European slump ices Toyota 86 plans

The sunshine fun runner is ready to go, but the giant Japanese maker has no plans to fire it up until the spring thaw on the economic front. Instead, it is pushing ahead with plans for three sports models based on the landmark 86, as well as a second generation of the coupe.

“There are several speculations about the model. Our stance on the situation has not changed,” the chief engineer of the 86, Tetsuya Tada, tells Carsguide as he visits Australia for his car's first birthday party. “From a technical point of view, there is no problem. Everything is ready. But from the business point of view… unfortunately, in most of the world it is not a good condition.

“The European economic conditions are not good. And the sports car market is going down.” But 86 fans will be happy to know that Tada and his team are pressing ahead, already developing a new shock absorber-wheel-tyre combination that will soon be available for the car. A brief run in Canberra shows the set-up adds grip and stability, although there could be a trade-off in ride comfort and road noise.

There is also likely to be a 2.5-litre engine, to provide the torque that's currently missing from the torque and also to balance the grippier new tyres. “We have already started many upgrades for the minor change. And, of course, next generation 86 also. Several parts for the upgrade are already finished. So now I'm thinking what is the best timing.

“For Australia, so many people are waiting.  Now, at least, I must wait until we clear the order bank.” Tada has talked openly about plans for three sports cars for more than two years and says he has backing from the Toyota chief, Akio Toyoda. But he is only giving hints, not details.

“86 is the mid-sized. So, one above and one below. Of course, we already study, above and below models.” But what is coming first? “Toyota is an affordable car maker. We should prepare a surprise. It should be exciting and attractive.”

On the performance front, Tada still says it's up to tuning companies to put real punch into his car with turbocharger and supercharger installations. He knows that 86 buyers want more, but says they will be impossible to satisfy.

“In my opinion, if we - Toyota - have a 250-horsepower engine then after a few months there would be complaints that there is not enough horsepower. The 86 concept is not about the pursuit of numbers, how much power or torque, or speed or acceleration time. That's really boring.”

This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover