An insider at the Toyota R&D center has finally revealed that the upcoming Subaru-Toyota compact sports car (codenamed 086A) will feature a body similar to that of the Lexus LF-A prototype, which was recently seen at the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Apparently there will be one body style of the car, with only slightly variations between the Toyota and Subaru versions. Some of these possible variations include the head/tail light treatment, different badging, and a different front grille. It’s also been revealed that the front-engine real wheel drive 086A coupe will feature a 2+2 seating style. (4 person capacity)

Reports also indicate that Toyota is strongly trying to keep the car under the 2 million yen price barrier, which equates to just over $20,000 USD. With that being said, if this car is truly brought to North America, it will be a huge success.

No mention of TRD has been announced yet (Toyota Racing Development), however the insider reports that Subaru is definitely going to produce an STi version of the 086A! They also went on to say that we can expect an STi version of the sports car regardless if Toyota decides to make a TRD version or not. Therefore, Subaru appears to have made it a priority to introduce a true RWD sports car into their lineup.

As one can imagine, this is excellent news for the Subaru community, something in which fans can look forward to. However, whatever happened to Subaru’s AWD-only stance?

The following specifications list of the 086A has also surfaced:

Toyota/Subaru Compact FR 086A Specifications

Engine: EJ20 Direct Injection Gasoline 4 Cylinder
Capacity: 1994cc
Power: 200PS
Torque: 20.0kg/m
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Wheelbase: 2470mm
Total Length: 4200mm
Total Width: 1750mm
Total Height: 1300mm
Weight: 1200kg
Cost: 2,000,000 JPY

In addition, it appears that the first incarnation of the 086A was spotted in 2005 at the Nürburgring. At the time, sources claimed it was an IS500 prototype. However, it’s now been disclosed that it was one of the first 086A prototypes to hit the road, featuring a V6 motor, as Toyota was playing with the idea of introducing an entry level FR sports car.

[ Source: 7Tune ]

One of my readers recently tipped me off about some 3D rendered drawings they found on one of the forums.

A user by the name of Grid has come up with several 3D renderings of what he thinks the new STi should look like. And guess what? I agree with him. The car’s stance is stunning, and the aggressive body styling is incredible. (Not to mention, it reminds me of a Lotus Espirit)

Unfortunately, who knows if Subaru will ever come out with something that looks even remotely close to this. As we know, the current STi is based off the base-model Impreza, known to many as a simple economy car. This is one of the reasons behind Subaru’s recent use of more plastic in the interiors of their vehicles. (Something which many enthusiasts complain about) In addition, it’s also their supporting reason to retain 4 doors.

I’ve put up some additional pictures on this post, all of which can be found after the break.

[ Source: 3dluvr.com ]

It appears that the joint effort between Toyota and Subaru is still up and running. Their latest concept, codenamed “086A” is the creation of a FR (front engine, rear wheel drive) sports coupe. The car is set to feature a rear wheel drive conversion, powered by Subaru’s infamous 2.0 liter turbocharged boxer engine.

Many speculations have pointed out that this appears to be Toyota’s move to get back into the performance industry, and perhaps building upon the success of the AE86 Corolla.

Many rumors blamed the production delay on the current economic crisis. Although according to Subaru, this is not affecting any production runs. Although what we have learned in recent weeks is that Subaru is going to build the new Toyobaru in their existing Gunma plant in Japan. Apparently, recent plans to construct a new assembly facility have fallen through.

Sources also tell us that the Toyobaru is going to adopt Toyota’s new D-4S direct injection system. As you can imagine, we’re curious to see how this plays out with Subaru 2.0 liter, and if Subaru will eventually adopt direct injection themselves.

The A-Line is a more accessible, comfy version of the WRX STI meant to attract more distinguishing and less dedicated customers to Subaru. It features Subaru’s 2.5 liter Boxer engine, coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission trademarked by Subaru as the SPORTSHIFT.

Comfort comes by way of an 8-directional electronically adjustable driver’s seat with optional leather seats and leather trim on the inner door paneling highlighted with silver stitching. A new color, “Satin White Pearl”, is also made available in the A-Line.

But this WRX STI A-Line’s still got the boogie. That 2.5 liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine comes with 300 hp and 350 Nm of torque. A single scroll turbocharger helps the engine produce a steady stream of torque within a mid-rev to high-rev range.

And there is lots of technology to keep this Subaru humming with speed and comfort. A Downshifting Blipping Control allows the automatic transmission to have a quick chat with the engine management system to increase engine speed while downshifting gears in order to have as smooth a shift as possible.

The VTD (Variable Torque Distribution) AWD system provides electronic control of torque distribution between the rear and front axles dependent on driving conditions to maintain a keen sense of balance on the road for this WRX STI.

There’s also a Tumble Generation Valve that controls air intake for maximum combustion efficiency under the hood.

Good to hear the new news, Subaru. Hope to see you around again soon.

More pictures after the break.

[ Source: WorldCarFans.com ]

Well folks, it seems that Toyota has made the decision to halt production of the Subieota, a possible RWD sports car that was going to be built through a partnership between Subaru and Toyota.

No official reason was given on the decision, although we suspect the downturn in the US automotive economy certainly has something to do with it. Toyota spokesman Hideaki Homaa declined to elaborate when asked about setting any dates, but did reveal that the car won’t be seen until 2012 or later. In the mean time, it looks like we have a few more years to mock up some drawings of what we think the end result will be.

One thing that should be noted is Toyota nearly doubled it’s share in Fuji Heavy Industries this past April, coming out to a current total of 16.5%.

Now if only Toyota would let Subaru throw in a JDM twin-scroll 2.0 liter, then we’d have a real performance car. (and of course let North America finally get a shot at the JDM 2.0 liter)

[ Source: Bloomberg.com ]

The Subaru Mountain Rescue Forester has been featured at several auto shows across the US so far, and we figured we’d post some more pictures of it. It was recently featured at our local New England International Auto Show which was held at the Boston Convention Center in Boston, MA. (for those who don’t know, STi Blog is semi New England based)

We don’t have many words to describe this beast, although we think it would be really cool if Ski patrols and other businesses were to adopt a Subaru vehicle outfitted such as this one.

More pictures can be found after the break. Please note, these pictures are super-duper high quality!