Wow. Now that's a kick to the nuts to the Big 3.

I'm not holding my breath, but if Toyota comes through on this (even at $15-17K) it will be huge. Keep it light and RWD and 150hp will be PLENTY! The base Mini Cooper proves handling+strong mpg+low price trumps 200hp for many budget-minded drivers.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do it.

the space between the wheel-arch and top of the fender would indicate a minimal amount of suspension travel, OUCH!

@pjsammy:

and if you abosultely need more hp, there's the S or WORKS versions... for $23-25K (if you don't go nuts on options)... :)

Even if it does get built, it probably wouldn't hit our shores until 2011, if at all.

Plus, it seems like Toyota's range is almost eating itself. Though the Celica and MR2 are gone, it would still have to contend with the Scion tC.

Plus, if they do bring a small RWD platform to the family, I wonder if they could adapt it to that 'Scion Pickup' rumour/idea that was floating around a month or so ago.

Can you say Mini-Toyocamino?

@acidic: It would not be contending with the tC for my dollars. Lets see, underpowered, tiny coupe with huge front overhang vs less underpowered, rear drive hoon-mobile.
The AE86 descendant (scion on subie platform = AE86?) gets my dollars.

oh please oh please oh please... this would be great i just hope they have a motor as good as the 4age to stick into it (if they make it)

There is no way that this would not just replace the tC. It would be great for Toyota to have a small, cheap RWD platform for lots of applications, from this car, to a new roadster, to maybe even a mid-market sports car if the chassis can handle it.

Subaru is the chickenhead of the auto world. First it gives Saab the WRX, and then provides the platform for a DORIFTO machine (which seems like the opposite of Subie's all wheel drive spiel). Bitch been playin' with my heart with all four wheels.

Better make it quick. This tofu's going bad.

RWD Hyundai Coupe competitor. :)

That's what I have been saying all this time!!!! Small rear wheel drive and cheap!!!! Who needs a BMW 135i when you have a superior made car for less then half the price of a Chinese made BMW!!!

Anytime something converts to RWD, and angel gets their wings.

Cheap, RWD hoon-mobile? Kick ass. I hope they have a Chapman-esque philosophy. ~2200 lbs, please.

Wow, that car looks great. I would actually buy that, why can't other car makers have great designs like that for their entry level cars?

Shouldn't it just be a new Celica, considering it has nothing in common with the Corolla / Auris / Blade / whatever? Also, if the platform is being sourced from Subaru, there could be a GT-4 version. That, in turn, could herald a return to rallying, but I suppose that'd be like when Peugeot and Citroen were both fielding factory teams.

Partnerships, tie-ins and buy-outs are ruining motorsport!

If it keeps the weight under 2500 lbs with RWD, I will be sufficiently roused to buy a new car.

Oh hell yes. If Toyota builds this little gem as described I'd take back (nearly) everything I've said about them becoming the kings of the blandmobile builders.

Yes, please.

Cue an Initial D remake and you've got a car that looks like it could really sell... Hope it comes to UK otherwise I'll think about importing one...

All I hope is that they release a special version of this, with Panda colours and black Watanabe wheels. And its badged as the 'Tofu Special'.