In these days of green economies and ecological concerns the sports car has taken a bit of a back seat in the minds of car makers. Instead they prefer to concentrate their efforts on mainstream crossovers and sport utility vehicles. Certainly, there are still gorgeous hyper-fast supercars (that cost a fortune) for us to enjoy, but for those on a more limited financial budget, great drivers' cars are in short supply. Thanks indeed then to Toyota who have kept the dreams of sports car driving alive with the simply brilliant and brilliantly simple model 86.
About The 86
This car was the result of an executive board meeting at Toyota in 2007 with the worrying agenda that people around the world were losing interest in cars and what was the Toyota company was going to do about it. One suggestion on how to address this was to go back to basics with a sports car that would rekindle interest. In the past, sports cars had been repeatedly rejected as having been a poor return on investment, but at this meeting it was decided that if the technology division could make something that could rekindle interest, then the marketing division would support it. The legend was born and thirteen years on the 86 goes from strength to strength.
The Car
It is called the 86 in the Japanese market and elsewhere in the world, including Europe, it is the GT86 and it is the sister car to the Subaru BRZ. Now, the 86 is not a car for standing still, so it’s no surprise that it has maintained a level of popularity among motorists. That popularity has ensured that from time to time the Japanese brand offer a refreshed line-up and style detail changes, but at its heart it remains every inch the best driver’s car to be had for the money. Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, just as tradition dictates.
Features like wheels and colours vary worldwide, with the range-topping Aero model running on gloss black 18" rims. These larger alloys are also newly available as an option on the core GT86 model, but mostly the car runs on, surprisingly, 16" wheels with tyres from the Toyota Prius model, to make the driving experience more intense.
The Drive
So, depending on the local market options, colours and the like can change but what has not changed is the fundamentally brilliant 86 dynamic package. Offering a proven combination of a normally aspirated 2.0L boxer engine - seated well down in the engine bay for a low centre of gravity - and mated to either a manual or automatic gearbox, coupled to a beautifully balanced chassis, the whole car continues to deliver the exhilarating and rewarding driving experience that has earned the 86 accolades around the globe. The current engine is compliant with emissions standards, with no change to its fuel economy.
Raw power is not what this car is about however and this is deliberate policy. The driver has to work the 86 hard to get this car going quickly and that is all part of the ethos beneath the stylish bodywork. Maximum torque only reaches peak power near the top end of the rev range but so long as the engine is kept spinning above 4,000rpm, the 86 does feels properly brisk. Although trim levels might vary, that engine has never changed and no power upgrades are anticipated.
The Toyota 86 makes a great free-wheeling couple's car or fine second car to sit alongside the family wagon. Essentially, it is fun as motoring used to be. Why not check out the wide selection of Toyota 86 models available on our website. Here at MHH Japanese Cars a great drive is only a phone call or email away.
