How soon, you ask? As early as this coming December, at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011. The Tokyo Motor Show will be taking place from 3rd to 11th of December, if you must know.

Not much details are available yet, showing just how hush-hush both Toyota and Subaru are at this moment about their next sporty offering.

On the plus side, the debut of the FT-86 will surely create more interest towards the brand, which of late, has been all about bread-and-butter cars. Whereas for Subaru, it should excite fans who want more than fire-breathing hatchbacks and sedans.

Both the FT-86 and BRZ will get Subaru-developed lumps under their bonnets, but it’s here where the difference also lies. The FT-86 will get a 200+bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, while the BRZ a more powerful “close to 300bhp” also force-fed 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit. A 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto ‘box will be made available for both cars.

Even more interesting? Limited slip-differentials will be made standard fitment, complimenting the MacPherson front and independent rear suspension which are tuned more for sporty handling.

This is not confirmed, but the rear-wheel drive FT-86 is rumoured to get for itself a sophisticated traction control system that will allow some oversteering antics for even keener drivers. No news about the BRZ though, although it has been announced earlier on that it will be rear-wheel driven like the FT-86; but who knows, Subaru being Subaru, the brand’s signature symmetrical all wheel drive system might make an appearance to avoid conflict with Toyota.

To make it faster and more agile, the FT-86 is said to be significantly lighter than VW’s Scirocco – the current favourite coupe in this class and size.

Watch this space for more news regarding the FT-86 and BRZ.

Update: Subaru has released a teaser image of the new BRZ!