Toybaru a go ccording to Mr. Toyoda himself:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=154366

TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan — Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda, making his first public appearance in the U.S. since assuming the top job in June, confirmed that the company plans to launch an affordable sports car "in the next few years." The so-called "Toyobaru" is a compact, rear-drive two-plus-two coupe that's being developed in partnership with Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent of Subaru and an affiliate of Toyota. Both Toyota and Subaru versions of the car are expected to be unveiled this fall at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. Akio Toyoda, grandson of the founder, spoke about the sports car and about his vision for the company in a speech here at the annual Management Briefing Seminars sponsored by the Center for Automotive Research. A self-described "car nut," he said, "I am passionate about driving and I race as well.... I want to see Toyota build cars that are fun and exciting to drive." Referring to the new sports car, Toyoda said, "I am very excited about it, and I plan to fast-track it."

I'll believe it when I see it. A lot changes "in the next few years"...

I like the part about Mr. Toyoda saying "I want to see Toyota build cars that are fun and exciting to drive. That part makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

I'm with Nashco, I'll believe it when I see one in a dealer's parking lot. But when I do see one it won't be there long...

Being a die hard Toyota fan I really hope that this car makes it to production. Its been a long time since they have released a good performance car. The most exciting thing they have made recently is a damn pick up truck haha (X-Runner)...

I still don't understand why Toyota needs to partner with Subaru to build a RWD sporty car. Didn't they used to make MR2 and Supra? Not that I ever liked either of those. It just seems like an odd pairing.

I'm assuming since they already have money in Subaru and developing a new platform is expensive, it was just a logical way to cut costs to bring a new exciting car to market faster for both companies.

I think it's funny how much of an enthusiast he is and how much he races and how unexciting everything they make is. I'm really hoping for a light cheap fun car but yea I'll believe it when I see them on the street, I am prepared to be disappointed if it does and doesn't make it.

PaulY wrote: I'm assuming since they already have money in Subaru and developing a new platform is expensive, it was just a logical way to cut costs to bring a new exciting car to market faster for both companies. I think it's funny how much of an enthusiast he is and how much he races and how unexciting everything they make is. I'm really hoping for a light cheap fun car but yea I'll believe it when I see them on the street, I am prepared to be disappointed if it does and doesn't make it.

You mean like the founder of Honda compared to what they make today?

Yea but at least the civic is fairly exciting, I think it won it's class in the 25hrs of thunder hill a few years back. In 07 I got to see and sit in the car at fsae west, it was factory backed but run by the employees in their spare time.

It's funny that Toyota's mills are good enough for Lotus performance cars, but they turn to Subaru for this ;P

Hey, at least it's a rear drive project. Sorry, sidewinder front drivers just don't light my fire.

Will it for sure use a Subaru engine? Honestly (raises deflector shields for upcoming rants from boxer engine fans) I would think a boosted inline 4 would allow for better weight distribution. I'm guessing Toyota will supply the engine and Subaru the rest of the drivetrain, meaning an all wheel drive version could be in the works as well.

Some of the best sports coupes I've seen were parts bin specials. Hell, the Mustang was made from Falcon parts and V8's. I think Toyota is going the same route. I'm betting a curb weight of around 3000- 3500 lbs and a boosted flat four running a beefed up rear-end from a Subaru AWD system or Toyota truck. I agree with Jensenman that AWD would be down the road as well as engine output upgrades to keep it fresh.

I think it will be a 315hp RWD flat 6 in Toyota form and an 265hp AWD turbo 4 in the Subaru Coupe version.

Instead of Toyobaru I think the name should be Subota or Subyota.

iceracer wrote: Instead of Toyobaru I think the name should be Subota or Subyota.

Isn't a Subota a Tractor name said by someone who is VERY drunk?

Subyota - sounds like a rank somewhere below Yoda. A Yoda - second class.

Toyobarau sounds too Japanese, oh wait they are Japanese.

Boxer engines!!!

I'm guessing it's gonna be competition for the Hyundai Genesis. 300+ hp, small, light, rwd.

Genesis and light in the same sentence? It may be "light" compared to other cars but I'd take a lower power car with far less weight any day. Adding weight to a car is proportional to adding lameness.

Didn't realize the coupe was pushing 3600 pounds!

CLNSC3 wrote: Being a die hard Toyota fan I really hope that this car makes it to production. Its been a long time since they have released a good performance car. The most exciting thing they have made recently is a damn pick up truck haha (X-Runner)...

meh...some would argue TC... but I agree, Toyota, we need a next gen ae86 please and thank you