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More details about the new sportscar that is being jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru have emerged.

Subaru is planning to aim its version of the car at the sub-£20k performance market traditionally dominated by hot hatches and cheap roadsters like the Mazda MX-5 when it goes on sale in 2011.

As previously reported, the car will be a compact, rear-driven two-seater, with power coming from a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine with close to 200bhp.

"Subaru developing the basic platform, chassis and engine of the car, while Toyota concentrates on the design and engineering of the car’s cabin."

Taking the strongest assets of each company and combining them in to one car should make for an interesting vehicle.

To be honest, I can't see this being badged Supra by Toyota (as reported), as surely it doesn't fit the ethos of previous generations of that car.  I would suggest this to be more like a Celica replacement if anything. 

I agree with TegTypeR on the name subject. But the article does not say if this is going to be a turbocharged or a normally aspirate engine.

if it has 2 seats and is aimed at MX-5, MR2 is probably the most appropriate name

I'm not to sure about this one. Part of the 'Subaru Character' is having AWD and being able to drive in the wet like you would in the dry. I just hope that the weight is kept down, and the boxer 4 still has the trade mark burble.

asciimo:

if it has 2 seats and is aimed at MX-5, MR2 is probably the most appropriate name

MR2 actually has a meaning - Midship Runabout 2seat.  This car does not have that configuration so it is doubtful that they would use that name.

Mind you as a Mercedes and BMW have proved, badging and their real meaning stand for nothing anymore.

I just think its a shame Subaru aren't doing the interior -  their 'farm car chic' would look good in a two seat cabin...

DelgadosKnee:

I just think its a shame Subaru aren't doing the interior -  their 'farm car chic' would look good in a two seat cabin...

Already been done.  The Subaru SVX.

Picture courtesy of:

www.joyproperties.com