File this one under "What took you so long?" Apparently a Japanese drifter has already snagged one of the brand new Toyota GT86 sport coupes (to be sold in the US as the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ). Out came the standard 2.0L boxer four and in its place now sits the DOHC 5.0L V8 from the Lexus IS-F. In stock trim this engine is good for 416 HP and, as you can see, this much extra horsepower makes the Toyota quite tail-happy. Which is kind of what you want if you're going drifting.
The Youtube video linked above is a shakedown run of the new car, complete with new wheels and a widebody kit. Of note is the engine fitment--still low and back in the engine bay. The stock hood closes properly. The engine looks like it belongs in there.
I wonder how long it'll take before someone Stateside does the same thing with a Chevy LS motor or a new Ford 5.0. Both the 6.2L LS3 and the Ford 5.0 make more power than the IS' motor, and will weigh about the same (the LS might be lighter due to it being an OHV engine as opposed to the other two DOHC units).
If nothing else, it should be interesting to watch.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested to see if Toyota/Subaru actually make a produciton version.
Such a car would be the ideal successor to the mid 90's Supras.
If they do, I can't see it costing less than 40 grand. They'll want to charge an arm and a leg for it to make sure not too many people buy them. (Besides, with 400+HP and a curb weight under 3,000lbs, you're looking at Corvette-beating performance)
DeleteI'd just keep the Toyota motor - it keeps the parts mashup to just 2 companies (technically just 1 if all Subaru did was provide the engine)
ReplyDeletelooks -- zero
ReplyDeletesounds -- zero
performance -- looking good
Comfortably -- can't say, since I haven't driven it
@Blaster, if its a Lexus engine, then technically it is the same company since Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota...
@Fox, they really should, but my guess is they wont... =p