TOKYO: The FT-86 II is a driver-oriented concept car from Toyota, and is due to go on sale next year.
The FT-86 II concept’s muscular body work has been made as compact as possible. It has a long, 2,570mm wheelbase, is 4,235mm long, 1,795mm wide and just 1,270mm high.
Rather than relying on a heavy, large displacement powertrain for its performance, the FT-86 II returns to Toyota’s sporting roots by combining a free-revving boxer petrol engine and a 6-speed manual transmission with compact dimensions, light weight and a low centre of gravity for the best possible power-to-weight ratio.
Both powertrain and driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to optimise balance, high speed stability and dynamic agility.
Since Toyota began the development of its 2-cylinder boxer engined Sports 800 in 1962, the company has maintained a long history of creating driver-focused sports cars that have proved as popular with the public as they have been successful in competition.
The 2000 GT helped establish the company’s global reputation as a sports car maker.
The legendary Corolla Levin AE86 was in fact the inspiration behind the latest Toyota sports car concept.