Toyota FT-86 pics leaked

Toyota’s upcoming production-ready FT-86 has been prematurely outed by a leaked parts catalogue featuring a modified car prepared by Modellista – the carmaker’s in-house customising division.

The images of the modded car (although unconfirmed as being authentic) indicate Toyota has stayed true to the FT-86 II concept that surfaced at this year’s Geneva motor show.

Due to arrive in Australia during the second half of 2012, the showroom-ready FT-86 will be unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo motor show. It’s likely to make do without the aggressive bodykit and alloys worn by the car in the brochure.

The cabin is distinguished by an overriding black-and-red theme, and even the steering wheel is offered in a lairy black/red scheme. Meanwhile, the instrumentation is dominated by a large central tacho (redlined at 7500rpm) with black-on-white markings.

What we already know is that the rear-drive coupe will be offered with the choice of a short-throw six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with optional steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Toyota has previously boasted the FT-86 will offer genuinely sporty dynamics as a result of its low centre of gravity, light weight and compact dimensions.

It will be the first Toyota to use Subaru’s four-cylinder boxer, and will incorporate ‘Toyota's D-4S technology’, which stands for direct injection combined with port injection.

Exact technical specs are yet to be announced, but naturally aspirated models are expected to crank out about 150kW. Given the FT's allegedly low kerb weight a 200kW-plus turbo version -- were to eventuate -- could stack up as a potent rival to the 245kW Nissan 370Z.

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