Toyota Cans FT-HS/Supra, Focuses on FR Sports

Thankfully, the highly anticipated FR Sports has emerged unscathed from the cuts, and is still scheduled for a global release. However, Automotive News reports that the earliest we can expect it would be late 2011/early 2012 - that is if Toyota and Subaru (who will be launching its own version of the RWD coupe) can learn to play nice. Apparently the two manufacturers are squabbling over equipment levels and costs, which could delay the launch even longer if they can't see eye-to-eye in time.

It's disappointing news, even more so considering that out of all the Japanese manufacturers Toyota is the one that most desperately needs a sportier, more youthful image. Personally, I find the reasons behind the shelving of the FT-HS project particularly hard to swallow: If the car was designed from the outset to be a high-performance hybrid, then why would Toyota be worried about fuel economy requirements? Moreover, a fast n' thrifty sports coupe would be just the thing to revitalise a market segment that has been traditionally viewed as the domain of gas-guzzling hedonistic sports cars, and if the trailblazer is wearing a Toyota badge then the increase in brand value would be immeasurable.

These are grim times, people. Grim times.

[Source: Automotive News (subscription required)]
[Image: Toyota]