I was on hand last week at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and was able to capture some more undercarriage photos of the car. This is my second occassion seeing the FT-86 concept coupe in person and it was no less exciting or attractive this time. There simply were no other cars at the motor show which matched the FT-86’s size, sporty nature, and potential as a serious sports coupe in its intended price range. Enjoy the photos.

It’s been a while since the last FT-86 G-sport concept sighting, but it has now been spotted in Australia. It has arrived in Australia and will be displayed at the Australian International Motor Show starting Friday, October 15. Stay tuned for photos from the show.

Is THIS the manual transmission unit for the upcoming FT-86 coupe? One of our forum members obtained these photos from someone claiming to be working on the drivetrain for the FT-86. Pictured is an Aisin Ai manual transmission unit. On it are the words “FT86”. It’s certainly possible that Aisin Ai is working with Toyota on developing the FT-86’s drivetrain. Time will tell if this is indeed the FT-86 transmission!

Now why didn’t anyone think of this earlier!  Instead of relying on hearsay from the bevy of automotive publications and websites FT-86 rumors and speculations, forum member nate89 simply e-mailed Toyota USA to lobby that the car be brought to market.  This was Toyota’s response:

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
We appreciate your interest in the FT-86!
Please note: Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru, have jointly develop a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car that will utilize Subaru’s “boxer” engine technologies and is targeted to be brought to market by the end of 2011.

Sure, the response may be a general response sent to all inquiries regarding the FT-86, but at the very least it still officially refers to a target market introduction date “by the end of 2011.”  This debunks the previous panic inducing rumors floating around the internet that the FT-86 was delayed until 2013 or even cancelled. [DISCUSSIONS HERE]

Subaru continues to maintain that their version of the FT-86 is still in the works and will come to market. The following just came from Automotive News.

So it’s not new info, but like the recent spy photos, it’s more support that the Subaru FT-86 model equivalent continues development towards eventual production.  [DISCUSS HERE]

There’s a report coming out of Carsguide that a sedan version of the FT-86 has also been given the green light. The reasoning behind this move is to act as an insurance policy to cover potential shortfalls in FT-86 coupe sales. No specific source was named other than a “source close to Toyota.”

This does make some sense to us as the platform, powertrain, and mechanicals from the FT-86 would be already developed and easily adapted to a sedan model based on the same, which can potentially increase overall sales for Toyota based off of just one platform.

> Discussions and Report INSIDE.

It’s been a long while since we’ve seen any sightings of Subaru’s version of the FT-86. The last time was this VIDEO and PHOTO. But this time the Subaru FT-86 has been spotted testing in the US Southwest! And it appears to be the STi version!

This test car is still wearing the bizarre bodywork spotted on the previous test mules, but the one main visual difference is the prominent hood bump. Normally that would be to clearance a top-mounted intercooler, or a supercharger, but we’re pretty sure we can see a front-mounted intercooler peaking out from the lower fascia opening. This is likely the STI-spec powertrain/chassis mule!

[Full set of photos here]

HERE is a video one of our members kindly sent us. It shows the Toyota FT-86 concept being displayed at the Le Rendez-Vous Toyota showroom in the heart of Paris (located on the Champs-Elysees Avenue). The Paris motor show is right around the corner (first week of October) so perhaps the concept will be making an appearance (along with additional info hopefully).

For those of you who have not had the chance to see this showroom before, it’s a beautiful showroom located in a very heavily trafficked area of the Champs Elysees area with tons of locals and tourists passing at any given time.

This is some great exposure for the FT-86 in our opinion and it’s good to see the concept car making its way around the world! Click below for the video.