Toyota FT-86G to debut in Australia

Toyota will debut its FT-86G Sports Concept at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney this October. The FT-86G is Toyota's second concept that previews its next-generation rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, following the original FT-86 concept unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.

Toyota says the two-door offering is designed to connect with younger buyers, filling the void created by the absence of sporty models like Celica and MR2 from the company's current line-up.

The "G" moniker -- Toyota shorthand for sports conversion models -- signifies a more aggressive styling and performance makeover. Sharper sheetmetal and sleeker overall measurements see this concept sit lower, wider and longer than its "base model" sibling.

A remoulded front end includes a larger air intake, exposed intercooler and vented bonnet, while at the rear a large carbon-fibre wing, revised diffuser and oversized twin exhausts round out the exterior changes.

Toyota say the front-engine, rear-drive FT-86G has received a significant performance upgrade, now featuring a "specially tuned turbocharged engine". Full details will be announced at October's show in Sydney.

"G" rides on 19-inch Bridgestone rubber while inside, Recaro seats have been installed in a nod to the added performance on tap.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, said Toyota has a long tradition of creating exciting sports models.

"The FT-86G Sports Concept points to a next-generation Toyota sports car that will bring a new level of excitement to our showrooms and customers," explained Buttner.

"People are already anticipating the production version of the FT-86 by referring to it as the spiritual successor of Toyota's exciting sports cars of the past."

The news echoes a similar sentiment to that expressed by Toyota Motor Corporation president Akio Toyoda at the launch of the original FT-86 concept in Tokyo last year.

"It is often said that young people today have drifted away from cars, but I feel it may not be the customers who have drifted from cars but us, the manufacturers," said Toyoda-san.

"I believe it is the mission of auto makers to provide the fundamental excitement of automobiles to customers, regardless of the era."

The 2010 Australian International Motor Show will be held in Sydney from October 15 to 24.

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