Toyota has promised a concept version of its highly anticipated FT-86 muscle-car coupe for the upcoming 2011 Johannesburg auto show.

Toyota hopes that, among its hybrid and off-road vehicles, the FT-86 G Sport will be able spark excitement in showgoers.

Johan van Zyl, president and CEO of Toyota South Africa, said: “Toyota has made clear its intentions to inject a fresh dose of excitement into the brand. The FT-86 G Sport is a concept version of one of the products of these intentions and fans can expect more, both at the Johannesburg show and in the near future.”

COMING TO SA?

Shown with a G Sport conversion, the FT-86, designed to be a true driver’s car, will be offered with rear-wheel drive and an extremely low kerb weight, mated to a free-revving horizontally opposed engine.

Toyota has confirmed the FT-86 will be produced in both left and right-hand drive – which indicates the car may be making its way to South Africa. And with the recent Frankfurt auto show being used to show a near-production version of the FT-86, the release of the final production vehicle, which will simply be known as 86 in recognition of the legendary “Hachi roku” or AE86 Corolla, is imminent. And no, final production specifications have not been released...

“With our largest yet presence at the Johannesburg show, this exciting concept will share the floor with several other concepts and yet unreleased new Toyota vehicles – making our display a must-see,” Van Zyl added.

The Johannesburg International Motor Show will run at the Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec from October 8-16, 2011. Entrance R80 for adults, R20 for children aged six to 12. Under six no charge.

Read more reports about the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show.