When one mentions the Toyota 86, the usual suspects of keywords that describe this new rear drive sports coupe will come in the form of “going sideways”, “touge driving” or “great balance”. Those impressions are undeniably true, and the car is truly a sporty baby that has successfully inherited the soul that famed the old AE86. But those are not the only characteristics that made the new 86 as what it is today. Compared to the old one, this spiritual successor has tonnes of new stuffs/perks/equipments fitted to match the standards of a today’s cars.
Let’s start off with the engine. Yes, it is well stated everywhere that this is a 2.0-liter, 200 horsepower, flat-4 Boxer engine. But other than it being an all-new lump, what is so special about it? For starters, this compact, flat engine is set as low and far back as possible to optimize the car’s balance, this has also gave the new 86 a near-perfect weight distribution of 53:47. Unlike the 50:50 that BMW used to swear by. It is also found that a front biased weight shift would give certain FR cars a greater poise. This special positioning has given the 86 an ultra-low center of gravity of only 460mm, a territory where cars like the Cayman resides.
The next generation D-4S direct-injection power plant also incorporates the latest in engine technology that provides greater throttle response, power and torque while maximizing fuel efficiency. And while on the topic of fuel efficiency, the 86 is able to sip 6.5L/100km via manual transmission and, surprisingly, a better 5.9L/100km on the automatic, which are both remarkable figures for a sporting car!
The 86’s transmission is surely no laughing matter, as the engineers at Toyota managed to really put some kick into it, especially for the paddle-shifting automatic. While the word “auto” might project a mental imagery of being feminine and sluggish, especially in between gear changes for some, they will now all stand corrected once they've experienced the 86’s trick version. Similar and perhaps an improved version of the Lotus Evora IPS which utilizes bits and pieces from the Toyota parts bin. Toyota 86's six-speed automatic transmission was actually inspired from the top-of-the-range Lexus IS model, the IS-F. And with paddle shifters available only for the automatic variant, it translates to a direct response coupled with a lightning-quick shifting speed of only 0.2 seconds.
Unlike today’s cars that are packed to the brim, lugging excessive weight only to amplify driving performance through an array of electronic assistance, one for example, the launch control. The 86 only feature bare necessities that one would actually us. Some of the crucial driving safety, car transforming, ECU map changing buttons are fitted right onto the center console. These are the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) Sport, Traction Control, Sport and Snow modes.
Being in Malaysia, of course we do not experience any snow, at least not till the next climate change so let’s just focus on the other three mood buttons that pretty much changes how the 86 behaves. Okay wait, we’ve found another use for SNOW MODE in tropical climates. Rain. By today’s standards, cars with traction control for snow should allow the equipped car to jog on snow and walk on ice. Imagine what it could do on wet. It’s likely the safest button there is to press on the 86.
Back to the other more exciting buttons, here’s one example. Being one of the pioneers of this life-saving feature, the VSC really comes in handy in assisting drivers in managing lateral skidding. This should be kept permanently on for most novices to avoid unintentional Tsuchiya-don’t-wannabe moments. To fully access the 86, do keep the TC off and any good driver can then make the FR Coupe dance.
Toyota GT 86 Traction Control Demonstration [SKIDPAD] - YouTube
Although the 86’s output of only 200 horsepower might not sound intimidating, it does inherit the FR wild side and might put up an unexpected slide, especially when negotiating a slippery surface. The traction control helps to gently apply the brakes on the slipping drive wheel while reducing the throttle at the same time to maintain traction and car control throughout. For a more lively and direct response from the car, the Sports button is always ready to spice up the drive for an unforgettable sensation. Sport mode also enables the torque-converter to lock-up at lower speeds and gives a crisper gear change to maximize acceleration in each gear.
Like a number of cars back in its days (the 80’s), one of the iconic features of the AE86 Trueno is its pop-up headlights, which to this day still retains the “swag” that it has during the yesteryears. Although the Toyota 86 sports a more “common” headlight design, it is definitely one of those that is controversial in design, crucial for a sports oriented car. This sharp, somewhat prominent headlights portray an aggressive stance, even at standstill.
The rear lights are also a looker, as instead of adapting the typical all-red tail light design, the rear of the 86 screams unique with LED Altezza-styled tail lights.
Although the guys at Toyota already had their hands full in designing the important bits like the beautiful, world renowned chassis and the electronic gadgetry, they managed to complete the most important part of the 86, the cockpit. Not an aspect that can be carried over from the regular models.
This is an all-new strategically designed cockpit with a race-driver in mind, involving everything from seating position, gear shift placement, foot pedals positioning and of-course an adjustable steering distance and angle. Something only the purebred sports cars used to provide, now made available to the 86. Who knew?
There is also the new exclusive horizontally opposed pistons with central “86” branded plaques that can be found not only on the outside, but also on the inside, on the steering wheel and even the carpets. Sporty, the all black interior with red stitching everywhere is a nice touch, plus alcantara-clad seats and black roof-lining adorns the cockpit.
A great place for drivers to reside with no weird cream or beige lashings in the 86 to distract. Other touches include metallic touches on the MINI-esque central flick switches, shift pedals, foot pedals and the door sills.
The iPod/USB connectivity also comes in handy in this digital age. It would have been in fact a surprise if a car of such stature did not have a feature that is now considered a necessity. The port allows the driver to “personalize” the atmosphere of the car through a playlist of their own handpicked tunes through the decent stereo system in the 86.
And even if music is not one’s choice for the moment, the port could also act as a USB charging port while on the move, which comes in as a very handy feature
Toyota 86 Specifications and Prices
- Zerotohundred: 8.2s (AT), 7.6s (MT)
- Top Speed: 225 km / h
- Engine: 1998 cc D-4S flat-four boxer engine (FA20)
- Power: 197 bhp / 7000 rpm
- Redline: 7400 rpm
- Torque 205 nm / 6600 rpm
- Weight: 1,230 kg
- Fuel: 5.91L/100km Automatic / 6.5L/100km Manual
- Fuel Tank: 50 L
- Wheels: 17"
- Tyres: 215/45R17 all round
- Price: RM243,000 Manual / RM249,000 Auto
- Official Link: Toyota Malaysia - Toyota 86
