The FT86 is still on the drawing boards but it will take the spotlight in a concept form at the Tokyo Auto show later this month. The lines of the FT86 will be very similar to the Lexus IS-F and will take shape as a 2+2 sports car.

Toyota has decided to use a four cylinder 2.0L engine from Subaru. The configuration of the powerplant will be for a rear drive vehicle instead of the usual Subaru all wheel drive configuration. The engine will be coupled with a six-speed transmission on manual.

The naturally aspirated power train was chosen for the concept to keep costs in control and manage the weight of the vehicle properly. The design will also focus on keeping the center of gravity balanced and low. According to some reliable sources, the FT86 will have a very good handling and smooth acceleration.

The concept vehicle is schedule to be on sale before the end of 2011 in Japan. The sticker price is forecasted to start at around $25,000. Between today and the production date, much of the styling and engine output will be changed drastically.

The FT86 might provide the spark in the Toyota line up as the sports car market misses rides like the Supra, MR2, and Celica.

It was a good bet for a production vehicle but Toyota executives point out that they have a lot of priorities at the moment and building the A-BAT is not on top of their list.

The A-BAT was close to reality when the Japanese car manufacturer asked for bids from potential suppliers for the hybrid version and four cylinder variant of the truck. The light never went green though for the bulky futuristic vehicle.

The decision of the company may have been influenced by the dismal performance of their two pickups which have suffered from the drop in housing and construction. Toyota only sold 18349 units of the Tundra which is a 55% drop in 1Q sales. The Tacoma was also a laggard performer in the market with first quarter sales dropping as much as 37% or translating to only 24937 units sold.

Toyota executives assure the public that they are committed to meet the demand for the Tundra although the sales are greatly dependent on the construction industry.

The A-BAT was first thought to be entering the market as a Scion but the market’s focus on acquiring smaller vehicles proved to be an emphatic contrast to the possibility.

The market’s demands have changed drastically in the last twelve months and Toyota aims to adapt and adjust their priorities to meet the needs of the consumers. For now, they do not see the A-BAT selling in these recessionary times.