latest from my connection..
 

one of the members from the other sites that's got connections in both the CALTY and ED2 design studios says he got a return email from ED2, he is going to post it this morning. Sounds like I was correct in my assumption::party0030:

Nemesis- I think you are right on. I actually got an email back from one of the designers from ED2 that was involved with the FT-86 I will post some info tomorrow on my theory

I'll keep you guys posted...

So you were correct on assuming someone else's theory. Don't know how that works. Anyway, we still just need to wait and see what the final outcome is.

remember, IF the 7tune article was credible (and actually I've read other unsubstantiated articles say this also over the last 6 months)... it is saying the Subie version (IF they even make one, and IF it is sold in the country you're in) will be RWD and look EXACTLY like the Toyo version except for a badge!

That would be another big disappointment, but not entirely unexpected. It would seem strange if they both sold exactly the same vehicle in a same country... wonder who would get the most sales? and I guess you could get factory performance parts for the car from either brand?

uh....no. I was correct in my assumption that this article was started based on the MR2 hybrid pics, this has never been anyone else's "theory", I discovered this lastnight when I found the photos in my saved pictures...

Can I just say one thing?

This shit is confusing.

Ah, gotcha. Thanks for the clarification. Continue on.

I laughed so hard, people from other offices came over to check on me!

summary:
1. this rumor was started by a magazine that also gave a photo saying that the original design for the FT-86, the ED2(the one shown in this website's header) was canned for a different design.
2. It was discovered later on that this article appears to be based on some old toyota released photos of a car they dubbed "Hybrid MR2".
3. Currently we have not gotten anything confirmed, but the majority of people, with connections, seem to think this is all a publicity stunt to get the magazine attention. I am waiting on my source to post an email from a designer at ED2 to confirm (hopefully) that the ED2 is the final version.

hope this helps.

we are waiting!!!

I know....:bonk::mad0259:


that's the problem with these inside guys. They know everything and we only know when they can find time to tell us. I think he is a reporter from Japan, so I am not sure what time it is there....but as soon as I see something I will let you know. I THINK it is safe to say that this is all BS, seeing as he agreed with my assumption...I'll let you know.

Note that the post he last made(that I put in my previous post-red) was sent around 5am US central time and he said he would post more "tomorrow"...

Yes, thank you.

As much as I really, really hope this is some sort of "hoax" I'm still very open to another design as long as the concept/idea remains.

I would.

That car is much larger than what the FT-86 is supposed to be. Completely contradicts the design direction.

I'm with OldSkool on this one. I think this looks too chubby and heavy. The whole direction with the FT-86 was supposed to be that it was lightweight...:thumbdown:

well maybe they want to see what other people think of a different design.

Perhaps at the nest auto show, the next concept is shown and it looks even better, who knows.

only time will tell...

why cant toyota just use this as their model and just do very little modifications to it. This would solve everything, everyone goes home happy, and Toyota once again becomes king of the world,:happyanim::happyanim:

http://www.mkiv.com/mkiv_gallery/mki...e/supra-02.jpg

http://www.jscspeed.com/rides/projec...supra_main.jpg

??? :iono:

Anyone know which of Toyota's design studios penned the production LF-A?

Looks like the original 2005 LF-A design was done in-house... but I couldn't find which studio... "The overall design was the work of car stylists led by Lexus Design general manager Kengo Matsumoto."

The final edition being "A true "clean-sheet" design, the Lexus LFA was created by a small, passionate and dedicated team of engineers whose achievement has been to push the boundaries of technologies materials and engineering at every stage to produce a car like no other to have carried the Lexus badge."

In the words of Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi: "The Lexus LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve a single goal - to deliver a supreme driving experience. Over the past decade we have pushed every boundary in pursuit of this goal and I believe we have created the most driver-orientated car we possibly could."

I have a new test for Lexus. Take the LF-A annnndddddddd make it about $325,000 cheaper.

aka: a cheaper LS-F coupe.

All of these concept cars (i.e., FT-HS, FT-86, MR2) look very similar to me. They differ, ever so slightly, by hood overhang and front fascia...

Whatever finally comes out will still be as good or disapointing as it was ever going to be, so I am not particularly concerned...

^^^ This is a very good idea...

looks like a smiling miata :|

I got nuttin!
 

Here is what the guy said about his contact with ED2.

Ok ok... Since I am running behind with things at work here is what he sent me from ED2...

Quote:
i have no idea this is first time I heard this . if its true i am sincerely
sorry as toyota had no risk in going this direction.in my opinion as
everybody liked it.

well lets hope in best .
So we cant really deny the rumors... But I think pretty much all design firms work on one project and then move on to the next. They don't really sit around on one project.

Sounds like even the designers are in the dark to corporate's final decisions. Still, the majority of people say this is BS. Sorry that this wasn't conclusive guys...:sigh::bonk:

....well thanks for the info, it just seems to me, that if at this point there is this much oposition to this design that toyota would scrap it. If toyota trolls these forums or is in tune to the community at all you'd have to think that this would get their attention.

I think everyone should email Toyota at toyota_cares@toyota.com and express your opinions and thoughts. A lot of cars from the Calty designed center looks like shit. I would hate for the FT-86 to turn out looking like crappy.

Damn the calty stuff does suck - i needed to register and say that!

I know the platform is the important part of the car but the looks do really help... With some luck the production version stays pretty close to the ED-2 Design and i'll be v. happy

that MR2 hybrid render also looks a lot like the Calty FT-HS as shown on the Road & Track February 2007 cover ...

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8733/fthsmag.png

^^ Not bad. Looks like an LF-A front though. The wheels look horrible imo too.

Meh. Maybe you're right. I was just thinking that the profile of that car looked nice. Now that I look at it, it really doesn't make sense with the whole idea of the car..

I'm still hoping that Toyota will make the FT-HS.

im sure that the ft-86 design is the final concept, they probably do minor changes. :popcorn:

yeh why would they present it to the world then to change in a month or so later even thought it got great reviews from everyone and postivie feed back.

It's important that everyone get a chance to state their opinion, whether it's repetative or not. Free Trade is majority rule. It's important that toyota be able to see how many people want certain things when they scan these sites.:thumbsup:

if everyone could only post their opinion without it being repetetive then each thread would end with 4 posts, "Yes", "No", "Maybe" and Godwin's Law

In that case, I'd just like to say I like the ED2 design more. You know its a good design when you have reoccurring dreams about driving THAT car.

I often get on here and see a thousand or so guests, I wouldn't be surprised if there's Toyota employees following this forum carefully so I hope they see these opinions.

Just to give you an example of how some companies react to these sites: when I was waiting for my Sky Redline to be built. Some people had gotten their skys and were commenting that the stick shift on manuals would shake when you weren't holding it and the engine was running. I, and a few others, made a thread stating that "...we thought (this) was cheap and that we had expected more from this car..." and someone from GM "leaked" a 3-D diagram of a control arm that was designed to reduce this shake. When mine was made a few months later, no shake. Keep the faith and keep stating the things you like and dislike. Companies today have learned the value of keeping up with their customers on the net. What better place to go to find out what the future buyers of this car expect then websites where these same future buyers gather and talk about what they want, right?

In that case....I really like the current concept's design:

The notch in the hood and fender is a nice touch.

I like the way the front bumper isn't a smooth curve but has nice creases in it. looks unique.

I love the rear tail light section.

I hope the diffuser makes it to production as well as the driver's pod area.

There's really not a whole lot I don't like with this car. It's fine as is.

Maybe change the wheels up but that won't matter too much since I'll probably buy new ones along with suspension right off the bat anyway....I'd like to have the option to downgrade the wheels to the cheapest ones available and get a $500 credit so I won't have to spend more for something I'm getting rid of anyhow.

If I could, I'd buy this car on blocks...lol

So you got the dealer pick-up, BYOW (bring your own wheels)

wouldnt that be cool though. just to give the dealer your wheels and not have to pay for the factory ones.

Email sent.

I've actually emailed them about the FT-86 before. Though that was more of a generic "PLEASE BUILD IT" email. :)

Email sent

I doubt anyone actually even read it and I got and automatic reply. This is what is said.

"Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. We appreciate your consideration and hope to have your email addressed as quickly as possible. Our current office hours are Monday through Friday from 5 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 7 AM to 4 PM Pacific Time. If you need immediate assistance, we recommend you contact the Customer Relations Manager at your local Toyota dealership."