Subaru sports coupe coming soon

Subaru's twin under the skin to Toyota's FT-86 sports coupe concept car is yet to break cover. But we may not have to wait too long, says a company insider.

Both cars are being developed by one team. Subaru is developing the underbody and engine -- and will do the assembly -- while Toyota is largely responsible for the design, inside and out.

What is not yet clear is how much the vehicles will share in common visually.

One option is for both cars to share their doors, roof and glass areas, and have unique front and rear treatment and interiors.

Both brands want individuality, key in the sports coupe market.

What has also emerged is that the Toyota concept car was exactly that: a concept. The real deal will likely look very different from this, say our sources.

The Toybaru twins, as they are known, are at least two to three years away from production.

While Toyota is on record as saying it wants the car for Australia, Subaru is yet to make that call.

The boss of Subaru Australia, Nick Senior (pictured), was at the Tokyo motor show this week to meet with executives about the sports coupe project.

One of the challenges for Subaru Australia is that it has built the brand as being exclusively all-wheel-drive. The coupe is rear-drive and powered by a non-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

"The car will be built, but no decision has been made for Australia, it's not confirmed," Senior told the Carsales Network. "Timing and availability aren't even locked away yet either.

"When and if it does become available to us, we will check to see if it fits in our line-up and with the Subaru DNA and make a decision from there."

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi