Toyota FT-86 development cost may increase price of production model

April 21, 2010April 21, 2010 Omar Rana Coupes, Sports Cars, Subaru 086A, Toyobaru, Toyota FT-86, Toyota FT-86 Concept

Even though the Toyota FT-86 is more than a year away from going sale, insiders say that development costs of the Toyota/Subaru mash-up vehicle will result in a more expensive product than originally estimated. When the Toyota FT-86 Concept made its debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the automaker’s executives said that they are aiming for an entry-level price of around $20,000.

Sources say that the research and development team is now focused on increasing fuel-economy and is working to produce the cleanest engine possible. That could force the price of the Toyota FT-86 to $23,000, with the range-topper model hitting a little above $26,000.

The Toyota FT-86 is expected to enter production at the end of 2011, followed shortly by Subaru’s version.

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.