Grand Touring: What would you do to the Twins?
 

Outside of the Unites States Toyota markets our car as the "GT86". Within the US there is now a trim level called the "86 GT". But a GT (Grand Touring) car traditionally is one that is designed to be both sporting and comfortable/quiet/luxurious, able to rack up fun-filled miles all day long without any hint of fatigue or discomfort for the occupants.

The twins are terrific sports cars for the target price point. But what would YOU do to make them more of a Grand Tourer without a major compromise in performance?

Supercharge, soundproofing and high profile tires.

I’d like t-tops, or a removable targa panel. Otherwise near perfect exactly as is. (Not necessarily “GT” specific but the one feature on any trim I’d really want more than any other.)

Better tires and stereo speakers. The stock tires are loud as hell - my winter tires are less noisy on the highway.

Also make 6th gear longer, there's no reason for the engine to spin so much on the highway.

Get an AT. Problem solved lmao

That definition fits the existing 86 just fine. The problem isn't that the 86 is not a GT. The problem is that what has been marketed as a GT has grown heavy and soft over the years. The 86 is a more comfortable touring car with more interior features than the GTs of the '60s and '70s.

The most I've done in a day is just over 1200km and it was perfect.

I guess if I HAD to make changes, I guess sticking a few strips of dynamat on the inside and going for quieter tires would be fine. There's already a taller geared car if you want the engine to be lazy on the highway, it's the automatic version.

I agree with the sixth gear change. No need to be doing 3k rpms while in steady state cruising. No need for an automatic at all.

More power and a more supportive seat and I'd be more apt to drive long distances for sure. Suspension etc is fine as they come for traveling.

Soundproofing and a stock arm rest.

Oh, all I'd do is put the stock muffler back on.

humfrz

50# of sound deadening, better dampers, shorter bump stops, agree that a longer 6th would be nice if it results in better fuel economy, but I think 3k rpm is the sweet spot for the engine hence the funky torque curve and current 6th gear ratio (it's certainly not useful for track use or top speed as it is so I'm assuming it's already optimized for fuel economy)

I am seriously considering a supercharger, but for it to be a competent GT it's totally unnecessary.

I actually love the stock seat for overall comfort, but my fat ass is starting to wear it out I think after ~90k miles, need to look into replacing the foam vs buying a replacement seat. I'd rather drive this thing long distances than our Acura which just straight up hurts me after about 2.5 hours in the car.

Every car is "lazy" when you are cruising at constant speed in a straight line for hours on end. No one is using 6th for acceleration in an 86 unless they're too lazy to shift - in which case YOU should buy an automatic.

Want to accelerate from highway speeds? You're still dropping to 3rd or 4th gear if you are not a moron. 6th is for fuel economy and noise reduction. Downshift. You know how, right?

Nah, the best thing about the BRZ is that it’s so much fun to drive and cheap. You go fancying it up and adding weight and cost and the car loses to other cars in that price range.

I want to lighten this thing some more and just put the music louder to cover the road noise.

I have done 4 hrs to Boston twice and I really did not feel bad. But it is noticeable after driving other luxury cars, the BRZ is tinny.

Great Travel car…




No one told me I could not repurpose this car as a GT? :D


Bought it with the intention on driving it anyway I wanted if the opportunity arises as done with all my other cars. This one tracks steady no matter what road you wannado and looks good doing it.


My travel mods to keep me happy and turn it into a lovable GT:


Electric cooler so I don’t have to stop and deal with ice and food stuff floating around at the end of the day, plugged into the cup holder DC port


Too many misplaced cup holders!


My best comfy mod: Finding a small pillow (square is good) that sits above that misplaced cup holder thing.


When the road gets entertaining that pillow goes flying somewhere else…


I could not deal with a fixed arm rest there, too tight, and would block those xtra cup holders anyway to be useful.


Still have Cup holders in the doors just need to buy some tall Double Doubles to get the cups to come out.


Seats : No complaint here. One of the few cars I can sit for a long day and not hesitate to get out without expecting pains.


-needs 4 USB ports…

Fixed with DC adaptor with 2 Usb in glove box.

• BIG USB key for the traveling DJ music .When Serius Xm Just can’t cut it.
• dash cam
• 2 cell phones charging.
• Camera battery charger & a Morphy power pack.

No fuses where blown in the making of ...

Gearing is ok, on my last trip I recorded all fill-ups & mileage just to have something to do on my return. Seldom had to downshift going up most mt passes with the cruse on.



When being really good got a 37.7 MPG (6,23 l/km) or a 25 MPG when not behaving.


If feeling lucky I pushed a few tanks to just over 600Km. still would like a bigger tank.

An increase in Power is always quite nice but would affect cost and do you really need much power when you’re on a long distance drive, even my other shitbox can do a 100 MPH/ 160Km on a boring road when no one is looking.



I really like this car, you can make it to be anything you want … with some imagination or for a price.