develop both human resources and its R&D operations. TMC expresses its deepest appreciation to its F1 fans and others for their warm support.
TMC also wants to express its heartfelt gratitude to all Panasonic Toyota Racing drivers to date and to all Toyota Motorsport GmbH employees who have helped make the team's achievements possible. TMC intends to do its best to find a solution for those parties who will be affected by any inconvenience this decision may cause.
Drawing on its experience in F1 and other motor sports, TMC intends to move forward in developing exciting production vehicles, such as the Lexus "LFA" supercar and compact rear-wheel-drive sports cars. In motor sports, it will not only race in various categories, but will also actively contribute to further development of motor sports by supporting grassroots races and planning events in which it is easy for people to participate.

Discuss: What does "supporting grassroots races and planning events in which it is easy for people to participate" mean for you?

[Cwrigh25]

Originally Posted by ra23celica

Discuss: What does "supporting grassroots races and planning events in which it is easy for people to participate" mean for you?

To me it means they will be focusing on sports that are more popular with the people who will be buying the Ft-86 and jumping on the current drift bandwagon.

[ra23celica]

I'm hoping that it means something like this:
- the Netz 1-make racing series in Japan, currently using the Yaris model, will make way for the FT-86;
- the FT-86 will have options and features that make it easier to prepare the car in order to compete in hillclimbs, circuit sprints (time attacks) and auto/motorkhana's; and
- that the car's detailed design has racing intentions in mind so that you don't have to butcher the thing to fit a roll cage, or first aid kit, fire extinguisher etc.