It seems Subaru’s earlier concerns about having to share the marketplace with a nearly identical model from Toyota will be put to rest, as Wednesday’s reports say Toyota will only sell its yet-to-be-named version in Japan. While this may be bad news to Toyota fans, the car will have a typically Subaru feel, as its mechanicals and platform are sourced from the Impreza range.
Turning the coupe’s rear wheels will be a naturally aspirated version of Subaru’s 2.0 liter flat-four (long discontinued in North American versions) tuned to produce somewhere around 220 horsepower at 6,500rpm, according to Inside Line. Expect the engine to be a bit of a screamer, in similar vein to Honda / Acura’s great and late Integra Type R, which the two automakers reportedly used as a benchmark. A six-speed manual borrowed from the WRX STI is the only transmission revealed thus far.
The image of the Subaru-branded coupe comes courtesy of Japan’s Holiday Auto magazine, although it is not an official picture of the car. The car portrayed in the photo reminds us of Honda’s latest Accord coupe, especially in its profile and C-pillar.
The uniquely-styled cars will be built at Subaru’s Gunma plant in Japan. The four-seater coupes should ride on a 103-inch wheelbase, and tip the scales at around 2,866lbs. Pricing is still expected to start below the $20,000 mark, while availability is scheduled late in 2011.
Wow, under $20k? That’s a steal for a sports coupe! 🏎️
Why is Toyota only selling in Japan? Not fair! 😢
220 horsepower sounds thrilling! Can’t wait to test drive this 😁
Is there going to be an automatic version available?
Subaru and Toyota teaming up is like a dream team for car enthusiasts!
Hope the design is as good as the specs. Excited for the unveil!
How does this compare to the BRZ?
This engine sounds like a blast from the past! 🏁
Isn’t 2,866lbs a bit heavy for a sports coupe?
Love the Integra Type R reference. Those were legendary! 🙌