FT-86 News: i told you so

[dickie]

http://jalopnik.com/5521080/report-toyo ... the-solara

So when news broke Toyota had invited "enthusiasts" from around their target markets for research in designing a new, lightweight RWD platform sport compact for under $20,000 and they were referring to it as a "spiritual successor" to the AE86, I know I wasn't alone in rolling my eyes and thinking "yeah right."

Well I was surprised to find that although they threw some curve balls in with the a**-ugly hyundai ripoff (wait, wut?) design and subaru-derived engine, the car seemed to have made close to production status. Indeed, it was being shown around with all kinds of aftermarket support at car shows and all the details were nailed down... all except one key factor that could make or break the whole effort: the marketing.

Well now it looks like they are done shooting themselves in the foot with the stupid design and increasing weight; they just put the gun to their collective heads and cocked the hammer. They are increasing the price and aiming the prospective marketing efforts towards an older market. Here's the kicker: it is because they found out during marketing research that the very age group they designed the car for DOESN'T WANT TO BUY OR DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE. That's right, they listened and took notes as all the 20-somethings described what they wanted, then they nodded and said "okay well that sounds neat but we're just going to add a thousand pounds of stuff you don't need, make it look like a photoshopped piece of dook, charge you more and call it a day..." Then they were SURPRISED when the same 20-somethings took one look and passed on it.

And here I thought since Akira took the reigns of the company things would get better...

[MellowZ32]

I was really looking forward to buying one
why would they do something like that!?!?

[IBCoupe]

Maybe this newest piece of suck is as true as the "Japanese concept is out!" rumor that passed by a few months ago.

Anybody remember this load of crap?


I might still want one. I'll have to see what Toyota actually offers.

[Red coupe]

Meh, all the article really reports is that someone said that they will now be focusing on fuel economy... This really means nothing.

HOWEVER, if you though toyota was going to build you a fun car for cheap, or even that this car ever was going to have ANYTHING to do with the ideology & quality that has made the original 86 a classic your f*** kidding yourself

[flohtingPoint]

HOWEVER, if you though toyota was going to build you a fun car for cheap, or even that this car ever was going to have ANYTHING to do with the ideology & quality that has made the original 86 a classic your f*** kidding yourself

Thankfully I dont have to worry about that =P

[bobotech]

Meh, all the article really reports is that someone said that they will now be focusing on fuel economy... This really means nothing.

HOWEVER, if you though toyota was going to build you a fun car for cheap, or even that this car ever was going to have ANYTHING to do with the ideology & quality that has made the original 86 a classic your f*** kidding yourself

What makes the original 86 a classic outside of the tuner/drifter crowd? I understand the appeal to the drifters but what else makes it so great? You mention ae86 to most people and they are clueless other than its just a simple rather plain looking 80's economy car.

I'm just trying to understand the appeal. A few years ago I saw one at a dealer that my buddy used to own and test it and was bored.

[jake!]

who gives a f***. japanese people will still find a way to make it look magnificent

[flohtingPoint]

What makes the original 86 a classic outside of the tuner/drifter crowd? I understand the appeal to the drifters but what else makes it so great? You mention ae86 to most people and they are clueless other than its just a simple rather plain looking 80's economy car.

I'm just trying to understand the appeal. A few years ago I saw one at a dealer that my buddy used to own and test it and was bored.

I dont drift, nor am I a tuner. I dont read D-Sport and have never gotten my car sideways on purpose. The only time my Corolla moves is if it has to go to my shop or to an autocross/pdx/hpde. What I'm saying is that I'm not part of the horrible stereotype associated with the car.

The things that make the Corolla nice is the fact that it's very light, excruciatingly easy to work on, contains a motor that is one of the best built things to come out of Japan, and the car is technologically stupid (so I dont have all these worthless gizmos and gadgets that are plastered over every car these days). Basically, the new "86" is the direct opposite of the old Corolla. The "86" part of the "FT86" name is just a gimmick that they threw on there to generate interest for something that has nothing to do with the original.

pics-of-our-project-ae86-t107884.html That thread basically chronicles my love/hate relationship with the cars for the past five years.

[Red coupe]

What makes the original 86 a classic outside of the tuner/drifter crowd?

Its popularity makes it a classic. I am not a huge fan of the car, but it is well remembered and well liked by a fairly large segment of automotive public.

You can't say well only ______ group likes it. How many average people would drool over a GNX? Ask my mom or your sister and you will get a "That old thing?".

My point wasn't that its classic, my point was that it is a cheap, light weight, simple car that is fairly well balanced and with easy, predictable yet capable handling.... And the modern Toyota will be very few if any of those things.

The things that make the Corolla nice is the fact that it's very light, excruciatingly easy to work on, contains a motor that is one of the best built things to come out of Japan, and the car is technologically stupid (so I dont have all these worthless gizmos and gadgets that are plastered over every car these days). Basically, the new "86" is the direct opposite of the old Corolla. The "86" part of the "FT86" name is just a gimmick that they threw on there to generate interest for something that has nothing to do with the original.

pics-of-our-project-ae86-t107884.html That thread basically chronicles my love/hate relationship with the cars for the past five years.

Thank you... The point I was trying to make, rather then arguing about if bobo find popular cult cars classic.

[raremotive]

Well Toyota hear this. I liked the way it was, not the way it's being made. I want you to live up the performance spirit you had in the 1980-1990's, it's what made you the leading market. Your performance vehicles gained you a respect and leading edge. I had hope in your with you FT-86, but it turns out it was a short lived hope. I don't expect to buy from your compnay ever, due your direction, which it's exactly how GM and Ford are to this day.

[Taylor008]

Sheesh, window/roof lines look like they are stolen EXACTLY from a 370z. Same as the 'swooping' headlights.

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/1 ... sports.jpg

http://www.wheelosphere.org/wp-content/ ... a-tour.jpg

Get your own style, Toyota.

[numbnuts240]

it's ugly, was never interested.

[MinisterofDOOM]

You didn't REALLY expect it to sell for $20k, did you? The $23k pricetag still sounds pretty good to me.

Anyway, nothing they can do to that car will ever make it as bad as the Solara. The Solara's front-drive and based on a family car designed specifically for clueless women and even more clueless posers. There's some douchenozzle I keep seeing around here in a silver 1st gen Solara who drives around with his crooked hat and gangstalean like he's driving a Corvette and not something my mom would be ashamed to be seen in. It's so much fail I can't help but smile.

[hachiroku781]

I actually still like it, Solara name or not. Ive been longing for a RWD toyota ever since i lost my supra and the Aw11. I could care less if she is a fuel sipper, I still want something rwd and manual. Not only that but when it comes time to purchase it ,I plan on leaving it stock anyways. I already named my future car Lucy.

[HashiriyaS14]

I'll still buy one for $23k if it's a good car.

I'll probably get on the waiting list as soon as there is one.

[dickie]

I want a "spiritual successor" to the AW11, but it should be rotary-powered and RF layout.

[hachiroku781]

I want a "spiritual successor" to the AW11, but it should be rotary-powered and RF layout.

Rear engined Front wheel drive? Just buy an FC and only drive it in reverse. Problem solved.