The last prize car of Forza Horizon 5's Japanese Automotive Series Update is a newcomer, it's an ancient tiny Japanese sportscar with handling that can upset the Titans. Say Konnichiwa to the Toyota Sports 800.
So, what's it all about the Yota-Hachi, as most speedo boys call it?
Launched in 1965, it's known to be Toyota's first production sports car and it was derived from the Publica Sports concept car showcased at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show. Built as a competitor to Honda's first car, the S500, the Sports 800 features a 790cc engine that produces 45PS of power and is mated to a 4-speed manual, capable of reaching 160kph of top speed. It was one of the first production cars to feature a Targa top, akin to Porsche's 911 Targa models.
When production ended in late 1969, a total of 3,131 vehicles were produced. Some say a few of these models were left-hand-drive models built mostly for the Okinawa market because Okinawa is under American influence. Toyota wanted to sell this car to the United States but they refused to sell it, although US Toyota dealerships decided to keep the Sports 800 for display only.
I got this car from this series update's Hot Season Playlist and upon driving it, the small sizing made it easy to drive through the bends. Although not built for straight-line speeds because of its tiny engine, the handling is smooth like butter if you catch my drift. Because of this, it's time to have a little play date with the Yota-Hachi on the streets of Guanajuato, its preferred habitat.
The Yota-Hachi is ready to play alongside the big guns as it tries to make trouble on the streets of Guanajuato. A true test of the size and handling that the Toyota Sports 800 was born for. Let's cue the tape.
Not according to plan but boy, this tiny Toyota surely pulled it off.
If the Toyota Sports 800 didn't exist, icons like the Trueno and the Supra would not exist. This is the main reason why the Yota-Hachi deserves a lot of respect because this is the originator of Toyota sports cars. Although it's not classified as a kei car, the sizing and handling feel like it and such dynamics set the template for Toyota sports cars following their footsteps. After all, that's your history lesson for today.
Enjoy your new ride!