What we’ve learnt from the time Toyota and Subaru collaborated to work on a rear-wheel driven; driver focused sports car to the time when it was shown to the eyes of the world was – the fact that it will undoubtedly be a future classic. The project has been such an epic success that no matter the geographical location; the GT86/BRZ trend became an immediate hit and now after 2 years – we get to see how the aftermarket tuners decide to make things even better!
At Tokyo Auto Salon; it was no surprise to see the number of 86s and BRZs on the convention floor. Its funky styling and rather subjectively affordable price has turned it into an successful icon – enabling tuners to also bring to life wonders in the performance and styling department on the 86/BRZ platform. Much to our surprise however, was how celebrated the car was in the market that it even had its own section taking up almost half of hall 9,10 and 11; making up to over 50 86s and BRZs within the area.
The section was called 86&BRZ world and here stood many different iterations of modded and styled up Toyota GT86s and Subaru BRZs; showcasing the aftermarket community’s passion and interest in this model.
Here showcased the many different styles of modifying an 86/BRZ – beginning with Street Customs featuring bodykit tuners like DAMD with the LF-A lookalike kit and Rocket Bunny, to Time Attack machines and stanced-up whips.. the 86/BRZ world proved that the collaboration between the two giants gave the us enthusiasts an all rounder ride, and not feature specific like some others.
On one hand; yes the GT86/BRZ shape has become a sort of fashion item as it is a design that can be fooled around with, yet it still turns up one handsome looking brute. Although we at Zerotohundred has always preferred it to retain its sole purpose; emitting the pleasure of driving courtesy of its rear-wheel driven setup and brilliant chassis.
It goes to no surprise that there is a market for a convertible design on this chassis, however Toyota has yet to gift the world with this design officially. Don’t matter though as there will always be someone who are more than happy to convert one. We do wonder though, how much of the structure’s integrity has been affected from this conversion?
We did find this particular one that stood out in the crowd so well. Painted in what many would call Candy Red; it features a fully clean cut one-off widebody kit dubbed as the Weld ZN6 matched with a Voltex wing to give it the aggressive stature. And if you’re still not convinced on the level of epicness on this FRS.. take a look at the engine bay!
Clean cut and nicely tucked giving it the absolute clean look on the engine bay. With an exterior workmanship that looks brutally handsome; the engine bay was not left to rest. Yes, this is what your 4U-GSE/FA20 could look like when you give it some work.
And whilst most of the adults endure in the beauty of the full scaled, life size models.. there were also ones that can be held on the palm. Scaled models are a big thing in Japan and matched with the current favourite car on the road; there was also a showcase of diecasts and plastic model kits to represent the many different examples.
With just over 20 different iterations stationed at the GT86/BRZ World – don’t forget that there were also more stationed around Makuhari Messe; spreading over 11 different halls. We can only pin point some of the best that caught our eyes; as our minds were just flustered in amazement by just sheer excitement.
Its pick and choose really – think of almost any colour; any design and any bodykits available on the market for the GT86/BRZ; and you will most likely come across it without a doubt in the mind. As seemingly overrated this car seems; its success proved to the other carmakers that the world enjoys a fun little rear-wheel drive sports car because we enjoy driving..
We also quite enjoyed ourselves looking at the real; Monster Super Sport Pikes Peak driven by the legendary Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Challenge in Colorado. Featuring a 3.0-litre Twin-Turbocharged V6 that packs a rated output of 670bhp; it may barely be a GT86 anymore but this little monster will stand proud as a future legendary racer.
At the same time – this little Subaru BRZ GT300 is a winning racer in the Super GT series. We remember the little squirrel sound it emits as the driver lifts off its throttle on turns in Sepang during Super GT last year. Sad to say that we won’t have the opportunity to see it in action again anytime soon in Sepang as it has been cancelled.
We also saw the GT86 that were done by the guys from Speedhunters.com in collaboration with Kei Miura; the founder and kit maker of the amazing Rocket Bunny kit. Presented in Black matched with Enkei 6666 wheels, its one handsome looking brute. They call it the KM4SH. 
And as we end this part of our Tokyo Auto Salon 2014 coverage – we have to admit that the GT86/BRZ took most of the spotlight in TAS14; simply because of the sheer number of it on the convention floor. Although we are not complaining. The GT86/BRZ is certainly one handsome looking brute, and its popularity by tuners will only motivate more and more enthusiasts out there to begin a project with this chassis.
We end our coverage of Tokyo Auto Salon 2014 here. We hope you have enjoyed our coverage and we do apologise if we may have missed some cars your favourite cars out. For its size; 3 days might just not be enough.. Nevertheless – we did enjoy the experience!
