In a move sure to please everyone whose brand loyalties push them towards the Subie version of the FT-86 coupe, Subaru has been spied testing a version of the car with its 2.5 liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine. The prototype, seen undergoing testing in Death Valley, reportedly featured a hood scoop and front intercooler, which seems to imply the presence of the turbocharged engine from the hot Impreza models and lends credence to Autocar‘s report that Subaru sources claim their version of the FT-86 will use a 260 horsepower version of the 2.5 liter turbo. Considering that engine pushes the AWD WRX around quite well, we can’t wait to see what it’ll do in a rear-wheel-drive coupe.

The Toyobaru prototype was spotted wearing Impreza body parts, which may suggest the car will share design cues with the WRX/STI family when it hits dealerships, likely in early 2012. Considering the decision to use the WRX engine, it would seem like a no-brainer to also build an FT-86 with the STI’s 305 horsepower engine as well. At least, we hope that’s how Subaru will see things. [via Autocar]