[ Ссылка ] Debut of Toyota FT-86 II concept Geneva Auto Show
FT-86 II previews the next generation of Toyota sports cars. Front engine, rear-wheel drive, maximum driving pleasure.
FT-86 II concept from Toyota introduces a new generation of sports car. This front engine, rear-wheel drive concept gives the clearest indication yet of the FT-86 final design.
FT-86 II perfectly recaptures the exhilarating spirit of the Toyota Corolla Levin AE 86 -- the must-have rallying and circuit driving choice in the 1980s. It is driver-oriented, designed to give form to the intrinsic joy of driving.
Under a design concept that Toyota's European Design Development centre, ED2, has dubbed 'Functional Beauty', its bold, sweeping form has been generated through the constraints of function. The long, low bonnet, high wings and rear-set cabin pay homage to Toyota's illustrious sports car history, while the aerodynamic, muscular bodywork has been made as compact as possible. With a 2,570 mm wheelbase, the concept is 4,235 mm long, 1,795 mm wide and just 1,270 mm high.
FT-86 II combines a free-revving boxer petrol engine and 6-speed manual transmission with light weight and a low centre of gravity for the optimum power-to-weight ratio. Both powertrain and driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible, awarding the FT-86 II lively, accessible performance, readily-exploitable dynamic abilities and maximum driving pleasure.
The FT-86 II concept is the result of an August 2009 announcement that Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries will launch a jointly developed compact rear-wheel drive sports car. European sales of Toyota's new sports car will begin in 2012.
