There have been many modern classic Toyota’s like the Celica GT4, the Supra and the Mk1 mid-engined MR2 but none have been as desirable and popular as the Levin (AE86). However after the demise of the AE86, Toyota took a rather boring route and the subsequent Celica, Levin and MR2/S cars had lost their sparkle. The European car manufacturers entered all three segments and gave buyers that much needed sparkle. BMW introduced the Z3, Renault gave us the Megane RS and Lotus introduced the Evora. It took Toyota management and engineers some 20 odd years to ‘wake up’ and now we have the GT 86. This is a revival of the classic rear wheel drive sports car. It is a good looking, sexy little sports car that invites you to drive it….drive it hard.
Climb in and you get torso hugging seats. There are 2 very small seats in the rear for young kids.
The cabin is tight with a 365 mm diameter steering wheel which helps if you have a large tummy.
The driver gets a large tachometer and instrument cluster designed with markings to ensure optimum, at-a-glance visibility and readability during fast driving.
The gear shifter is positioned to prevent your elbow from interfering with your quick shifts.
The ignition start button, carbon effect trim, all-black roof lining, upholstery stitching, aviation-style rocker switchgear, aluminium pedals and a choice of Black or Black and Red interior colour schemes all add to the sporting flavour that buyers in this segment yearn for.
Under the front hood is a horizontally opposed Subaru developed 1,998cc, four-cylinder boxer engine good for 200hp at 7,000 rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm at 6,600 rpm, giving the Toyota 86 engaging performance and a top speed of over 220km/h whilst returning an average fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100 km.
On a smooth, twisting road the 86 is a very agile with a near perfect weight distribution at 53:47 and a centre of gravity of 475mm high. This makes it an entertaining handler with great grip and exceptionally sharp, communicative steering. The 86 is quick and its gearbox direct and precise when in manual mode.
The engine revs climb quickly just like a superbike engine. It has very good grip, and you will have fun tying to lose the tail and bring it back in. It is a drift drivers dream. You can attack a corner fast on high revs and with the right amount of steering pressure the rear-wheel drive engine will pull you around with just enough tire wail to bring a smile to your face. The power delivery in ‘Sports’ mode is urgent and willing.
This Toyota 86 allows us to feel the road and return the favour with enough traction to keep any enthusiast driver wanting for more. The chassis begs for more power to be fed to the rear wheels and this is why we are quite sure Toyota have in their inventory a more powerful 86 waiting for release for the next WRC. Yes, we are quite sure a turbocharged Toyota 86 is waiting for global release in a year’s time, ready for a World Rally Championship podium. Carlos Sainz might have helped in its development. Toyota 86 Specification
Engine: Boxer Flat4 D-4S
Capacity: 1998cc
Max power: 197hp @ 7000rpm
Max torque: 205Nm @ 6600rpm
Transmission: 6-speed sports semi-auto
0-100km/h: 8.2secs
Top speed: 210km/h
Price: RM249,000.00
