The success of the GT86 coupeHe spurred Toyota to further action. The Japanese automaker is already exploring the possibility of adding a coupe smaller than the GT86 to its model range.
In an interview with CarAdvice magazine , Tatsuya Tada , head of the GT86 project, revealed this: "Akio Toyoda always told me that the family of Toyota sports models will consist of three sons. And the GT86 is in the middle.”
It means that in addition to the Supra , a small coupe is also getting into the game. And even though neither of the models has yet officially received the green light, company boss Akio Toyoda is in favor of both projects. If both models were to actually go into production, it would mean that someone other than Tada would have to lead the small model project. He is already working on a larger model.
According to Tada, it is too early to speculate on the name , but he confirmed that the small sports car would stand on a new platform with rear-wheel drive : “Yes, it will have rear-wheel drive. This is where Toyota is very strong – a Toyota sports model simply has to have rear-wheel drive.”
As in the case of the larger model, which is being developed with BMW , and the GT86, which was developed in cooperation with Subaru, the small coupe could bear the badge of yet another company . As in the case of the name, however, it is very early to talk about a specific car company.
The question of the project's financial profitability was also raised in the interview, especially after the more powerful GT86 project is likely to collapse because of money: "Using a new platform for a small rear-wheel drive sports car looks very difficult, but Toyota learned a lot from the GT86 project. The carmaker has a lot of experience in the field of technology and development, so the development of the new model will be financially efficient. We have the necessary experience and skills," said Tada.
This project is a big challenge for Tada and indeed for all of Toyota. Other car companies will not embark on a similar model for financial reasons, so from this point of view it is a big risk. However, Tada believes in the car company's capabilities. If the project could be brought to the serial end, the new small Toyota would probably become the most affordable sports car with rear-wheel drive in the world.
Source: caradvice.com.au
