New Toyota Compact Coupe Due in 2018

Toyota Motor Corp. will introduce its new entry-level, compact sports car in early 2018, sources tell Motoring.

The Australian enthusiast publication first reported on the car late last year. It says the new model, codenamed 69DZ, will feature design cues from Toyota's 1960s-era Sports 800 and the Japan-only GT86 Style Cb, which was launched in limited production earlier this year.

Weighing just 2,160 lbs, the new 69DZ 2+2 coupe will be positioned below the base GT86 (sold as the Scion FR-S in the U.S.), according to Motoring. Toyota developed the GT86/FR-S with partner Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., which builds all the vehicles and markets its own Subaru BRZ variant worldwide.

It's not clear where Toyota plans to offer the new 69DZ. But Motoring says the vehicle will compete against Mazda's next-generation M5 Miata sports car.

Exterior styling is expected to include a curvy silhouette, large front grille, rounded headlights, short overhangs, flared wheel arches and what's described as a unique "lump" in the hood. The interior is said to be highly customizable.

Power will come from a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with direct injection and a new port design. The powerplant will be mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic or a manual transmission, both of which also are available in the GT86.

Designers have completed a final prototype that is production ready, sources tell Motoring. The magazine says former World Rally Championship driver Tommi Makinen has been hired to fine-tune the car's handling. A four-time series champ with the Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution, Finland-born Makinen worked with Toyota to create last year's GT86 WRC race car.