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Toyota's new rear-wheel drive sports coupe could be called the Celica, autocar.co.uk has learned.

The concept version of the car, which is being co-developed by Toyota and Subaru and which is due to go on sale in 2012, was unveiled at this week's Tokyo motor show.

The concept, badged FT-86 in homage to the Toyota Corolla AE-86 GT, is being developed to increase the company's credibility among young Japanese buyers.

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 I thought low bonnets were illegal these days?

beachland2:

 I thought low bonnets were illegal these days?

Not necessarily with a naturally aspirated boxer engine under the hood!

beachland2:

 I thought low bonnets were illegal these days?

You’re referring to pedestrian protection right? Low bonnets aren’t illegal it’s just that you need a certain amount of room under them before the headform (yeah right!) hits something. Flat-4s are lower. It’s more complex than that anyway. I can’t work out the various target areas just by looking at it I’m afraid.

Low bonnets aren't illegal, as mentioned above they just make it harder to meet the new pedestrian requirements. Manufacturers like Citroen (C6), Jaguar (XK/XF) and Nissan (GTR) use pyrotechnic bonnets that raise if an impact is detected; allowing them to design less space under the bonnet and have it lower.

Autocar:

Toyota's new rear-wheel drive sports coupe could be called the Celica,

 

 Dont care if they call it Celica , Semootha , or Sa nice a , as long as they make it. A rose by any other name ....

 It seems like a cross between an MR2 and a Celica... .... Its nearly mid engined according to the article (front-mid), so surely MR2 is closer to being correct.

 

Its much more similar to the MR2 two generations ago rather than the last gen one.... hmmmm.

 

Nigelo:

 It seems like a cross between an MR2 and a Celica... .... Its nearly mid engined according to the article (front-mid), so surely MR2 is closer to being correct.

How many 4 seat MR2 were made?

MR2 is a lightweight car, celica and are bigger and heavier just as this new car is. its 1200kgs, thats family car weight.

There will be something smaller and 2 seater for an MR2 replacement. About 1000kgs or so...

 

 

 

Must be a VERY clever engine if it can be 'cited'

I'm sorry, but the name "Celica" just reminds me of middle of the road 4 seat coupes... This thing looks brilliant. They should have the balls to give it a new name.

beachland2:

How many 4 seat MR2 were made?

Hence the fact I said it was a cross between an celica and an MR2.  More haste to be cheeky, less speed to be clever.

 

looking back through the previous generations of celicas, its been interesting looking at how its evolved... Quite a few generations show very big changes in direction for the car.

I don't see an MR2 coming... this new coupe seems more like a catch-all.  If it was heavier, say 1400kg, like a RX8, then maybe there'd be more room in the model range.  But look at the mazda mx5, its still weighs in at around 1100kg.

 

Still, you never know for sure!

 

All the statements which have originated from Autocar's HQ, or camp if they prefer that, declare it to be a show stealer or almost an equivalent; whereas, all the pictures which have been made available suggest that this vehicle has the potential to look a lot better than the way it already does. If this feeling is down to bad photography, then I can only say that they should try to find a person interested in doing justice to the Toyota brand. On the other hand, if it looks just the same in reality too, then if people at Toyota are planning to make it a permanent part of their line up, it really has the potential to evolve into an enticing proposition which at the moment has the potential but needs a more level headed approach to styling.