Interesting statement in new 86 review
 

Automobile's review of the 2017 GT86 is up now, and it contained this:
The twins aren't the only cars with this issue; I have suspected for a while that the greater horizontal pedal spacing (along with changes in relative heights and depths) seen in current manually-equipped cars have been made by manufacturers to reduce the likelihood a fumble-footed driver will hit the wrong pedal - at the expense of being able to easily negotiate heel-toe shifting. Another argument for adding switchable rev-matching (auto-blipping) to modern manuals.

Another interesting tidbit - seems likely the strengthening of the chassis with the refresh was not a preparation for any future power boost:

I have no problem heel n toe shifting in my 2016 frs. But I have really wide feet too. There's ways to install wider pedals for those with regular size feet.

On not having signed off yet on a second gen model: isn't it a bit late in the game for making such a decision? I thought new-gen design and engineering started as soon as a mid-cycle refresh was finalized. Toyota could of course spend the money to get the ball rolling before making a final decision but it seems like an inefficient way to operate.

Not to start a "what they should for the new 86 - OMG boost or fail."

What does "sign off" mean? You "green light" a project for design, protype testing, etc.; but doesn't sign off imply that the car can move from concept to pre-production? I wouldn't expect a new 86 until MY 2019 or 2020 at the earliest. But they might have clay models and early engineering development already in progress, but Toyota / Subaru still have authority to kill it at any point. Right?

That was my first observation with this car. Pedals too far apart. I heel and toe, but it's hit and miss. It looks like I'll have to adjust my technique

My read of "sign off" as used here is that Toyota has yet to make a final decision to go ahead with a second generation car for production.

As far a s the heel\toe issue it just takes some time to get comfortable with having your food barely on the brake pedal just be sure that your shoes have good grip.

I wouldn't read a lot into the "Hint" it hasn't been signed off.


"Tada says in broken English"
"but he hinted that Toyota has yet to sign off on an 86 Mark II."


It would appear they at least talked to him (appearances can be deceiving though) which makes this statement the most interesting of all:


"Tada-san bristles at the suggestion of adding a turbocharger – say, for example, the Subaru WRX’s 268-hp boxer engine, which would negatively affect the linearity of the power band."

It's a bit hard. After a while, you'll get used to it... but I went on different way.

Bought GSeed's Heel & Toe kit
http://i.imgur.com/HDxhe4e.jpg?1

But it was a bit too close, to I had to CNC down about 1/4" and it's perfect height for me.
http://i.imgur.com/0A9Wu1b.jpg?1

i have small feet (shaddap) and have no problem doing smooth rev matched heel toe downshifts.
auto rev matching on a manual makes me want to barf.

I'm still trying to learn the heel toe, but I've been living with a manual car for 2 weeks and the weather is still crap... but that said if there was a topless version of this car I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Another interesting way to look at the quotes is they purposefully made the car too heavy.

It is easy to heel toe. It is just hard to control the gas pedal with your heel at first.

Size 9 foot, can heel toe easily even if barefoot. Didnt even have to think twice about it, and thats coming from a miata with a pedal extension. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Meh, I'll eat a 'heavy' car for a stiff one.

You can get the thing under 2,700 lbs without spending a dime if you're willing to go light on gas.

I'm not optimistic that they'll maintain that for a Mk2, if there is one.

I actually prefer to use the lateral edge of my foot. I find that using the actual ball of your foot for braking while you heel the gas pedal doesn't allow for fine modulation of pressure on brake pedal.

You are half right, our car is easier to heel toe when going in high speed before corner.

But do whatever you feel most comfortable.

Ive always worn wide skate shoes and actualy dont heel-toe but big toe-little to sort of speak. Wide feet make it easy in basically any car lol

I haven't had any issues with HT downshifts in this car, but everyone's foot width and technique are different I suppose.

The only car I've ever hated HT downshifting in was my STI because the transmission tunnel stuck out and prevented my heel from rotating over. Forced me to learn to use the side of my foot but I got used to it. Using the side of the foot actually makes it easier to HT in German cars where the throttle pedal is hinged to the floor so I guess it's good to know both ways.

I wear a size 11.5 shoes and I heel toe in the FRS without much of a problem, It take some practice to get used to but so is everything else!!

I've learned to do it, but it's definitely not as natural feeling as some other cars.

Heel/toe in this car is easy. For people that cant its a result of baby feet syndrome....

Seriously, mountains out of mole hills