Toyota first unveiled the FT-86 Concept two years ago, and after a number of leaks, rumors, and concept teasers – the production version of this anticipated car has finally been revealed. The European model is called the Toyota GT 86 while the Japanese model will named simply as Toyota 86.
The name, GT 86, is tribute to the company’s GT car heritage and especially the AE86 (Corolla GT). The GT 86 is the result of a joint project between Toyota and Subaru that will result in two more models, the Subaru BRZ which will debut in Tokyo next week in its production trim, and the Scion FR-S for the North American market.
From FT-86 Concept to GT 86 Production model
All three makes of the vehicle will share the same platform and mechanical hardware with only minimal styling differences between the North American, European, and Japanese models. As with most concept vehicles, the production variants of the FT-86 Concept are much more tamed in terms of exterior styling.
All variants of the GT 86 will feature Subaru’s new, horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated four-cylinder 2.0 liter boxer engine with Toyota’s D-4S direct injection technology that helps the car crank out 197bhp at 7,000rpm and peak torque of 151.2 lb-ft at 6,600rpm. The car will come with a standard six-speed manual transmission and customers have an option of a six-speed automatic transmission with the ability to control gears via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. What the GT 86 lacks in power will make up for in its ability to hug the road and handle like a go-kart.
The weight of the Toyota GT 86 is not known yet but we do know that it has a low center of gravity. Toyota claims that the powertrain and drivers position has been set as low and far back as possible in order to achieve the best balance. The car uses MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone at the rear. The JDM model will feature 18-inch wheels while the other markets will have standard 17-inch wheels. The GT 86 also features a switchable vehicle stability control system which has been tuned specifically to deliver dynamic stability and minimal electronic intervention in order to help with preserving the purity of the driving experience.
The interior of the car features a three-gauge cluster with a large tachometer, carbon fiber style trim, red stitching, aluminum pedals, and aviation style switches. The GT 86 also features a 365mm steering wheel which is said to be the smallest Toyota has ever used in its production vehicles.
Video of the Toyota GT 86 in action
More details of this highly anticipated vehicle will emerge over the next few weeks and month. While we wait for those details, have a look below at the gallery.
