Toyota, 86

The Toyota 86 is a rear-wheel drive sports car produced by Toyota, in collaboration with Subaru. It was first unveiled as the D86S concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and later released to the public on February 20, 2012.

Design and Features

The 86 features a sleek and aerodynamic design with a low-slung stance, sloping hood, and a wedge-shaped profile. It has a length of 4,240 mm (166.5 in), a width of 1,765 mm (69.5 in), and a height of 1,280 mm (50.4 in). The interior is minimalist but sporty, with a focus on driving dynamics.

Performance

The Toyota 86 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 197 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 6,400 rpm. The engine features a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automated sequential manual (a type of dual-clutch transmission) called the "E-CTD" (Electronic Clutch Transmission). This transmission allows drivers to choose between automatic and manual mode.

Engine Variations

While the base model 86 has a naturally aspirated engine, there have been special editions featuring different powertrain variations. The Toyota 86 GT and the Subaru BRZ are nearly identical, with the main difference being the badging and some minor styling cues specific to each brand.

Safety Features

The Toyota 86 is equipped with several safety features standard across its trim levels in many markets. These include anti-lock braking (ABS), electronic stability control (VSC in Toyota terminology), and a rearview camera as an option on higher trims or added features.

Handling and Dynamics

One of the key focuses of the 86 was to deliver exceptional handling and driving dynamics, making it a favorite among track enthusiasts. With a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution, the car achieves a near-perfect balance. It uses double wishbone suspension at both ends for sharp responsiveness.

Trim Levels

Over its production run, there have been several trim levels available in various markets. The base model typically comes with standard features such as LED headlights and a touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims can include additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, more premium audio systems, and unique styling cues.

Pricing

The initial MSRP of the 2012 Toyota 86 started around $24,995 in the United States. Pricing varied across different markets, with adjustments based on inflation rates over the years.

Impact and Legacy

The Toyota 86 has been praised by critics for its agility, handling, and fun-to-drive nature. It's often compared to the Nissan 370Z and Subaru BRZ due to its shared roots in the sports car segment. Despite facing competition from larger engines and more powerful cars, its unique character has kept it popular among enthusiasts.

Sales Figures

While specific global sales figures are difficult to track with precision, given the overlap of trim levels across markets and brands (notably with Subaru's BRZ), Toyota has reported strong sales for the 86 in various countries.