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The anticipation is over: the new
Toyota GT 86 sports car makes its world debut at the
2011 Tokyo motor show. The compact 2+2 model, one of the
most keenly awaited new cars of the coming year, will go
on sale in the UK in June 2012.
The Toyota GT 86 has been conceived as an entirely
driver-focused machine, designed to deliver the core
qualities of the classic sports car experience. That
means precise, instant response to the smallest throttle
and steering inputs and the kind of performance that
appeals to those for whom driving is a passion, not a
necessity.
The Toyota GT 86 is built on a new platform, with a
highly aerodynamic bodyshell stretched tight over the
car's mechanical elements. Rather than fitting a heavy,
large capacity powertrain, Toyota has opted instead to
go back to its sporting roots, installing a compact,
front-mounted, free-revving petrol engine that drives
the rear wheels.
This four-cylinder "boxer" unit generates 197bhp at
7,000rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm at 6,600rpm, giving
the Toyota GT 86 brisk, engaging performance.
The powertrain is matched to the world's most compact
four-seat design to create a car that benefits from
light weight, low inertia and a low centre of gravity to
achieve the best possible power-to-weight ratio. For the
driver that means lively, accessible performance and
dynamic character with minimal intrusion from electronic
systems.
Packaging
The Toyota GT 86 measures 4,240mm long, 1,285mm high and
2,570mm wide, dimensions which make it the most compact
four-seater sports car available today.
Toyota GT 86 (2013)
Toyota GT 86 (2013)
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
Toyota GT 86 an ultra-low centre of gravity, at just
475mm.
The 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.
World's first horizontally opposed engine with D-4S
The Toyota GT 86's engine is the result of a joint
Toyota and Subaru development programme 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.
Design
The design of the Toyota GT 86 successfully works within
the technical constraints of achieving the most compact
dimensions possible, a low centre of gravity and
aerodynamic performance inspired by motorsport
technology, while also displaying evocative, sweeping
styling that recalls Toyota's sports car heritage.
Toyota's new design language informs the styling, as in
the way attention is focused on the lower part of the
car with the large lower grille. Elsewhere the "keen"
approach can be witnessed in the clear, expressive
lines.
The lower grille's "scorpion" look gives the Toyota GT
86 a more powerful appearance, with further sporting
details including the model-specific 17-inch alloy
wheels, rear spoiler, twin exhausts and the "86" piston
logo that denotes the car's special powertrain
configuration.
On board, the ergonomics and function of every element
the driver interacts with have been scrutinised 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,
aluminium pedals.
Toyota's 50-year sports car heritage
The 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 honour 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-litre
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 Toyota 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. Here in the UK the GT claimed two British
Touring Car Championship titles and a series of
top-level rally victories.
The Toyota 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
customisable parts, its shares its predecessor's aim to
be an affordable car that will evolve with its owner. |
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