http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=8122
We've reported on this before, but we now have stronger evidence than ever that Toyota is getting back into the affordable sports-coupe game with an all-new model priced at around $20,000–$25,000. This front-engine/rear-drive 2-door will reincarnate the spirit of the 1983–1987 Corolla Levin/Trueno (AE86), a car that's still popular today, especially among drift enthusiasts. According to our friends at Best Car magazine, Toyota's code name for this future sports car is 086A. That it's so similar to AE86 is no coincidence.

Toyota is partnering with Subaru to bring this project to reality. In fact, most of the engineering seems to be coming from the company known for its all-wheel-drive rally cars. Powering the future coupe will be Subaru's 2.0-liter flat-4 equipped with a new direct-injection system, tuned to produce an impressive 200 bhp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. We predict the car will weigh about 2700 lb., so expect fairly quick acceleration times, probably around 6.0 sec. to 60 mph. The suspension will consist of MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup at the rear, with the chassis based on that of the Subaru Impreza and Legacy.

Toyota will mainly be in charge of the car's styling. Although both Toyota and Subaru versions will be offered, the two models won't look much different, apart from badging — think Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe.

The car is scheduled to appear sometime in 2011 or 2012. If this future car truly is a reincarnation of the AE86, Toyota and Subaru will have a big hit on their hands.

 

Looks like a Scion TC, not digging it.

 

First I heard they were doing it. Then I heard they scrapped it. Earlier today I read on AutoBlog that it's back on the drawing board. This needs to happen so bad. All I want is a lightweight, RWD hatch/coupe. I thought Hyundai was gonna do it but that thing weighs too much. What Mazda needs to do is release the Miata coupe in the states..

 

If you're talking about the Genesis Coupe from Hyundai, I agree. I test drove one and thought it was absolutely awful. Thing feels like a tank on wheels. Got to try both the turbo 4 and the 3.8 V-6. That car is just too big and heavy. Guess I'm just too used to my 8. But while many will disagree, I'm firmly in the camp that thinks lighter, less powerful cars are much easier/more fun to drive hard than havier, more powerful cars. I'd buy an MX-5 ahead of the Genesis in a heartbeat.

 

Amen! They are. So is it safe to assume the Subaru version will be AWD? A 2800lb turbo coupe with AWD smells a little like a modern-day DSM. That would be interesting.

 

Awe shucks. Why'd it have to be Macphersons up front?

 

Scion TC meets Prius. Toyota can't develop a sporty/sports coupe on their own so they get Subie to help. Sad state of affairs at Toyota.