2017 Toyota 86
The company announced it will launch the
redesigned Toyota 86 in Japan on August 1, bringing significant enhancements in
handling and aerodynamics.
Toyota has updated the looks of their
compact rear-drive coupe, improving at the same time the aerodynamic performance
with a more sculpted and lower nose that features a wider grille and a rear
spoiler that adds downforce.
The rear bumper now features a wider
diffuser section with the redesigned taillights utilizing LEDs in a horizontal
direction to give the impression of a wider stance.
While numbers suggest that the 2.0-litre
flat-four engine has gained just 5 hp, now offering 205 hp and 212 Nm of torque, Toyota says that maximum torque is now generated at a wider
range of engine revs (6400 to 6800 rpm) while the torque in lower revs has also
been improved thanks to changes made to the intake and exhaust manifolds.
It’s important to notice that the power
gains are only applied to the manual six-speed version as the automatic still
offers 197 hp and 205 Nm of torque between 6400 and 6600 rpm.
The chassis is now more rigid, thanks to
an increase in the number of spot welding points on the rear pillars, allowing
the suspension to perform better. Toyota also added the option of Sachs absorbers
for those looking to extract the best out of their new 86 straight out from the
factory gates.
All models now come with LED headlamps
as standard, with GT Limited and GT models also getting LED front fog-lamps. A
set of new gun-metallic finished 17-inch alloys with machine-cut highlights are
also standard on GT Limited and GT models.
This is also the first time we get to
see the changes made inside the cabin. The steering wheel is now smaller, with
a diameter of 362 mm, making it the smallest ever used in a Toyota. The
tachometer was modified so that the very top of it reads 7k, where the engine
is generating its maximum output while a 4.2-inch TFT color display next to it
provides useful information to the driver, including real-time G-forces, power/torque
curves, and a stopwatch.
Toyota has upped the quality of the
materials used inside too, adding an optional suede-like trim for the
instrument panel and door cards. New carbon-like inserts on the doors and
heater controls and Alcantara seats are also on offer.
The base G models start at 2,623,320 yen
for Japan (around US$ 25,800 in current exchange rates) while the more expensive
GT version starts at 2,981,880 yen (US$ 29,300).
