Conceptualised as a driver’s car from the onset the Toyota 86 remains almost singular in its combination of handling prowess, driver-focused dynamics and analogue drive feel. With this in mind the 86’s dynamic competencies have been enhanced with the inclusion of motorsport-inspired tweaks.
Performance boosting Upgrades
Starting off with the Brembo performance brake package increases the 86’s already impressive stopping power and brake endurance with bigger rotors and callipers. The upgrade consists of high performance Ventilated rotors measuring 326mm x 30mm at the front and 316 x 20mm at the rear (compared to 294mm x 24mm and 290mm x 18 mm for the standard ‘High-grade’ model). In conjunction with the larger brake rotors, the callipers’ swept area increases by 38% and 6% for the front and rear respectively.
Augmenting the 86’s already renowned handling capabilities, the inclusion of Sachs® performance dampers boost handling stability and responsiveness. An all-coil suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear, both with a stabiliser bar.
Striking Appearance and Specification
Visual changes comprise black treatment to the rear spoiler and side mirrors (power folding) whilst new black hued 17-inch alloy wheel complete the black-out theme.
Colour options include Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver metallic, Dark Grey metallic, Pure Red and Lapis Blue Pearl (Black metallic has been discontinued). A striking new ‘Bright Blue’ colour option has been added to the range, which maximises curb appeal and offsets the black trim detail particularly well.
Standard specification is comprehensive and includes full LED lighting elements (headlights, taillights and fog lamps), keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, seat heating, Alcantara seat -and door trim and TFT multi-information display with digital gauge read out.
A newly fitted touchscreen infotainment system occupies the dashboard – complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Show Plus functionality. This allows users to ‘mirror’ apps on their smartphone and stream both music – and navigation services from apps such as Spotify, Apple Music and Waze, to the vehicle’s audio screen. In addition, on-board Satellite Navigation is included as standard. The system also offers Bluetooth telephony and USB interface – all accessible from the steering-mounted switchgear.
Powerplant and Drivetrain
The model retains the 2.0 litre D-4S Boxer engine delivering 147 kW @ 7000 rpm and 205 Nm at 6400 – 6600 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed close ratio transmission delivering drive to a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) equipped rear transaxle. D-4S (Direct injection and port injection) and four-cam VVTi technologies combine to promote combustion efficiency in a pursuit of both fuel efficiency and performance.
Tailored Model Line-up
The line-up has been revised to consist of a single derivative based on the High grade 6-speed manual specification package. The previously offered ‘standard grade’ and automatic transmission equipped ‘high grade’ models have been discontinued from the local line-up.
The tailoring also includes the addition of a GT86 badge and change of nomenclature to ‘GT86’.
GT86 – R 575 700
Warranty and Service
The GT86 comes with a 4 year/60 000 kilometre service plan and 3 year/100 000 kilometre Warranty. Customers have the option of upgrading either the service or warranty plans through Toyota Value Service.
