Report: Subaru ditches all-wheel-drive plans for its version of Toyota FT-86

Subaru and Toyota’s new rear-wheel-drive sports car, based on the Toyota FT-86 Concept, is ready to make its debut later next year. It was reported in Dec. 2009 that Subaru, which is well known for being an all-wheel-drive brand, is worried that a rear-wheel-drive sports car may drive away loyal customers.

Well, it seems like Subaru doesn’t really care anymore. Reports coming out of Japan say that Subaru may drop the idea of offering an all-wheel-drive version of the Toyota FT-86 altogether due to added cost involved with the conversion from rear-wheel-drive to all-wheel-drive.

We’re guessing that means the only difference between the Toyota FT-86 and Subaru’s version will be the design.

Click here for more news on the Toyota FT-86 Concept.

Refresher: Inspired by the sporty 1980s Corolla AE86, the production version of the FT-86 is reported to be powered by a 200-hp 2.0L boxer Subaru engine sending power to the rear-wheels. Prices are set to start above $20,000.

Toyota FT-86 Concept:

Toyota FT-86 Concept Toyota FT-86 Concept Toyota FT-86 Concept Toyota FT-86 Concept

– By: Kap Shah

Source: BestCar (via 7Tune)