Concepts, Frankfurt Motor Show, Reports, Scion FR-S, Subaru, Subaru BRZ, Subaru Concepts, Toyota FT-86

The wait for the unveiling of Subaru's version of the Toyota FT-86 (and let's not forget, the Scion FR-S) continues but the Japanese company has at least given us a name for the car and more importantly, a launch date.

Subaru’s new rear-wheel drive sports coupe, which is still currently under joint development with Toyota, will be named BRZ. According to the automaker, the name stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith”.

The Japanese company also revealed that the start of production for the BRZ is planned for spring 2012, but before that, it will show a second technology concept of the coupe named “SUBARU BRZ PROLOGUE - BOXER Sports Car Architecture II - ” at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.

We'll remind you that Subaru displayed a see-through concept study of the coupe to exhibit the car's mechanical hardware at this year's Geneva Salon.

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Toyota FT-86 sports coupe 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) of torque,

In keeping enthusiasts on their toes, Toyota’s European division came out with a new release today on its upcoming FT-86 sports coupe. The Japanese automaker confirmed that the production version will go on sale in 2012 with power coming from by Subaru's new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine fitted with Toyota's D-4S technology. The latter consists of direct injection combined with port injection.

We still don’t get any output numbers although Toyota says the D4-S technology “results in increased horsepower and torque without sacrificing fuel consumption and environmental performance.” Subaru's latest 2.0-liter horizontally opposed gasoline engine, which is offered on the all-new Impreza, develops 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) of torque, but in the case of the FT-86, output is expected to increase significantly.

Unlike the Impreza's 5-speed or CVT gearboxes, the Toyota FT-86 will be offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. “The manual will offer quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission will feature sporty shifts controlled by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifts,” said Toyota.

In addition, the RWD coupe will also get a limited-slip differential. Toyota says the front-engined, rear-wheel drive platform will “offer the driver confident stability and maneuverability, while still being quick and nimble into and out of any corner”. Toyota added that the car's compact dimensions, lightweight design and low center of gravity will ensure “an intrinsic joy of driving”.

Toyota will sell the FT-86 coupe (the final name has not yet been confirmed) under its own badge in Europe and Japan, while North America will get a Scion-badged variant as previewed by the FR-S Concept at last week’s New York Auto Show. Subaru's version of the car will be technically identical but will feature distinct styling.

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