Saturday July 24, 2010 04:18
A representative from 7tune was recently invited to a Toyota press day for G’s, the sports vehicle oriented arm of Toyota Japan. They were given access to Toyota’s innermost engineers and sports department managers. Naturally, the FT-86 topic came up quickly. This is what they have shared with us here [full details].
Summary:
– 20 min. Q&A with Dr. Shigeyuki Hori, Project General Manager for the Sports Vehicle Management division and Kazuo Okino, Group manager for the same division
– FT-86 development schedule is on time (confirmed categorically) and alleged release delays (until 2013) are false
– Toyota reiterated its intent to release the car by the previously appointed date, in November 2011
– Development is 50% complete
– Target price remains steady for mid-level spec FT-86 – approximately 2.5 million yen (approximate $29,000 USD) for Japan Market
– No decision yet on turbocharging
– Production version overall body shape and design will remain virtually unchanged from concept model
– No hybrid version being considered (whew!)
>> [FULL DISCUSSION HERE] <<