Toyota's sporting history goes back more than 50 years, but when was the last time it unveiled an exciting sports car?
Two years ago to be precise. Until now that is. In 2009 it revealed its hazy FT-86 sports concept vehicle, a rear-wheel drive joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, which was mooted as being the future replacement for the now redundant Celica. The launch name is more than a little reminiscent of that infamous mid-eighties Corolla twin-cam.
This week Toyota revealed its latest shadowed image of this next-gen Celica, the now evolved and aptly named FT-86 II, which is essentially the company's updated vision and clearest indication yet of the eventual design for Toyota's long-awaited next production sports car. This latest concept apparently "embodies the company's re-born passion for sports car driving". Lets hope this re-born passion leads to the re-birth of the characteristics that made Toyotas sports cars of the eighties and nineties such a favourite.
The image is promising, but the people at Toyota HQ aren't keen on giving away any surprises just yet. It is due to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, so until then it will be the subject of even more debate.
Will it use a use an independent Toyota set up? Or borrow the Subaru's flat-four engine? Or perhaps even Tesla's electric powertrain?
We'll find out in March.