Toyota unveiled a new edition of the FT-86 sportscar concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The FT-86 II gets one step closer to the production model that is due in 2012 The car is jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru.

The car is ought to being back Toyota’s long lost sporty spirit. It’s been a while since last Toyota has come up with a proper sporty machine. They killed cars like the Supra and Celica to focus on small eco cars. But the FT-86 is supposed to change that.

The FT-86 II is similar to the previous version, but it’s updated in places. The low, highly aerodynamic bodyshell is stretched tight over the engineering hard points, with the muscular bodywork rendered as compact as possible. The concept measures 4,235mm long, 1,795mm wide and 1,270mm high, with a long, 2,570mm wheelbase.

Toyota says the new sportscar will use a free-revving boxer petrol engine with a compact and lightweight six-speed manual transmission. They will focus on performance through lightness and precision rather than big wasteful engines. Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to optimise balance for maximum poise, high-speed stability and agility. With a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, this gives the car lively, accessible performance that is easy to harness and enjoy.

We have to wait for the finished product to see if this solution actually works for this type of car.