- Hotshot coupe gets motorsport tweaks
- Bigger brakes from House of Brembo
- New touchscreen; performance shocks
JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng – It was conceptualised as a driver’s car from the onset but believes its Toyota 86 is still singular in its combination of handling prowess, driver-focused dynamics and analogue drive feel.
However, the the 86’s dynamic competencies have been enhanced with the inclusion of motorsport-inspired tweaks.
A Brembo brake package has increased the 86’s already impressive stopping power and endurance with 326mmx30mm rotors/callipers at the front and 316x20mm at the rear (they were 294mmx24mm and 290mmx18mm for the standard ‘high-grade’ model).
In conjunction with the larger brake rotors, the callipers’ swept area increases by 38% and six percent for the front/rear respectively.
VISUAL CHANGES
Sachs performance shock-absorbers, Toyota says, will boost handling stability and responsiveness, and an all-coil suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear, both with a stabiliser bar.
Visual changes involve a black treatment to the rear spoiler and power-folding external mirrors and new black 17” alloy wheel rims.
READ STEPHENSON’S original launch feature from 2012
Colour options are white, silver metallic, grey metallic, red, and blue (black metallic discontinued). A ”bright blue” shade has been added.
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Standard spec includes all-diode lighting (head-, tail-, and foul-weather lights), keyless entry, dual-zone aircon, seat heating, Alcantara trim on doors and seats and a multi-information display with digital gauges.
There’s a new touchscreen infotainment system using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Show Plus which can mirror apps to smartphones and stream music and satnav. The system also offers Bluetooth telephony and a USB socket.
SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION
Power still comes from a two-litre Subaru D-4S Boxer engine delivering 147kW at 7000rpm and 205Nm from 6400-6600rpm and spinning a six-speed close-ratio transmission to a limited-slip differential.
Only a ‘High’-grade derivative based on the six-speed manual spec will now be available (the former auto being discontinued).
Toyota says the detail now includes a GT86 badge and change of nomenclature to ‘GT86’.
PRICE
Toyota GT86 – R575 700
WARRANTY AND SERVICE REGIME
The GT86 will be delivered with a four-year or 60 000km service plan and three-year or 100 000km warranty. Upgrades are available – ask your dealer for details.
