Autocar GT86 First Drive
 

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/...-Coupe/260227/


What is it?

This is the Toyota GT 86, formerly known as the FT-86, and created to lure young, fun-loving drivers back to a Toyota brand that has become dominated by big-selling but ultimately bland models.

The front-engined, rear-drive 2+2 has been created in a close collaboration with Subaru, in which Toyota owns a 16.5 per cent share, and will spawn three mechanically identical but differently styled cars: the GT 86, the Subaru BRZ and, for the American market, the Scion FR-S.

All three will be powered by the same 197bhp, 151lb ft flat four engine. Based on the Subaru FB20 block but fitted with a Toyota-designed head, the 2.0-litre engine has been reworked with a shorter stroke and wider bores, allowing it to rev higher. Maximum power arrives at 7000rpm, while peak torque is at 6600rpm.

In total, 91 per cent of parts are bespoke to the GT 86 or its counterparts. Current estimates suggest it will cost from £28,000, a significantly higher amount than originally speculated, but still a relative bargain should it deliver on its promised fun.

What’s it like?

At this juncture it’s worth noting that our drive was conducted at a test track in Japan, where the silky smooth surface made any conclusions about the ride impossible to gauge accurately. Also, this is a pre-production car, set up to almost launch spec save for the fitment of details such as the audio system.

Sliding into the GT 86’s bucket seats – which are snug, grippy and positioned at a perfect, low-slung height – sets the tone. With all the controls close to hand, the ****pit is as cosseting as a Porsche’s, albeit not trimmed to the same standard.

At idle, the engine note is fairly subdued, but take it up to the 7500rpm redline and it sounds growly. However, this car is all about the corners. Its relatively low power means it’s no sprint champion, and the 0-62mph time is estimated at a modest 7.0sec.

But the key facets of an 1180kg kerb weight, rear-wheel drive, ESP that can be fully turned off, quick steering and a limited-slip differential make it a riot in the twisty stuff. Also, the tyres are the same 17in low-resistance versions as can be found on a Prius, all the better to make sure their grip can be overcome if the mood takes you.

Turn in to a corner and there is some roll, but it’s well contained. On a constant throttle and steady steering, it understeers slightly, but lift mid-corner or trail the brakes – or just throw it in – and it’ll either straighten its line or flick to oversteer as you choose.

Furthermore, it never catches you out when it does start to slide because the steering is so nicely weighted and the chassis so responsive that they telegraph exactly what’s happening at all times.

There are disappointments, but they are minor. The six-speed manual gearbox is a touch notchy, while the optional six-speed automatic changes smoothly and quickly but lacks the sharpness of its dual-clutch rivals. When it’s on, the stability control system also intervenes too harshly.
Should I buy one?

Despite this, at its best, the driving experience is a match for the likes of a Porsche Cayman, and accolades don’t come much higher than that. That it can’t reach those heights across as broad a range of conditions as the German-built car shouldn’t detract from its overall success, because the fact that it can even get close is a minor miracle.

Hidemitsu Hoshiga

Toyota GT 86

Price: £28,000 (est); Top speed: 143mph (est); 0-62mph: 7.0sec (est); Economy: 40.9mpg (est, combined); CO2: 160g/km (est); Kerb weight: 1180kg; Engine: 4 cyls horizontally opposed, 1998cc, petrol; Installation: Front, longitudinal, RWD; Power: 197bhp at 7000rpm; Torque: 151lb ft at 6600rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd manual; Length: 4240mm; Height: 1285mm; Wheelbase: 2570mm; Wheels: 7Jx17in; Tyres: 215/45 R17.
Enjoy!

Holy crap, the news is just zooming by lol

I just hope the American FR-S/BRZ isn't at that price point or I'm going to hurl.

:confused0068:


Today is the day my post count goes up... 3 great revealings within about an hour <3

Open the floodgates!

It's been a while since I've been around these parts, but if the GT86 comes in at the price they're suggesting for a UK spec, I think I may either wait or look to import from Japan. My expectations were in the low 20s unfortunately :(

For the horde?

Absolutely! Autocar have obviously driven the JDM version. Would be nice to know more about what trim levels/grades, options, colours etc now too!

WTF? Srsly?

Should I buy one?

Despite this, at its best, the driving experience is a match for the likes of a Porsche Cayman, and accolades don’t come much higher than that. That it can’t reach those heights across as broad a range of conditions as the German-built car shouldn’t detract from its overall success, because the fact that it can even get close is a minor miracle.


eh?

28k pounds would imply ~$35k US. So I repeat, WTF? Srsly?

Anyone else notice that 40.9 mpg at the bottom of the page?!

exactly wtf...

I don't disagree with you on the pound price. I'm okay with a slightly slower car for 0-60 just I'm balking at the price. Reduce it by $12k and I'll be sold.

I'm seriously hoping that's all VAT >_>

... shouldn't it be per liter? o_O;

It's ok looking.

UK gallons =\= US Gallons.

That's ~33 mpg to us

im the only one hating on this wing...

If you're in the US, I wouldn't get too worried by the price. We're ripped off here in the UK, we can expect to pay a lot more on a car than you're likely to. Someone brought the Chevy Camaro to me as an example this week. The US price? $22,000, the UK price when it's launched here next year? £34,000. That's £20,000 ($30,000) difference!

I'm not the biggest fan either. I'm actually really curious where that big Subi wing went :iono:

You're not alone, I hope it's not the same on all models. That thing has got to go.

I thought the 40.9 mpg was getting my hopes up... but 33 isn't bad either. I was hoping for 35 highway, but I guess we will find out once the official figures are released.

$22k US is the price for the V6, the UK price you quoted is for a V8. Granted, $33K US is still less that you guys will be paying, but since the Camaro is "American" a good bit of that price difference will come from the import tariffs and transatlantic shipping costs that we don't have to pay for.

I feel ya. I don't really mind either way, but lord if I found a sports car that I like that gets 41 mpg, I just may have shat a brick.

33 is still better then any other car I've owned tho. Don't mind that :thumbsup:

Aha, you see I thought I was being quoted identical models, I should have looked into that a bit more. Either way, the price to import a car standalone shouldn't be much more than £500 (well, that's the price it was when I was looking to import from Japan several years ago now). But, if they're converting it to a right hand drive, it might be more justified.

I remain optimistic that the pricing elsewhere will be more reasonable and even the autocar price is an estimate at this point. Hopefully all our concerns will be laid to rest in two days.

STOP CRYING!:)just got the price from the norwegian toyota office and the price hear will be 76000k dollars . Stupid country whit stupid tax! But still i give them my money. FRUSTRATION!i shoud just move to the us for 2 years and take it back here taxfree.one good thing whit beinG Half american and half norwegian..

ok, explain it for a german, the driving experience is nearly as good as a Cayman? Only 20 mph and a second from 0-62 mph slower?

at this price Subaru or Toyota won´t sell more than 100 cars per year in germany :bonk:

:word:

That price is up there with the STI, 370Z, Scirocco R, 135i M-Sport etc. I'm just not seeing that kind of value for the money.

Talk about spoiler alert!

Forget about the countdown to the Tokyo Motor Show huge release day... :sigh: :lol:


btw-not too bad in red enough with the UK test drives, I want to see the US ones.

no, STI costs 10.000 Euro more, and the 370 Z 6.000 Euro more

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2232

Drives as good as a cayman? Wow! I will take this at $24k vs $60k for a cayman..

Price not set yet...it's all speculation...think more than a scion tC but less than a wrx..about what a genesis coupe 2.0 track retails for.

Prius tires? Seriously? Scion better not pull that shit.

The Prius actually has 17 inch 215/45 tires? When did that happen?

I admit the car needs some good tires for grip. 17 inch should be on the low spec and 18 inch in the high spec...hell the tC comes with 18 inch!

I don't know jack about the Prius, but the article says this will have the same "low rolling resistance" (low grip) tires that the Prius has. In the photo album the car has 215/45 r17 Michelin Primacy HP, which makes a lot more sense. Hopefully the autocar reviewer is just an idiot.

Direct conversions of currencies never works in reality. It doesn't take into account many many factors. In any case, this car wouldn't sell anywhere near even the 3000 a month estimation at that price point in the U.S.

I'm not worried about a near $30k price point. I'm worried it'll be closer to $25k, which is still a bit too much, especially after tax (in my state that would up the total cost, PRE INTEREST, to ~$27.5k)

If you look at the photos from Toyota UK, they are clearly getting the high spec (LED strips, leather trim, heated seats, nav, 17" wheels). I think the Scion will be the low spec and cheaper (and the one I'll buy).

the Michelin Primacy HP is not a sports car tire, it´s more a tire for comfort sedans....disappointing

you think 18s just grip better or something?

Tell you what, if it comes with 18s you can buy my oem 18 POS setup as it'll be on ebay within hours of buying the car.

Hopefully that's the reason for the awful 0-62 time.

I know some of you out there might be disappointed with the performance numbers, but it isn't all that far off from the type of numbers they said they were aiming for. So I guess we shouldn't be too surprised. I, for one, would still buy one. Just for the sole fact that they (Toyota/Subaru) have finally brought back the "type" of car most car enthusiasts have been crying for so long. I say chalk one up for us!