FT-86, Toyota's next failure
04-21-2010, 03:20 PM
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FT-86, Toyota's next failure
http://jalopnik.com/5521080/report-t...nto-the-solara
If this turns out to be true, lulz.
Remember how everyone was super giddy for the youthful and affordable Toyota FT-86 sports coupe? It'll be just like that... except neither youthful nor affordable. At least it's still RWD. A report from Autocar indicates the price of the FT-86 is going to rise in Japan from the intended $20,000 entry price to around $23,000 to a fully-loaded $26,000. Even worse, the team is focusing on reducing fuel consumption from the car's Subaru-sourced boxer powerplant instead of increasing power.
The head of Toyota's sports vehicle department also told Autocar they're increasing the target age from the 30s to the 40s after "after market research revealed that fewer younger buyers would opt for the sleek coupé than first thought."
Clearly, raising the price and lowering the fun-factor is the way to attract even more 30-year-olds. Older boring people can buy Solaras, it's why they exist. We want a fun, cheap RWD sports car.
The head of Toyota's sports vehicle department also told Autocar they're increasing the target age from the 30s to the 40s after "after market research revealed that fewer younger buyers would opt for the sleek coupé than first thought."
Clearly, raising the price and lowering the fun-factor is the way to attract even more 30-year-olds. Older boring people can buy Solaras, it's why they exist. We want a fun, cheap RWD sports car.
04-21-2010, 10:20 PM
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04-21-2010, 10:41 PM
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I really wonder how/who does the research that affects toyota's decision???? IMHO they need better input; i dont think they have a clue of what ppl want and i think thats with all of the car companies ............guess saving up for g37s still a good idea lol
04-21-2010, 11:07 PM
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Most people that work for these divisions are completely inadequate for the job. It is sad really. Toyota wonders why their market share is decreasing and age of buyers is increasing, this is why (on top of other stuff).
04-21-2010, 11:21 PM
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Whats so bad about that? I would expect realistically the price to be around 23 and up. If the FT started at 20, it would totally smash the Genesis's price tag. The Gensis was brought down to the lowest profitable price the car could be sold at. The GTI runs around 22 and up. As for the fuel efficiency, the government has regulations that companies have to follow. By 2014, I believe all recent vehicles need to achieve 30 and above mpg or somewhere around that range.
Its not a surprise that the world is becoming more conservative.
Its not a surprise that the world is becoming more conservative.
04-22-2010, 02:33 AM
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anybody that actually thought the ft-86 was going to be near 20k is fing retarded. Its just more speculation like people did with the new tc, people need to wait until they actually release the car.
04-22-2010, 02:29 PM
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The price isn't the failure. Toyota is taking a potential 350z, Mustang, Gen Coupe competitor, and turning it into a RWD Prius.
Ford set the bar with the new 2011 Mustang, Toyota seems to aiming at the bar that was set in 1989.
the team is focusing on reducing fuel consumption from the car's Subaru-sourced boxer powerplant instead of increasing power.
05-07-2010, 11:50 PM
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Doubtful that Toyota is going to turn the FT86 into a Solara. Apples and Oranges. Looks more like Toyota is going towards an inexpensive Elise, Miata, Boxster/Camen type of car for mid life crisis minded 40 yr. olds. None of those cars could be considered low on fun factor, quite the contrary. From what I read there was no mention of reducing power of the engine. What was said was that Toyota just wants to reduce fuel consumption by using a Toyota mill opposed to the Subaru boxer mill.
Think of the new 2011 Lotus Elise. It's light, gets 45 mpg and, most importantly is fast and nimble. 0-60 in 6 secs. fast. And guess what, it uses a Toyota 1.6 4-banger. Actually, this news about the FT86 is a blessing in disguise. The FT86 will get better gas milage, have more sophistication, and have a reliant Toyota engine. Getting all that for just a boost in the price from $20 grand to $23 grand is not bad at all. Not to mention that a higher price means there will be less riced out FT86 out there.
Think of the new 2011 Lotus Elise. It's light, gets 45 mpg and, most importantly is fast and nimble. 0-60 in 6 secs. fast. And guess what, it uses a Toyota 1.6 4-banger. Actually, this news about the FT86 is a blessing in disguise. The FT86 will get better gas milage, have more sophistication, and have a reliant Toyota engine. Getting all that for just a boost in the price from $20 grand to $23 grand is not bad at all. Not to mention that a higher price means there will be less riced out FT86 out there.
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