All About Japan Autos

Subaru WRX Coupé spied Spy shots reveal best look yet at exciting new Toyota-Subaru coupé venture
Subaru’s WRX coupé is go – and these are the pictures that prove it!

The new car is a joint project with Toyota and was previewed by the FT-86 concept car which debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2009.

Both Toyota and Subaru branded models are expected to be launched late in 2011, but the front lights and bonnet-scoop on this mule signal it out as the latter.

Unlike the Toyota badged car – which will be rear-wheel drive only – the Subaru will come equipped with a four-wheel drive system that runs a rear-wheel drive bias.  Like the Impreza, the newcomer will be offered with a 2.0-litre flat-four cylinder boxer engine. That means power should stand at around 200bhp, allowing for a 0-62mph of just under seven seconds.

Engineers have worked hard to ensure the motor meets the latest emissions regulations, and although it’s unlikely to be frugal – the Impreza’s boxer is infamously thirsty – the newcomer should return around 35mpg.

Yet while the Subaru Legacy donates its chassis, not much of the basic architecture will be retained in the new model. The springs, dampers, brakes and steering will all be uprated, to ensure the newest Subaru is every inch the rear-driven sports car. The production version is set to cost at least £22,000 when it arrives.