Japanese Cars 1

Upcoming Toyota/ Subaru Coupe Loses 40 HP

There have been so many rumors about Toyota/ Subaru's upcoming RWD coupes. The latest reports are claiming that the 086A coupe is going to get a significant power drop to make it more economical with lower emissions and to be be branded as an "eco car" in Japan.

The 2.0L boxer four-cylinder is now expected to put out around 160 hp, which is 40 less than earlier reports. Even though the engine's power is being downgraded, Toyota and Subaru have managed to cut the vehicle's weight, boosting the power-to-weight ratio. Subaru no longer sells the 2.0L boxer engine in any of its US-spec models, so hopefully the US-spec 086A will also be powered by the 2.5L instead of the de-powered 2.0L.

The coupe is expected to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this fall, but these latest reports now make it seem like the "green" movement has stepped in and the overall buyer demographic is now going to be older than originally planned. Toyota and Subaru have reportedly revised their marketing plans to target the 30-50 year old target market. Many people in this age range will probably remember the old AE86 Corolla.

The production version is expected to be released by the end of 2011.

Toyota May Revive the Celica Name for its Upcoming RWD Coupe

Toyota recently unveiled a concept version of its new rear-wheel-drive coupe in Tokyo. The production version that is the result of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru is expected to go on sale some time in 2012. Toyota hasn't announced what the official name will be for the coupe, but according to Autocar, the coupe could be named the Celica.

The concept is currently badged FT-86, but the latest rumors are suggesting that Toyota is currently evaluating the Celica name since it has a long history.

Photos of Toyota's FT-86 Concept

Here are some more photos of Toyota's FT-86 Concept, thanks to ft86club that is set to debut in Tokyo.

Honda Releases Interior

Tokyo 09' Preview: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon...Ok?

Subaru is going to unveil the Impreza WRX STI Carbon at the Tokyo Motor Show next month, but some of the details of the car make you wonder...why? The WRX STI is supposed to be the halo performance car for the Impreza brand, so when Subaru decides to put a carbon fiber roof on this edition, we say..great! It will lower the total weight and center of gravity, which means better performance. But wait... Now for some reason Subaru has decided to add a 5-speed automatic to this version...why?? An automatic? Really?? That makes no sense at all! Also who really cares about suede seats?

Tokyo 09' Preview: Mazda to Debut Next-Gen SKY Powertrains and Kiyora Concept

Mazda has released official images of its next-generation SKY powertrains and the Kiyora concept that will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.

The SKY-D' diesel engine, SKY-G' direct injection gasoline engine and SKY Drive' high-efficiency automatic transmission define "Mazda's approach to developing next-generation powertrains that will significantly improve the eco-friendliness and dynamic performance of all Mazda vehicles."

In addition to the new more efficient engines and transmissions debuting at the show, the Kiyora concept is Mazda's newest take an an eco-friendly, but fun to drive car. It's powered by the next-generation Mazda SKY-G 1.3 engine mated to the new six-speed Mazda SKY-Drive automatic transmission. The Kiyora concept achieves fuel economy numbers of 32 kilometers per liter and its compact body weighs 100 kilograms less than Mazda's current mass production model in the same segment.