BMW M3

Toyota’s FT-86G concept sports car – a development of the similar car which was the star of last year’s Tokyo Motor Show – will make its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show (Sydney) in October. A serious, aggressively styled sports car, the FT-86G is part of the response from Toyota’s designers and engineers who were challenged by the company’s president, Akio Toyoda, to develop vehicles more appealing to a younger audience. Speaking at the Tokyo Motor Show, Mr Toyoda said: “It is often said that young people today have drifted away from cars, but I feel it may not be the customers who have drifted from cars but us, the manufacturers.” The boxy Rukus hatchback, now on-sale, is certainly a radical departure from Toyota’s normal way and – despite some great sports cars some time ago – so is the menacing-looking FT-86G. The car coming to Australia goes further than the FT-86 which was shown in Tokyo. With a ‘G’ added to its name (‘G’ means sports conversion models in Toyota’s nomenclature), the newcomer is sharper and sleeker than the first model. Longer, wider and lower than the first FT-86, the ‘G’ model boasts a totally redesigned front end with a vented bonnet, larger cool air intake and visible intercooler. At the rear, changes include a large carbon fibre wing, underbody diffuser and oversized twin exhausts. The turbocharged engine remains front-mounted and drives the rear wheels. Massive 19-inch alloy wheels run Bridgestone tyres and inside are Recaro sports seats. While nothing has been confirmed officially, there is general expectation that the FT-86G is slated for production. Perhaps Toyota will announce this great news in Sydney?