Some time ago, we reported that Toyota was rumored to be developing a cheap, entry level rear wheel drive compact car, reminiscent of the Corolla AE86.  It almost seemed too far-fetched to have any merit, but the same rumor has popped up in the news again.  Insiders working for the GTChannel in Japan have once again reported it to be in the works.  Sources seem to think that it could slip in the Scion brand, or even as a Toyota.  We think the car would sell like hotcakes, especially as popular as the drifting scene has become in America.  The car would be priced in the 16 to 20 thousand dollar price range.  

The potential for this car to sell seems endless.  With the sport of drifting on the rise, this car selling like crazy is almost a sure thing.  Cheap, light, rear wheel drive.  Not only would drifting it be possible, but autocross, drag racing, and road course racing would be good candidates as well.  Many people love drag racing their four cylinder cars, but front wheel drive is a huge hurdle to overcome in the world of traction.  Having the power going to the rear wheels would help the launches and almost assuredly set some new four cylinder drag racing records. 

It should be tremendously exciting to see if Toyota takes the bait and produces this car.  I think it would take the sport compact car market to an entirely different level, not only in a racing aspect, but it could also pressure other manufacturers to create rear drive platforms to compete.  Imagine a Honda Civic with an S2000-like rear drive platform.  The possibilities are endless.  Stay tuned to RPM Planets to see if the dream will become a reality.