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Toyota 86 to shed kilos before gaining outputs

The recent TRD Griffon concept could offer a hint at a future lightweight version of the 86.

The Toyota 86 sports coupe will likely follow the path of weight reduction for any significant future performance gains, rather than get a boost under the bonnet. The weight loss path was suggested at this week’s preview of a future performance wheel/tyre/damper package for the 86, with chief engineer Tetsuya Tada admitting his team was looking at a number of potential performance upgrades to maintain market demand throughout the model life -- but not specifying what’s in store for the acclaimed sports coupe.

He did indicate a preference for weight reduction over power boosts –  be it via increased capacity or forced induction – as either would require reinforcement to the 86’s driveline and structure, which would result in a weight gain that would likely diminish the purity of the 86’s drive experience.  

The 86 engineering team has explored both options already, with Tada-san telling of a simultaneous experiment with prototypes featuring each approach. One prototype was tuned for an extra 50kW over the existing versions 147kW output, and the second had 100kg of weight removed, with the 147kW engine remaining.

“The one with less weight was much more fun than the one with increased power,” he says, but would not be drawn on which prototype was faster.  

He also nominated the recent 86 TRD Griffon concept as his favourite among the several 86-based concepts that have appeared in the last 18 months.

Significantly, the Griffon’s key feature was its 227kg weight reduction over the production model, through the replacement of most exterior panels with carbon fibre, while maintaining the standard spec engine.

But Tada-san scuppered any hopes of a production version of the TRD Griffon, suggesting the cost of the composite bodywork would result in an asking price approaching the also-carbon bodied $700,000 Lexus LFA supercar.

His philosophy of removing weight in lieu of gaining power was famously championed by the late founder of Lotus; Colin Chapman, though Tada-san declined to acknowledge any link between the UK sports carmaker and his own 86 philosophy. Such an approach has certainly etched Lotus’ place in motoring legend, and we expect it would similarly help cement the 86’s position.

This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn