Subaru's FT-86 STI Coupe Spied Testing In Southwest!

[Hachiroku]

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!

[Dimman]

Damned camouflage!

Could someone compare a regular STI side pic to side pic with this one?

I'm curious about the front overhang of the nose. Basically if this could be AWD?

Edit: To me the tightness of the fins make that look more like an aluminum rad than an IC, but since the hood scoop is blocked off,who can say?

[blur]

Wheels look great =)

[Calais]

well at least this is something new to talk about!

even though it looks like this i'd still wanna drive it!(not to mention i actualy kinda like the way it looks:/)

[Dimman]

Compare with:

[blur]

Actually, I just realized that this test mule is basically the new STI sedan, hacked in half at the middle, rear doors removed and taped up everywhere. The also cut a section of the rear fenders so it could fit the small size of the FT. Infact, you can clearly see the shoddy welding in the area behind the doors.

In other words, this car is not going to look anything like the pics above.

Wish we could get some actual pics already, sigh.

[Raiden]

atleast we know the ball is still rolling

[ichitaka05]

It's interesting to see they're using Forrester STI wheels (17x7 48mm) & Impreza 2.5i 2/1 pods brakes (or could be Legacy's 2/1 brakes) instead of WRX 4/2 pods brakes or Brembo 4/2 brakes. IDK why they're using WRX/STI hood, if they gonna tape it, use 2.5i instead. Also they're using sedan taillights instead of hatch taillight (hatch = euro lights, sedan = not euro lights).

[70NYD]

HAHA love the electric RED tape next to the tail light HAHA

[Dark]

Is it me or this car is AWD?

[70NYD]

its not AWD, look at the front wheels, you can see the hubs and u can see there the axle castle nuts are missing (unlike the rear where u can c them )
LOL i just had a funny thought.. the story was allways that the car will be on a modified impreza platform yeah?? well there it is, chopped in half is modified yeah haha.
and the front wheel overhang is proly gonna be less with the concept like bumper.. remember this is the mule, this is to test the engine, drivetrain and chassis, the skin isnt that important for this. and the thing sticking out the bottom of the bumper does look like a radiator more than a I/C
also why is the bonnet have the scoop?? anyone recon that the thing stretched over the scoop hole is breathable? i mean there could still be a IC underthere.. otherwise why is the bonnet scouped??

one more note, the toyotas version is the same car with respect to the chassis, drive train and most things apart from cosmetics, so why is this the "subarus FT86 STI" version???

[Matador]

Just cause it has a turbo means it's the STi version? And why exactly is it the "Subaru" version?

Great to see it testing, but I highly disagree on those 2 key points. On another note, if this car is coming late next year, why the hell is it still using that hacked up mule chassis?

[BoostJunkie]

Originally Posted by MatadorRacing_F1

Just cause it has a turbo means it's the STi version? And why exactly is it the "Subaru" version?

Great to see it testing, but I highly disagree on those 2 key points. On another note, if this car is coming late next year, why the hell is it still using that hacked up mule chassis?

To keep exposure down till the unveiling, I guess, maybe, perhaps......

[C-Bone]

Cool :-)