Well let me share something with you people now that I am allowed to. A few weeks ago I was approached by Toyota Australia with a query if I am interested to participate in a google+ hangout with Tada-san and a few other members from leading outlets from Australia (such as magazines, websites etc). Needles to say I accepted
It happened on Wednesday the 11th of April around noon. Tada-san joined us and held a talk about the car, which really showed his passion for the 86. One of the things I have learned from this (from what we were told) is that he has the Orange 86 with the spoiler from the 2nd prototype. He clearly loves the car, you could see the pride in his face
There was question and answer time at the end of his speech. Now you can view the video for your self on Toyota Australia YouTube channel and Facebook, and see the questions and answers. I wont go in to too many details my self, as I was jotting it down as he was speaking, and my handwriting is horrendous (literally looks like a crow was scratching at the page, I cant read half of it)
Jist of it is, this car has been conceived in 2007, when Toyota was discussing how to bring a profitable, efficient sports car that is very usable. From this, the project of pure passion was formed.
Targets were set, one of which was weight being no more than 1200kg. Now this is something that is very difficult to achieve, in this day and age with all of the safety regulations for a high production low cost car. And from a engineering point of view, the fact that the rear seats fold down to full access while the car is clearly very stiff (from the many videos) is a feat of its own.
The 2L NA engine was a great challenge from scratch. There were issues between Toyota and Subaru with respect to direct injection. From what I understand, Subaru didnt think that it was such a great route, and Toyota was doubting the efficiency the boxer could make. The engine configuration was a obvious choice for its low center of gravity. So they decided to build one prototype and test. Both sides were surprised and astonished by the results and from there they gained more respect and trust in the joint venture.
My moment came when I asked if the engine and gearbox take kindly to forced induction. Basically the answer I got was that more testing is needed (the connection on my side was actually bad and I missed a few things he said)
With respect to the future, they said that Subaru and Toyota will work together on this car rather than going separate ways and anything is possible.. a convertible, a sedan, anything really, but it all depends on demand from the public.
One interesting thing to note was that this car was extensively tested in Australia, which confuses me because for all the spottings *and sightings, I do not remember a single one from oz. Then again, this is a big open country with many thousands of kilometers of isolated freeway..
Again, I jotted this down quickly, so I am not entirely sure its 100% accurate, but you can see the video for your self.
I just want to add that Tada-san made a GREAT car and that Toyota has done us proud. They kept their promises so far and they are about to deliver a car that will fill a void that has been in Australian market for years now. Lets hope that they keep true to their word and that Toyota Australia truly sells this as a AFFORDABLE sports car, like the rest of the world has.
So check out the video on Toyota Australia Facebook Page and YouTube Channel
Cheers
Tony
(I will edit this with links to videos when they become available)