Toyota 86 prototype 2013 review

Toyota is on its way to answering the cries for more performance from fans of its hugely successful 86 sports coupe, with the unveiling of a prototype of the model’s first factory performance upgrade this week.

Simply comprised of larger 18 inch wheels with stickier tyres and uprated dampers on all corners -- and with no name or brand yet assigned to the package -- it truly is a toe in the water tuning effort with no benefit to power or acceleration.  But the kit promises improved grip and cornering stability, and the sharpened proportions of larger diameter wheels within the 86’s wheelarches. 

VALUE

The upgrade kit is yet to get the official green light for sale, and may still arrive as part of a more comprehensive enhancement package with interior and exterior upgrades across several international markets.

However, 86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada confirms that the wheel/tyre/damper combo has at least passed Toyota’s internal quality evaluation process, with availability now in the hands of the marketing department.

Toyota are not prepared to discuss pricing as yet, but Tada-san confirmed plans for the kit to be available to both new and used 86 owners, suggesting it would be fitted at dealer level.

We’d expect the wheel/tyre/damper package to be priced on the lighter side of the $7995 Subaru asks for the more aesthetically-focused S pack introduced for the (86 twin) BRZ recently, which counts lowered coil springs, a suspension tower bar and a manual shift-kit as its only mechanical upgrades. Even if the 86 package matched the BRZ S pack’s price, a so-optioned $29,990 86 GT manual would sneak within $40,000, which could make for a bargain-priced track warrior with a full manufacturer’s warranty.

DESIGN

The prototype enhancement package specifically includes a set of enlarged 18 by 7.5 inch (up from the GT model’s 16x6.5 and GTS’s 17x7 standard specs) BBS forged alloy wheels with staggered width 215mm front and 225mm rear '86' branded Dunlop Direzza R-spec tyres (up from GT’s 205mm and GTS’ 215mm spec) , plus specifically tuned non-adjustable Sachs dampers on all corners. The 86’s standard  springs, swaybars, and suspension bushes are unchanged, but the new  wheels, tyres, and dampers have all been developed by Tada-san’s team to work in harmony with the existing hardware. 

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The enhanced 86’s 2.0 litre boxer petrol four is also unchanged from the existing production model, so produces the same 147kW at 7000rpm, and 205Nm between 6400-6600rpm, with a combination of direct and port injection.

The characteristic boxer throb also remains, with a meaty intake and exhaust growl through the much of the rev-range before a 7400rpm redline. The prototype 86 was equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox option, but the chassis upgrades would be equally suited to automatic variants, which make up nearly half of all Australian 86 sales.

SAFETY

The existing 86’s five-star ANCAP rating would be unaffected by these enhancements, with the current model’s list of safety features including dual front and side airbags, full length curtain airbags, drivers knee bag, plus anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, traction and five-mode stability control.

DRIVING

Driven back-to back with a standard manual 86 GTS, Tada-san’s subtle chassis enhancements have reigned in a significant degree of the 86’s playful character, with the expected higher grip threshold and the wider rear tyres reducing the 86’s tendency to oversteer.

Tail movement is still there if you want, but requires more encouragement to induce, and is far more difficult to maintain throughout the corner. In other words, the grip levels now clearly exceed the driveline’s outputs, unlike the now-renowned balance of the standard car. Despite using standard swaybars front and rear, the Sachs dampers make a noticeable difference to bodyroll, particularly during rapid direction changes, and are well matched to the tyres’ extra grip.

Our brief drive was over a closed circuit designed to replicate a number of challenging real-world road conditions and surface irregularities, so there were plenty of chances to highlight any weaknesses in the new setup.

Nonetheless, the enhanced 86 impressed at speeds well beyond what you’d legally experience on public roads of similar quality, and there’s no doubt it would knock seconds off a standard car’s lap times if you were counting.  

There’s no mistaking the enhanced 86 with a standard model when you’re into the swing of it, but the ride – while sharper than standard – is still nicely compliant over rural road bumps when cruising. This is no bone rattling track special like the original Honda Integra Type R, for example. 

VERDICT

As a first taste of what Toyota is cooking up to keep buyers keen on the 86 throughout its model life, this prototype tuning package should instil confidence that Toyota will eventually satisfy those who prefer outright performance over playful chuckability.

While this setup adds nothing to the 86’s straight-line surge, it would make a demonstrable difference to its performance around a circuit, motorkhana, or tarmac rally. And during the week, it would remain a usable everyday car with the assurance of a full manufacturer’s warranty.