Toyota 86 2014 News

Toyota’s FT-1 concept was arguably the star of the 2014 Detroit motor show -- prompting considerable comment about whether or not it points to a successor for the iconic Supra – with an outright perfo

The fanfare surrounding Nissan’s IDx and BladeGlider concepts at last year’s Tokyo motor show was such that the Japanese brand has green-lit plans for production versions, according to Autocar.

Toyota’s 86 has already proven its mettle as a circuit racer and a drift challenger, and now Toyota’s German motorsport partner TMG has announced plans to build a rally version of the hugely popular sports coupe. TMG have already developed the European-spec GT86 CS-V3 endurance racer for the German VLN series and Nurburgring 24 Hour events, and will adapt the tarmac racer to suit the FIA’s new RC3 rally category. RC3 is based around two-wheel drive production cars with naturally aspirated engines between 1.6 and 2.0-litres, with a minimum weight of 1080kg, and TMG will add a rally-spec rollcage, sequential six-speed transmission, and brake, suspension and differential upgrades. TMG expects the new GT86 CS-R3 gravel racer to be ready for customer deliveries by the start of the 2015 European motorsport season, with final spec and pricing to be announced in the coming months.   This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn  

Toyota may have halted plans for a convertible based on the bones of its wildly successful 86 sports car, but reports suggest we could see it spawn a rear-wheel drive sedan. Stories of the possibility bubbled up the this week, most recently from US site Motor Trend, citing an inside source at Toyota in Japan. They suggest the brand is looking at several different models based on its rear-wheel-drive platform jointly developed with Subaru and sold as the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. One of the planned models was a convertible based on the FT 86 Open concept, but low projected sales are believed to have stalled the project for now. Another is a shooting brake-style wagon and a third is a sedan, the most likely of the trio to make production. Why? Because it would be relatively unique in the market, especially if priced close to the $29,990 starting price of the 86. The sedan would appeal to buyers looking for a small sporty car but still needing the practicality of rear doors and seats -- especially those with a family to consider. According to the report, the new sedan’s wheelbase would be about 8cm longer than that of the Toyota 86. The project would use the 147kW/205 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as the standard unit, but a hybrid setup is also on the cards from other reports, suggesting a detuned version of the setup featured in Toyota’s recent Yaris Hybrid-R concept, with a single electric motor paired up with the boxer engine. If the insider's information is accurate, we could see the 86-based rear-wheel-drive sedan launched around the end of 2015, with a price possibly starting in the $30,000-$35,000 region. www.motorauthority.com  

Toyota is considering several options for boosting the performance of the highly acclaimed 86 coupe, with weight reduction, forced induction, and an engine capacity increase among the possible performance boosters. The adoption of an electrified hybrid drivetrain is another possibility, and Autocar is reporting that Toyota’s exploration of 86 hybridisation has reached an “advanced” stage, but is yet to score the go-ahead for production. Speaking with Toyota drivetrain manager Koei Saga, the report suggests that a variety of hybrid technology options are being considered for the project. The most performance-oriented of these is likely a KERS-style supercapacitor system similar to the Toyota TS030 Hybrid Le Mans racer and the Yaris Hybrid-R concept shown at Frankfurt last week. However, Toyota 86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada recently suggested to Carsguide that a supercapacitor-based hybrid system is unlikely for road-going models due to the costs involved with the technology. Therefore, if a hybrid 86 is given the green light, a cheaper nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion setup as used by existing Prius models is likely. Saga also suggested that the inevitable weight of a hybrid system could be offset by the 100kg weight reduction already achieved in testing, which could also be headed for future regular 86 models. The transmission options for a hybrid 86 are also unclear, with all production Toyota hybrids to date using decidedy un-86 automatic transmissions. Yes the existing 86 model is available in auto-guise, but a manual option would be key in winning over enthusiast buyers.  The sequential manual fitted to the Yaris Hybrid-R concept suggests that such a transmission could be headed to future production hybrids, and could be an ideal solution for a hybrid 86 variant. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn  

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  

Toyota has given Australian media the first sneak peak at a new range of performance tweaks for its 86 sports car. Despite the 86 -- and its Subaru BRZ twin -- drawing worldwide acclaim since its global unveiling in early 2012, hardcore performance fans have been crying out for a performance boost to the already dynamic sports coupe. The aftermarket has been quick to answer this demand, with a huge variety of power-up, handling and aesthetic upgrades appearing around the globe. The tuned 86 prototype shown to the media in Canberra this week sports larger 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, and all are intended to leave Toyota’s factory warranty unaffected, and to be made available for both new and used 86 owners. The grippier tyres and more focused dampers are likely to improve the 86’s cornering stability, while the 18 inch wheels better fill the wheelarches for a subtle aesthetic gain. Chief engineer of the 86 project Tetsuya Tada admits that the upgrades are the first of many under consideration, and are intended to maintain demand for the model once the existing order banks are cleared. Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing boss Tony Cramb confirmed the existing local waiting list spreads from 3-6 months, depending on model, colour, and transmission choice, and he expects to satisfy pent-up demand by early 2014.  This first upgrade follows Tada-san’s statement at the Australian launch of the 86 last year: “The dynamic potential of the 86 should not rely on high-performance tyres, but customers who opt to buy high-performance tyres will be pleasantly surprised at the net performance gain.” Subaru Australia have already put a toe in this water with the largely aesthetic S pack for the BRZ earlier this year, and the “tuned by STi” BRZ  tS that appeared online this week looks to take enhancement a step further with a carbon fibre rear wing, Brembo brakes and Recaro seat upgrades. Subaru’s production plans for the  BRZ tS are yet to be confirmed however.  The new enhancements for the 86 were developed in Japan by Tada’s engineering team, so should rival any aftermarket alternative in complementing the 86’s basic engineering. Asked when the new hot bits might be available for sale, Tada-san refused to suggest timing or possible pricing, but asserted that they may arrive simultaneously with new exterior and interior enhancement options, across several international markets.  Tada did confirm that the wheel/tyre/damper package has already passed Toyota’s internal quality evaluation process, and their availability is now up to Toyota’s marketeers. Owners seeking a cohesive factory-approved boost to their 86’s performance should keep their fingers crossed. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn  

Toyota teased its GT 86 TRD Griffon concept teased at the start of June. The car was eventually revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and now fans of the lightweight coupe are going to see it hit the track. Toyota is taking the two-door to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, and this little machine should prove to be quite the adept hillclimber. To prep it for its track time, the TRD team shed as much weight as they could. Carbon fibre body panels have been swapped in so that the door, roof, bonnet, bootlid, and rear wing are all made up of the lighter material. Additionally, the front bumper and guards have been swapped out for carbon fibre composite pieces. TRD were able to shed a very impressive 225 kg which brings the curb weight down to approximately 1040 kg. The engine was left alone, but the handling and braking have been upgraded. A TRD mechanical differential was swapped in to replace the Torsen unit, and a set of lightweight 18-inch wheels was bolted on. This GT 86 clearly looks to get down to racing business, and we can't wait to see it hit the hill. This is a concept car, and although Toyota has released a limited-edition GT 86 TRD in the UK, Australia won't be getting that model -- we have to wait until Toyota is ready to bring a higher-performance version of the 86 here. In the meantime, you'll have to resort to importers of the TRD parts catalogue to dress up your 86. www.motorauthority.com  

The Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ twins that claimed the 2012 COTY has been voted as Australia’s Overall Best car.The car took 21 per cent of the votes in the Carsguide.com.au People’s Choice competition – 14 per cent with people who put the Toyota first as the 86/BRZ and 7 per cent with Subaru fans who preferred to select it as the BRZ/86.From there it was a sizable gap to the Ford Falcon Ecoboost in second place with 11 per cent, and another stretch to the Holden Commodore on 6 per cent. They’d both overtaken the Toyota Camry and also the Mazda CX-5 – which had held second place in the early days of the poll. The Overall Best win crowned a triple success for Toyota, which took out three of the five categories in People’s Choice.It shared again with Subaru in the Sports/Luxury section, where the 86/BRZ held a strong lead from the start in and crossed the line with 31 per cent, leaving the other contenders to jostle for second place. That became a war among the German brands, with positions changing every week and coming down almost to a photo finish with the Audi RS5 on 19.3 per cent – a nose ahead of the BMW M3 on 19.1.Toyota also claimed the Best Trade/Commercial segment with the Hilux getting a whopping 40 per cent of the vote, fending off a late rally from the Ford Ranger/Mazda BT50 which finished on 26 per cent. The newest brand to the ute showroom, Volkswagen, saw fourth place for their Amarok with 17 per cent.Toyota’s Camry forced its way past the Ford Falcon Ecoboost’s earlier lead in the Best Family Car section, with the Camry finishing on 29 per cent to the big Ford’s 27, and the Subaru Liberty on 19 per cent snatching third place from the Holden Commodore on 17.However Ford had a winner – and the biggest margin – in the Fiesta, which blitzed the Best First Car with 46 per cent of the votes. From there it was a long stretch back to the Hyundai i20 on 22 per cent and the Kia Rio on 15 per cent in third.Close voting in the Best SUV/Recreational section saw the Subaru Forester gain on the Mazda CX-5, with the two sitting level at the start of the final week. However the Forester put on a burst in the last few days and nudged ahead with 29 per cent, leaving the CX-5 on 27 and several lengths ahead of the third-placed Mitsubishi Pajero on 16 per cent.BREAKOUTWinner of the $5000It was a hard to choose a winning entry among so many great comments about why particular cars are your favourites.  But in the end, we felt Chris Mitchell of Queensland had written the best justification for his choice (the 86/BRZ) with: Subaru meets Toyota = heart, soul, and speed.WHAT YOU SAIDBEST OVERALL AND BEST SPORTS/LUXURYToyota 86/Subaru BRZIt is hard to go past this pairing as they are arguably the most complete package to enter the market. - Pete PetrassDriving pleasure and value for money at a price that is affordable to all. - Puay SimIt’s quite simply the car we have been begging for since the turn of the century. - Ryan ReynoldsBEST FIRST CARFord FiestaEconomical, affordable, attractive, easy to drive, easy to park and reliable. - Karen EkholmCute, easy, can still carry a full load and so easy to drive. The perfect car. - Courtney DettmanGreat fuel economy, stylish little car. Very zippy & full of great options. - Baden KellyBEST FAMILY CARToyota CamryTotal reliability. Outlasts competitors. Years of trouble-free motoring. Overall outstanding. True value. - Nichole MealingThe Camry has very well thought out features that make driving safer and more enjoyable. - Tony John WaiteReliable, family friendly and economical. - Lisa-Marie SanderyBEST TRADE/COMMERCIALToyota HiluxUnhook boat, hose the fish smell off (yourself too)...and this fancy pants is ready for the ball.  - Elizabeth ELlisWork, Play, Family. Hilux gives me versatility, flexibility and reliability. - Paul JarmanIt’s the best of both worlds: a family car and a workhorse.  - James McDonnellBEST SUV/RECREATIONALSubaru ForesterSuperb Urban Beast, All Round Ultimate winner. - Caroline ShanksSmart choice for a go anywhere vehicle for anytime. - Richard LwinBecause it’s a great family car as well as a car to take out bush. - Rebecca Costa 

The most significant sports cars since the original Mazda MX-5 in 1989 and by far the most affordable. "There too many grey cars in the world. The Twins are technicolour and 3D'' says Paul Gover. Marketing puffery is often ludicrous -- especially when it’s Toyota promising passion. But for the 86 just about every box has been ticked and promise delivered – many more than we expected. The 86 is alive and kick-arse. The most significant sports cars since the original Mazda MX-5 in 1989 and by far the most affordable. "There too many grey cars in the world. The Twins are technicolour and 3D'' says Paul Gover. Steering feel is excellent, with good weighting and feedback. The car feels taut and agile, turning in nimbly and gripping the road aggressively. The six-speed manual is one of the best around: short, sweet and snickety. Even hardened stick-shunners could be won over by this one. It gets off the line smartly, and delivers decent in-gear acceleration, despite there not being any sense of huge torque on tap. The in-car soundtrack improves once you push it up above 3500rpm, but apart from that the engine noise is subdued and it’s the tyres you hear. That aside, the Toyota 86 is nearly everything most people could want in terms of bang for the buck. The BRZ is brilliant, addictive and deeply depressing. You need to drop six figures to find something comparable or better - Mazda's able but aging MX-5 is finally surpassed, but then so for sheer driving pleasure are cars with badges like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Embracing an old formula - light weight, small and willing atmo engine, manual trans and rear wheel drive - it feels fresh and invigorating against a field of ever more sophisticated and heinously expensive sports cars, devices  that are technical tours de force but which can be emotionally bereft. No track day intro for the BRZ, so no lurid power sliding. But during a nocturnal fang on one of the nation's best bits of sinuous blacktop, the Soob more than fulfills its part of the two-brand partnership. Swarm into a tight bend, the note of that chuntering four rises to a wail, the merest throttle input shifts to impetus from nose the tail.  Yet there are acres of space and ample signals between control and untidiness. The BRZ is highly sensitive and entirely intuitive. Toyota 86 GT manual four-seater/Subaru BRZ Price: from $29,990 (BRZ - $37,150) Engine: two-litre variable-valve direct-injection DOHC flat-four-cylinder Transmission: six-speed manual, rear wheel drive Power: 147kW @ 7000rpm Torque: 205Nm @ 6600rpm Fuel use/emissions: 7.8 l/100km, tank 50 litres 95-98 PULP; 181g/km Brakes/safety systems: Driver and front passenger airbags, front seat side airbags, curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, stability control (Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control), rear parking sensors Dimensions: Length 4240mm, width 1775mm, height 1285mm (BRZ -1245mm), wheelbase 2570mm, cargo volume 217 litres, weight 1222kg (BRZ 1216kg) Wheels/tyres: 16in alloy wheels (BRZ 17in alloys) Win $5,000 in our People's Choice competition.