FT86

FT86 refers to a concept car developed by Toyota in collaboration with Subaru as a preview of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car. The project, often referred to by the designation FT-86, was intended to combine affordable performance with strong handling and a low center of gravity. The "FT" prefix has been described in various sources as standing for Future Toyota, while the number 86 evokes Toyota’s AE86 lineage in some interpretations.

The concept program was a joint development between Toyota and Subaru, leveraging a shared architecture and a 2.0-liter flat-four engine from Subaru. The car emphasized a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, a compact footprint, and a two-plus-two seating arrangement. A six-speed manual transmission was a key option, underscoring the car’s focus on driving engagement and agility. The FT-86 concept showcased styling that blended modern aerodynamics with a lightweight, driver-focused cabin.

The production outcome of the program appeared as the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ, with North America also receiving the Scion FR-S before the Scion brand was discontinued. In markets outside Japan, the Toyota version was marketed as the GT86 or 86, while both manufacturers marketed the same platform with reciprocal tuning. Early production versions typically used a 2.0-liter engine delivering around 200 horsepower, with weights near 1,270 kg (about 2,800 lb). The collaboration helped establish a new benchmark for affordable, driver-oriented rear-drive coupes.

In the following years, the platform evolved into newer iterations, including the GR86, which expanded displacement and performance while maintaining the original philosophy of light weight and balanced handling.