Are you waiting for this version?
By now, it is a well known fact that the new Toyota 86 is a brilliant car to be driven on the circuit, thanks to its outstanding handling and manoeuvrability. However, it has always been criticized for not being ‘as fast as it looks’. Yes, there are plenty of tuning options in the market to ‘bump’ up its power delivery but many buyers want a factory provided engine with much more power.
The 86 was designed to lure thrill-seeking drivers back to Toyota, as opposed to the current models in the stable that target drivers who want nothing more than practicality and economy.
Designed around Toyota’s “Neo Functionalism” theme, the 86’s design was inspired by the old 2000GT, featuring a low body, bulging front and rear wheel arches, and bold front fascia, making it look very sporty and futuristic. The car’s visual impact was immediate.
From the factory, the power comes from a Subaru sourced 2.0-litre, flat-four Boxer engine, producing 197hp and 205Nm of torque. As the 86 doesn’t have a turbocharger, peak horsepower and torque only kicks in at high rpm. When driven slowly in the city during heavy traffic, it didn’t feel like a performance oriented car at all.
With rivals like the Volkswagen Scirocco, Renault Megane R.S. and more, the 86 and its sibling the BRZ lacked the added ‘punch’ to make it a truly a starter sports car.
We have at many times at Subaru and Toyota press events asked engineers from both car brands on the arrival of a turbocharged or supercharged version. But they all reply with a smile and then say that it is either in the pipeline or it is for the next generation model.
Now we have rumors circulating on the internet saying that a Toyota GR86 is on the way together with a new Subaru BRZ that will have a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru sourced engine good for 260 HP and 277 lb-ft of torque under the good to fuel the much needed sports car power that many have been asking for. It is about time as Toyota has aggressively promoted their GR (Gazoo Racing) program which started with the outstanding all new Toyota Supra and then it went to release their Yaris GR-4. Now, it’s time for the 86 to get the GR makeover.
The rumor was first leaked by British online magazine www.autocar.uk and this news has been picked up by dozens of other motoring websites around the globe.
Specifications of the 2012 Toyota 86
Engine: Boxer four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC
Displacement: 1,998 cc
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Max power: 200hp @ 7,000rpm
Max torque: 205Nm @ 6,400 – 6,600rpm
0 to 100km/h: 8.2 seconds
Top speed: 210 km/h
