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Interior Design
On board, the ergonomics and function of every element the driver interacts with
have been scrutinized to make driving the car as natural, instinctive and
rewarding as possible. For example, the steering wheel has a 365mm diameter,
making it the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota, and it is trimmed in buckskin,
developed from exhaustive feedback from test drivers on how to achieve the best
steering performance and grip.
The three-meter instrument cluster is arranged around a large tachometer, its
design benefiting from close attention to the positioning of the displays,
markings and typeface. The result is the best possible visibility and
readability. The driver-focus of the cockpit is further reinforced by the
carbon-effect trim, all-black roof lining, red stitching on the upholstery,
aviation-style rocker switches and lightweight, aluminum pedals.
The Most Compact Four-Seater Sports Car
The Toyota GT 86's dimensions make it the most compact four-seater sports car
available today. Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as
low and as far back as possible to achieve the best balance: the car has a
near-perfect 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution. The flat-four engine
format and the driver's hip point - the lowest of any current Toyota production
model - together give the GT 86 an ultra-low center of gravity.
The 2012 Toyota GT 86 makes the most of a light kerb weight, making it easy for
drivers to exploit its nimble handling and cornering poise. The suspension
features MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear. The
car rides on 17-inch wheels and is fitted with ventilated disc brakes fore and
aft.
Horizontally Opposed Engine with D-4S
The 2012 Toyota GT 86's engine is the result of a joint Toyota and Subaru
development program that brings together their technical know-how and mutual
passion for sports cars.
Toyota has added its D-4S injection technology to Subaru's new, horizontally
opposed, naturally aspirated 1,998cc four-cylinder boxer engine. This system
features separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and a high
12.5:1 compression ratio, increasing power and torque across a wide range of
engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.
The flat-four engine has equal bore and stroke of 86.0mm and drives through
either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers
quick, precise shifts using a tactile, short-throw lever; the automatic
transmission can be controlled using paddle shifts mounted on the steering
wheel.
Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential to give
the best possible grip in all driving conditions. The ABS and switchable vehicle
stability control systems have been tuned specifically to deliver dynamic
stability at the limit of the car's performance envelope with minimal electronic
intervention to help preserve the purity of the driving experience.
Toyota's 50-Year Sports Car Heritage
The 2012 Toyota GT 86 may be launched as the world's only current sports car to
feature a front-mounted, horizontally opposed engine and rear-wheel drive, but
it cannot claim to be the first. That honor is held by Toyota's two-cylinder
boxer-engined Sports 800, which the company began developing in 1962. Since
then, Toyota has established a long history of producing exciting,
driver-focused sports cars with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive format that
have proved as popular with the public as they have been successful in
competition.
The beautiful 2000 GT, a coupe powered by a 2.0-liter straight-six engine, was
first displayed at the 1965 Tokyo motor show and helped establish Toyota's
global reputation as a sports car manufacturer.
Launched in 1971, the first Celica models featured rear-wheel drive powertrains
and were praised by enthusiasts for their agility. All four Supra generations
came with straight-six engines and rear-wheel drive, while from 1984 the MR2 won
recognition as one of the best handling sports cars in motoring history.
The inspiration for the GT 86, however, is the Corolla GT (or Levin) AE86, a car
with an enduring reputation for delivering sheer excitement and capturing the
fundamental joy of driving. Its front-engine, rear-wheel drive package, compact
dimensions, light weight, impeccable balance and superior power-to-weight ratio
made it a must-have choice for rallying and circuit driving throughout its
production life, from 1983 to 1987. In the UK, the GT claimed two British
Touring Car Championship titles and a series of top-level rally victories.
The GT 86 is a genuinely lightweight machine that offers the intimacy and
involvement of a car that can be driven as though an extension of the driver's
body. In this way, it perfectly recaptures the exhilarating spirit of the last
of the AE86. And, with numerous customizable parts, its shares its predecessor's
aim to be an affordable car that will evolve with its owner.
Toyota GT 86 (Euro-spec): Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications
