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| 2013 Toyota 86 |
Inspired from the 2009 FT-86 Concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and this is Toyota's first sports coupe in collaboration with Subaru, welcome to the dawn of the new Toyota as we know it today. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the new Toyota 86. A sportscar unlike any other.
86, or Hachi-Roku in Japanese, is the name given in tribute of the best drifting cars of all time, the Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 and the Toyota Corolla Levin AE86. So, the main question is, can the Toyota 86 be a modern take of the classic AE86 hatches? You know what? Let's find out. The exterior design of the Toyota 86 is heavily inspired from the two FT-86 Concept cars, one by Tokyo and one from last year's Geneva. This provides a menacing appearance up close and personal and a prolific rear view, making this a very unique sportscar that was started as a concept and turned into a reality. On the side view, you can expect seeing the "86" logo with some pistons on it, which makes it also unique to the eyes of car enthusiasts.
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| 2013 Toyota 86 interior |
Inside the Toyota 86, it's all business for the driver. The interior is just focused solely to be more race-inspired rather than being too comfy, well that is if you have variants like the "GT" and the "GT Limited". If you look closely at the instrumental panel, you should notice that the tachometer looks somewhat similar to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG but who cares? That instrument panel is a genuine "86" trademark on it. Because this car's interior is not focused on being luxurious, the driver doesn't bother at all because he was surely focused for some thriller at the Shutokou, the kaido, or at the racetrack, especially at the Fuji Speedway.
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| 2013 Toyota 86 |
Now, we're into the performance zone. Under the hood, the TOYOTA 86 is equipped with a new 2.0L D-4S BOXER engine, which is a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, and they called it FA20. The new FA20 engine develops 200PS of power and 205Nm of torque. It promises about 12.4km/L to 13.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 mode test cycle. There are two transmission types available such as a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Paddle Shit transmission. Those who are looking for some hardcore fun should prefer the 6-speed manual transmission because it completes the 86's characteristics. While the 86 may not be the fastest, it excels in handling because of the sport-tuned suspension system. If the driver switches to Sport Mode, that sharpens the throttle response and handling, making this 86 a hoodlum you won't escape.
Is the TOYOTA 86 safe? Well, yes because Toyota added some safety features to the 86, which makes it hard to explain what are those, such as the Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Limited Slip Differential, and six airbags. Uh, why I am explaining about the 86's safety? I don't need it because I always want to turn the traction control off and get this car to drive more dangerously if you're on Mt. Haruna.
Colors available on the TOYOTA 86 are Satin White Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Lightning Red, Orange Metallic, and Galaxy Blue Silica.
My Comment:
This is the Toyota 86, not the AE86, because this FR sports car is more than just a car, it's a culture of its own right. I've never seen a car that can be proven to be one of the best FR cars in Toyota history but I drove this car a lot thanks to Gran Turismo 5.
The TOYOTA 86 will go on sale in Japan this April 6 and also, Toyota will be opening some "AREA 86" specialty shops at selected Toyota/Toyopet/Netz/Corolla dealers throughout Japan that is more than just a specialty shop, it's socialization for people who really love cars. Perhaps this was been the opening salvo for Toyota's FUN TO DRIVE AGAIN slogan...
Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation
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