Carmall.com - Moments after its launching in Singapore, our partners in sgCarMart.com get down in an interview with the Assistant Chief Engineer of All New Toyota 86. Aside from explaining the essentials of Hachiroku (86), Yoshihiro Sasaki also explained the reason behind the collaboration between Toyota and Subaru.

sgCarMart : Mr. Sasaki, thank you very much for your time. What could be the vantages offered by Toyota through this All New Toyota 86?

Tn. Sasaki : What's important is the satisfaction in driving. So far, there hasn't been any unique record ever obtained by this car. However, we are focusing on the drivers so that it will provide the drivers with satisfaction when driving it.

sgCarMart : How the collaboration between Subaru and Toyota come about?

Tn Sasaki : Just like us, at that time Subaru was also looking for a partner. At first, we didn't have a clue what kind of car that we'll be creating. We wanted to create a car that is affordable and lightweight.

Tn Sasaki : The engine is the biggest challenge for us at that time. We wanted to design an engine that is as closest as possible to the ground. Our choice then fell to the flat-four cylinder engine. Apparently cooperating with Subaru is indeed the right move because the handling was perfected due to the low gravitational centre.

sgCarMart : Considering the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are having the same specification, then what differentiates the two?

Tn. Sasaki : Actually there is a slight difference where a car equipped with rear-wheel drive system feels more fun to drive. But most importantly is that there is a little oversteer and understeer as it turned towards neutral position despite being a rear-wheel drive, the driver will still have a full control of the car. Weight distribution from the front to the rear is also near perfection.

sgCarMart : What about Toyota's role in this joint venture with Subaru?

Tn. Sasaki : We are more focus on the design of the car while Subaru handles its engine. But most of all, we worked very well together and discussing about how to improve this car further than before.

sgCarMart : Lastly, will Toyota maintain the use of this flat-four cylinder just as in the 86?

Tn. Sasaki : Toyota is changing its course. Even though it's not ours, but we will use it if it's good. We are working with BMW currently, to learn more about their version of diesel engine. Take iPhone for an example, even though most of its components come from different manufacturers, people still use it because the gadget is a product of Apple. Although the flat-four engine was adopted for Toyota 86, but we are certain that the fans will like it.