TOKYO: Toyota’s Capri
October 21st, 2009 by Richard Aucock
TOYOTA is bringing the spirit of the Ford Capri back to life with this dramatic FT-86 Toyota Celica successor.
The rear-wheel-drive coupe has certainly grabbed the headlines here at the firm’s stand in Tokyo.
That’s because it looks utterly superb.
All creases, curves and angles, there really is no missing it. Making it all the more incredible that it really is a production-intent model – and, not only that, but it will pack in five seats, too.
Such usability and practicality, after all, is what made the Capri a huge sales hit…
For when, then? Two years could be a possibility, said the car’s chief engineer. ‘But if you put pressure on us, we could do it quicker!’ GET BUSY, THEN! (Please.)
It is powered by a 2.0-litre boxer engine. If that sounds a bit Subaru, then you’d be right. Toyota’s Japanese neighbour is also going to sell the FT-86 as its own version, too.
Toyota car dealers will be first, though, with a showroom-filling halo car that’s going to appeal to loads, we reckon. Question is, are you as smitten as we are?
If you’re not yet, listen up: the chief engineer also said the handling is being honed to aid easy control while drifting. Well, in a roundabout (excuse the pun) way, he did.
‘Balance is important: stability on the limit is the most important trait. I don’t care about static weight distribution – I want it best for drift control.’
Also here on the Toyota stand is an electric version of the IQ – the FT-EQ II. With two seats and charismatic styling, Toyota reckons it could be on sale by 2012.
By which time, it could be sharing showroom space with the FT-86, and twin-test space with the Nissan LandGlider…
By Richard Aucock
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October 23rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
Not before time! The Celica, also the MR2 and Supra were well designed , quick cars and afordable for the man/woman in the street.
There has been nothing but boring product since they stopped production.
Well done.