Subaru's RWD coupé could be more powerful than Toyota equivalent

Subaru’s variant of Toyota’s forthcoming FT-86 sports car is likely to have 60bhp more than the Toyota if development plans come to end, according to sources in Japan.

Subaru’s sports car is being developed in co-operation with the Toyota FT-86 – a sports car that has been delayed until 2013 because Toyotas desire of improving fuel economy. The forthcoming FT-86 will use a modified 2.0 litre flat four naturally aspirated from Subaru to generate around 200bhp. Subaru’s unnamed coupé will feature the Impreza STi’s turbocharged engine with approximately 260bhp.

The coupés will use a 6 speed manual gearbox from Subaru and will share similar body panels, but different bumpers, front grilles and wheels.

Subaru variant will look the more aggressive of the two. Testing is already underway in Nürburgring, Germany.

Subaru’s engineers are said to be accountable for the early development on its model and because the Toyota engineers are more familiar with the FT-86’s underpinnings: an adapted Legacy platform with the Impreza’s rear suspension.

Subaru will not use a four-wheel drive system because the added difficulty would increase weight and push up a price that has exceeded the originally limit. The Subaru coupé is likely to start in-between £25,000 and £30,000 when it hits the UK, soon after the Toyota FT-86 debut.