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]

New AE86? Click to enlarge. Pics from Autoblog

A low down on what we can expect:

• RWD (of course)
• 1.5L 2NZ-FE at 120HP (Yeah right. If it’s anything like AE86’s still going, this won’t be for long, *hint hint* turbo)
• Under 1000KG ( = FUN)
• 4m long by 1.7m wide by 1.35m tall
• Will come from Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru. I prefer it when the Japanese carmakers COMPETE)
• Will be under US$12,300!

All I can say is ‘Bring it on’. A new light car to throw around, fuel efficient, cheap, rwd decent looker. Why not? I don’t think it’ll live up to the heavy cult following of the original, but this could be a tuners dream, and a cheap daily in it’s own right. Now to petition for a turbo model.

edit: The 2NZ-FE isn’t 1.5L but 1.3L and 85HP. Someone got it wrong.