Here is an interview with Kosuke Kubo, the Toyota Design Division Assistant Manager, from the Geneva autoshow debut of the Toyota FT-86 II Concept car. We’ve seen and heard plenty of this concept already, but Mr. Kubo touches on many points that make FR-S/FT-86 enthusiasts as fanatical as we are.

He mentions the importance of driving emotion, balance between man and machine for an enjoyable driver’s experience, functional beauty/styling, accessibility and mod-ability. Check out the VIDEO INSIDE.

You’ve seen the photos of the prototype, now see it in motion. Nothing is more telling than a clear hi-res video, and we’ve got the first one of the Scion FR-S / Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216a test mule [video].

Despite all the higher resolution photos we posted in the last few days, this video is the best look yet at the car. Its camouflage’s masking effect seems to be diminished once put into motion.

Check out the video HERE!

HERE are some fresh photos from the Nurburgring where the Scion FR-S / Toyota FT-86 production prototype is being tested. But this particular test mule loses some camouflage and bares some aggressive bodywork – the front lower bumper, sideskirts, and rear valence. There’s also a high wing spoiler attached, which we had not seen on the previous spied test prototype.

We thought the high wing spoiler might indicate that this is the Subaru 216a (Subaru’s version of the FR-S / FT-86), but the FT-86 nameplate logo still appears on the front quarter panel of the car (cropped zoom on this is below). So the high wing could simply hark back to the days of the Toyota Supra. Despite that, this could possibly still end up being the Subaru version we’re looking at. [Full Set of Photos]


We’ve just posted even better and clearer photos of the Scion FR-S / Toyota FT-86 prototype out testing. The clearer photos and additional angles, as well as more zoomed crops on details, gives us the best look yet at the bodywork underneath.

See INSIDE for the full set of new spy photos.

We bring you the first photos of the latest Scion FR-S / Toyota FT-86 production test mule! It compares most closely to the FT-86 II Concept car rather than the recently revealed Scion FR-S. What’s curious is that it wears 17″ Subaru/Enkei wheels.

Check INSIDE for discussions and full photo set.

Toyota EU has officially reconfirmed certain production FR-S / FT-86 engine and drivetrain specs via a new press release:

The 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated engine is the result of a joint development between Subaru and Toyota, bringing together their technical know-how and passion for sports cars. Subaru brings its newly developed horizontally opposed boxer engine while Toyota adds its D-4S technology (direct injection combined with port injection). This results in increased horsepower and torque without sacrificing fuel consumption and environmental performance.

The flat-four engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual will offer quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission will feature sporty shifts controlled by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifts. Power will be distributed effectively to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.

Based on an entirely new front-engined and rear-wheel drive platform the production model will offer the driver confident stability and manoeuvrability, while still being quick and nimble into and out of any corner.

The FT-86 final production model will be realised around the idea of unique balance thanks to its compact dimensions, light weight design and low centre of gravity ensuring the best possible power-to-weight ratio and resulting in an intrinsic joy of driving.

We have posted a video showcasing the official sounds of the Scion FR-S / Toyota FT-86 concept cars (specifically of the Toyota FT-86 II Concept shown at the 2011 Geneva Autoshow).

The sound should be the same or very similar for all three Scion FR-S / FT-86 concept cars since they all feature the same Boxer engine and likely exhaust setup. Official sounds clips are from the official Toyota FT-86 II Concept Site. View/hear the VIDEO HERE.

We’re happy to bring you the first video showing the full Scion FR-S Concept press concept reveal at the 2011 NY International Auto Show, held yesterday. We hope you enjoy and share in the excitement we had yesterday at the first viewing of the Scion FR-S concept!

You can catch the Scion FR-S Concept press conference video HERE.