I was pondering the other day whether or not the ZZT231 Celica would have done better in sales if it was released as a RWD. The 2zzge would have been perfect for it, and the handling would have been even more tuned in with the inclusion of rwd.
 
It would be a S2000 Honda killa :)

except the honda motor had more punch.....
 
but yeh, def would've been better, but then there'd be no hype about the new 86 being a return to sports cars....

just_ace

except the honda motor had more punch.....

but yeh, def would've been better, but then there'd be no hype about the new 86 being a return to sports cars....

Personally a boxer motor in naturally aspirated form has never been anything exciting, Toyota had a huge array of perfect motors for it. The 3sge Beams, the 1uz v8, the 2zzge. I understand that these motors may have not suited the environment but what does these days? Why don't we just all live in bubbles and breathe carbonated oxygenated pure liquified filtered chilled air instead lol
 
It used to be about the driver, now its about driving in sales and "sufficing" by staying in the market even though they are one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world (if not the biggest).

^^I could be wrong, but I don't believe any of those engines satisfy emissions regulations - not to mention Toyota would probably be panned by the press for releasing a new car with massive hype and an old engine, even though they'd be great to see in the 86 with modern tech.
 
Sadly, gone are the days when a company could hold onto an engine for decades, continually getting more and more out of it. I've got a mini with a BMC A series motor in it that was originally designed in the 40's-50's - people are still getting more and more out of them today (70 hp ATW in my car, but proven to get more than double that in a fully built engine... from a NA 1.3L 4 cylinder carby engine with only 3 exhaust ports).
 
Having said that, not all emissions technology is bad - Direct Injection has a lot of pro's as well, and from reading reviews seems to have given the boxer engine at least a bit of excitement potential (as long as the revs are kept up). Fiat's multiair tech will inevitably be reverse-engineered/licensed by other manufacturers too, and seems to be giving big power gains across the rev range along with better fuel economy (although not at the same time). Still, I'd love to have seen the 86 released with a small, Direct Injection, high revving straight six of Toyota's (and Yamahas) own design.
 
For me, a truly great car would be a small RWD fastback hatch (similar to the original AE86 in style, kerb weight under a tonne) with a lightweight, stratospheric revving 1.6L 4 cylinder, and all the latest whiz-bang jiggery to get the most out of the tiny engine.  I'll have to keep dreaming though :)

Fantastic input there esskay, I would say they wouldn't meet emission regulations,
 
I personally don't know why though did they have to put a Naturally Aspirated engine, even Fiestas and small cars come out with turbos (even though most are diesel and need it or else no pooowwaaa). Toyota have done heaps of turbos in the past and would have a huge array of ones to pick from.
 
The Subaru Motor just doesn't seem very "potent" in comparision to Toyotas previous attempts. I'm guessing its all about small engine, high revving. It does seem that there is more than enough cars to pick pre 2008 to not see the need to buy a FT86, not that I could afford one anyway

yeah it would have sold a LOT better... but it wouldn't have kept up with the S2000 just like it didn't match the integra type R.
 
as for the 86... bear in mind that it started life as an imprezza chassis AND an imprezza engine.... now the marketing says it got cut and shut so much its "practically" an entirely different car... and the spin is all about the boxer being used for low COG. in reality it's basically a RWD NA imprezza 2 door with a different body, well sorted suspension and toyota direct injection. (which will surely come on other subarus too)... the boxer engine more than likely got chucked in there right at the start to save development cost cause it was already in the chassis they started using....

Your original question could also be asked regarding the TRD Aurion - if that was RWD... 
 
But definitely agree, both would have sold a lot better, however the price would have most likely been higher.
 
 

SW20_3sgte

I was pondering the other day whether or not the ZZT231 Celica would have done better in sales if it was released as a RWD. The 2zzge would have been perfect for it, and the handling would have been even more tuned in with the inclusion of rwd.

It would be a S2000 Honda killa :)

My vote would have been for there to have been a 4th GT4 model with the ZZ body. Turbo 4WD - now that would have been a great car

Whats wrong with wheel spin and power understeer? :P
 
At the end of the day, most average punters couldn't care less if it were FWD or RWD nor would they understand what it really meant or the real differences. Also, the difference only really comes apparent when you're pushing it's limits anyway, which most average drivers don't.
So, I don't think it would have made much difference anyway. My gf has a 2004 ZR and despite being FWD its still good fun with its responsive turn in and feels nicely balanced through the hills.

I believe it would be better as you described it here at