Spyshots: Subaru FT-86 STI

Toyota and Subaru seem to have done a pretty good job at hiding the FT-86 test vehicles from our spy photographers’ cameras. However, the chase has recently come to an end, with the result being the adjacent set of images.

The vehicle was caught while performing a test session is the U.S.. As you can see, the test car still uses a Frankenstein-like approach, featuring a strange bodywork. But it is exactly this aspect that has drawn our attention, as one of the parts of the body offers an important clue for the future car’s powerplant of choice.

Compared to the previous versions of the test vehicle, this one comes with a hood bump. This indicates that the vehicle will be fitted with an intercooler, which is a clear sign that Subaru’s version of the FT-86 will be powered by the Impreza STI’s turbocharged 2.5 liter engine. On the Impreza, the powerplant delivers 300 hp, but it might be downtuned for the FT-86.

The vehicle will be based on a modified Subaru Legacy platform. It will offer independent suspension for all four wheels and send its power to the rear wheels - it is unclear if Subaru plans to use its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system here. The vehicle is expected to offer a 2+2 seating configurations.

The images also reveal the interior of the test car, but this just seems to use a “work in progress approach”, so we can’t get any new information. We’ll remind you that, back in July, Toyota confirmed that its version of the FT-86 will come to the market in November next year.