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Toyota has confirmed its plans to build a “fun-to-drive” rear-wheel drive sportscar in a joint venture with Subaru.

Dubbed the ‘Toyobaru’, new Toyota president Akio Toyoda said it would be launched within the next few years and it would be “an exciting and fun driving experience”, as well as being affordable.

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"Speaking at a conference in the US, Toyoda said: “My hope is that I can transfer some enthusiasm from the race track to our road vehicles. I want to see Toyota build cars that are fun and exciting to drive"

Excellent, at last an interesting Toyota!  The signs were there though when Toyoda took tenureship of the motor company considering his involvement with the LF-A.

Hopefully, the new found enthusiasm will filter its way in to the rest of the range.  How about a Prius T Sport?

TegTypeR:

How about a Prius T Sport

 

I don't think any modification can ever make the Prius a sporty car lol :)

Although I do admit that the strengths of Toyota and Subaru (boxer engine, great handling with AWD, and good build quality) does sound enticing, I can't help but feel that something about the car will be wrong (such as too much fuel consumption, not enough design flair etc)...but of course, the new president might change how the cars are developed, so it will be interesting to see how this will turn out.

I probably still won't ever own an asian car though

Considering the massive following the AE86 still has after 20+ years, it's about time they got around to a replacement!

 

 

"This is fun! I wish that Toyota could make cars like this again!"

Keiichi Tsuchiya

 

Christian Galea:

I probably still won't ever own an asian car though

Controversial?!

I'm keen on the whole thing. Reliable and fun RWD cars...that may not cost the world either.

No immediate downside...

 

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At last a return of the Celica (or similar). Sounds like a great combination, Subaru engines and handling with Toyota build quality and reliability. If it really is affordable and fun it should sell like hot-cakes. Let's hope that Mr Toyoda really can inject some fun in more, if not all, the range in future.

An attractive Subaru? Surely a contradiction in terms?

I think Toyota can probably make up ground in Japan and UK. But it will depends how the new car is to compete with the new Genesis coupe that Hyundai offers in the States. Aside from the weight. The genesis coupe is Cheap, Look alright and fun to drive rear drive coupe. This is coming from a real Genesis coupe owner. Just not too happy about Hyundai handicapping the 2.0 Turbo.