Confirmed: New ‘AE86′ Is More Than Just A Rumour

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Development has been progressing behind the scenes in the new ‘AE86’ with JDM lovers 7tune releasing some tantalizing details about Subaru and Toyota’s new ‘AE86’ collaboration, called simply the ‘Lightweight Sports Car’. It seems the lightweight RWD coupe is in the development stage, and Toyota believes they can get this new car concept to market by next year.

New ‘AE86’?

The car is apparently being aimed at the under 2,000,000 yen mark. In itself this is interesting because typically, a JDM RWD coupe could very easily exceed this. Keeping this in mind, cost is the reason for the car’s 1.5L (EL15) DOHC flat-four engine. This DOHC engine puts out a very ho-hum 110ps @ 6,400rpm and 14.7kg/m @ 3,200rpm, and is a cheap, cost effective motor. Knowing this, Toyota wants the car to be under 1100kg to provide any sort of performance.

The test mule currently sports a 200mm shorter version of the Legacy chassis, 4WD running gear (minus front drive), double wishbone suspension, and a Subau differential. However, 7tune tells us the differential is a weak link, and it is more likely we will see the Impreza 15S platform over any further variations of the Legacy platform.

The aspect of this car that confuses us is that EL15 engine and it’s dismal output. Why? Both Subaru and Toyota have plenty of experience in making decent power DOHC motors in the 2.0L range, and in making light vehicles when they wish. Cost is a factor, but one has to wonder if the new collaboration wouldn’t be better served by adding 500,000 yen and giving us a more potent motor, even if it’s a sourced turbodiesel, like the new Boxer TDi.

Perhaps Subaru and Toyota are using the EL15 only to deter us, and have something more potent in the works. Something along the lines of the Mugen Civic RR’s 177kW N/A - or even ditching N/A for a turbocharged flat four. Perhaps add a few pounds to sort out the rear end, drivetrain mechanics and chassis strength - the extra weight would easily be accounted for with greatly increased power.

Perhaps Toyota has forgot how to make a sports car in the long years since the Supra, and even longer years since the AE86.

[Source: 7Tune]

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