Send to a friendAlex Nunez July 31st, 2006 4:20 PM Link
Wait a minute…
Camo? You mean the cardboard cladding isn’t some sort of newfangled “woody” treatment?
Spied: Mystery Two-Door… Subaru? Toyota?
Written By: Chris Paukert
Truth time: We’re not entirely sure what this, either. The frighteningly crude anti-spy camouflage made out of cardboard, duct tape, and yellow mesh is comically haphazard at first glance. In actuality, however, the disguise does an excellent job of concealing the mystery hatchback’s proportions and manufacturer origin (that, and we’re particularly fond of the ad-hoc flying buttresses).
According to our spy shooter Antoine Guilbaud over at Hidden Image, this is actually a prototype of an upcoming Toyota two-door hatch, which could be a Corolla or Scion. The small fixed vent windows in front of the side mirrors are certainly reminiscent of the Prius, but we’re not altogether convinced.
(Click through for more shots and rampant speculation)
What’s exposed of the front grille and projector headlamps would appear to be Subaru-esque, but the angled vanes in the former are canted inversely to the prevailing school of Scooby styling. Still, we’ve heard rumors that the next WRX will be a more wagon-like in its execution. The fenders look remarkably slab-sided if this is indeed a WRX, but there’s no reason why it couldn’t be a bog-standard Impreza… even the door handles appear to be consistent with de-chromed versions of the B9 Tribeca’s pulls.
For what it’s worth, the mule has manufacturer’s plates from Michigan, and both Toyota and Subaru have research and development operations in the state. Not to mention that Toyota now owns an interest in Subie, having relieved GM of it recently.
Of course, the prototype could be a foreign-market car as well… it was spotted in a public lot, and there are plenty of international suppliers within the state of Michigan, as well.
Did we mention that it looks a skosh Korean?
Be sure to leave your best guesses in the ‘Comments.’
10 Comments
Tom French August 1st, 2006 10:30 AM Link
Well… proof positive once again that the high-tech, overthought, high dollar, custom applications normally associated with anti-spy are really not needed, Just rip off a few badges and tape the thing up and everybody will scratch their head.
Anthony August 1st, 2006 12:49 PM Link
A quick google search shows pictures of a “2007 Corolla” with striking similarities to the camoed car here. My guess is that it’s the next Corolla.
VII August 1st, 2006 6:39 PM Link
Just looking at the front grill through the mesh, along with the bit of projection headlamps peeking out gives it away as a Subi. The grill has that new “airplane” look about it that has made the new Impreza look uglier than it should be. It could very well be a ‘Yota as well at a second glance if you compare it to the ‘07 Camry and ES…if it is a Subi, congrats to them for finally attemping to make an affordable hatch (must be on account of Toyota owning an intrest).
rwcmick August 1st, 2006 11:45 PM Link
this kind of camo is used by toyota. i’ve never seen any other manufacturer use it.
as for what model, i’d go with corolla 3 door.
Neil August 1st, 2006 11:52 PM Link
Well…if it is a Subie…it has nothing to do with Toyota’s interests. Considering that Toyota just recently acquired the stake in Subaru…there’s no way they could have rolled out a vehicle already. The Impreza redesign’s been in the works for years.
That said…I think it’s a Toyota anyways. I wouldn’t put it past them to throw on a “disguise” grill underneath there, or modify a factory one just to confuse people.
G August 3rd, 2006 1:50 PM Link
This is a new small Subaru based on the Toyota Yaris. It isnt a fully new product, just basically a rebadge/reskin. I guess it kind of replaces the Justy from 15 years ago
Dean August 13th, 2006 2:36 PM Link
I wonder if this could be the Subaru hatchback that was conceived several years ago.
I’ve been waiting for this since then. Would be an awesome rally car.
mike September 23rd, 2006 11:59 AM Link
I think this might be the new Toyota Aygo. It was out in Europe and japan beore but it is going to be new in the us. I want to see what it looks like without all the coverups.
Art October 26th, 2006 9:44 AM Link
Clearly impossible if on Michigan plates, this car has a lot of similarities of the Audi Shooting Brake concept (hatchback TT variant). Especially the rear view and the side profile. All it really would need is Audi 18″ alloys and a little less cardboard.
Judging by front headlights though, Toyota seems a good guess!
It looks quite far into development. Maybe we’ll find out soon!
Art
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