ScionLife.com

SePaTc · 02-04-2008, 05:57 PM

I think this is more along the lines of what we were hoping for from Scion..... Toyota's with a boxer engine!!!!! :D

http://www.leftlanenews.com/toyota-p...r-revival.html

When Toyota is brought up in conversation today, thoughts turn to the Prius and Camry. But not long ago, the Toyota brand struck a chord with automotive enthusiasts — it produced the Celica, MR2 and the 'King of the Hill' Supra. Though it's been two years since Toyota produced its last sports car — and arguably longer since the brand was last considered a sports car maker — the Japanese automaker is reportedly preparing to throw its hat back in the ring.

Last summer we revealed that Toyota was co-developing a new sports car with Subaru, but at the time, it was reported that the car would only be for Japanese consumption. However, a new report by Japan's Best Car finds that Toyota will bring the car stateside.

The report also indicates that the new model — which will be built in Gunma, Japan — will be available in two trim-levels: GT and GT-Four.

The base GT model will be reportedly powered by a 200 horsepower 2.0L Boxer-four — sourced from Subaru — which will send power to the car's rear-wheels. Additionally, Toyota has set an internal price target for the GT at under $20,000.

The up-level GT-Four will use the same 300 horsepower Boxer powerplant found in the Subaru Impreza STI, and — as the name implies — will use an all-wheel drive system. The turbocharged powerplant will also be set back in the car's chassis to improve handling.

Moreover, a hybrid variant could be in the works that uses Toyota's i-MEV electric inter wheel motors to drive the front wheels.

While the new model will share ties with the Subaru Impreza, Toyota doesn't want to go head-to-head with Subaru. Instead, the car will be offered in two-door coupe and three-door hatchback configurations.

It remains unclear if Toyota will sell the vehicle under the Toyota brand or its youth-oriented Scion brand. Whatever the case, the new model should hit the market in 2011, or even slightly earlier.