Remember the Toyota FT-86 Concept of 2009 that got the petrol head fraternity all fired up with the prospect of a rear-wheel drive compact sports car developed in conjunction with Subaru?
Well, Toyota has clearly gone back to the drawing board on that concept, the new FT-86 II Concept, unveiled at Geneva today, donning a different design that Toyota admits is the clearest indication yet of what the final design will look like when the production model hits the streets next year.
With its long, low bonnet, high wings and rear-set cabin, the FT-86 II pays homage to Toyota's sports car history and is an entirely driver-oriented concept.
The low, slippery body shell is stretched tight over the engineering hard points, with the muscular bodywork rendered as compact as possible. The concept measures 4235mm in length, 1795mm in width and is 1270mm tall, with a long 2570mm wheelbase.
As will almost certainly be the case with the production model, the concept is powered through the rear wheels by a free-revving Subaru boxer petrol engine, mated to a lightweight six-speed manual gearbox. Unfortunately no performance data has been divulged as yet.
Says Toyota, both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to optimise balance for maximum poise, high-speed stability and agility.