Toyota 86

The 86 is a series of sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru and solely manufactured by Subaru. It features a boxer engine,front mid-engine, rear wheel drive drivetrain and 2+2 seating.

It is sold worldwide under three different brands with respective model names:

Toyota 86 in Asia, South Africa, North America (from August 2016), South America and Australia; GT86 in Europe; both of the preceding names in New Zealand; 

FT86 in Nicaragua and Jamaica;

Subaru BRZ worldwide;

Scion FR-S in the US and Canada.

 After August 2016 the Scion FR-S will be renamed as the Toyota 86.

The development code of this vehicle is 086A and its main production names 86 (pronounced "eight-six" or Hachi-Roku in Japanese, but more commonly pronounced as "eighty-six") or GT86, reference historic Toyota front engined and rear-wheel drive sports coupés and hatchbacks, in the form of:

the 1967 2000GT (Japan's seminal coupé whose design cues adorn the 86 and which was also powered by a 2.0 litre engine); and

the 1983 to 1987 AE86 range (renowned for its handling and drifting abilities).

Toyota also referenced to its first sports car, the Sports 800, given that both this car and the 86 share a boxer engine layout, as widely used by project partner and 86 manufacturer, Subaru.

Initial layout and design elements for the 86 were presented by Toyota usings its "FT" (Future Toyota) concept car nomenclature. The first was the Toyota FT-HS, which was presented at theDetroit Motor Show in 2007. It had a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout and 2+2 seating and was powered by a V6 engine with hybrid electric assistance. In 2008, Toyota bought 16.5% ofFuji Heavy Industries, which includes the Subaru automotive brand. Toyota, led by project leader Tetsuya Tada, then offered Subaru to become involved in its new sport coupé project, by co-developing the new D-4S boxer engine, however, this was rejected since the design conflicted with Subaru's reputation for high performance all-wheel drive (AWD) cars. This outcome resulted in the project coming to a six-month halt before Toyota invited journalists and Subaru engineers to test a developmental prototype. Following this test, Subaru agreed to become further involved in development.

The new collaboration thus produced a new concept car, the FT-86, which was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009. Smaller than the FT-HS, the design of the FT-86 was further refined by Toyota's ED2 design studio while the hybrid V6 powerplant was replaced by the new D-4S boxer. Subaru provided the chassis and gearbox, adapting those of their Impreza. The concept was painted in Shoujyouhi Red, which was reported as being based on the backside of a Japanese macaque.[10]

At the 2010 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota then launched its G Sports line of aftermarket accessories, along with the FT-86 G Sports concept car. It featured G Sports carbon fibre panels, a vented bonnet, rear wing, 19 in (48 cm) wheels, Recaro race seats, and an interior rollcage. The D-4S engine also added a turbocharger.

In 2011, Toyota and Subaru unveiled five near-production concept cars to show their progress with the project. The first, known as the FT-86 II Concept, was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011. ED2 refined the design of the initial FT-86, by developing new front and rear fascias, and increasing the marginally increasing the dimensions of the concept. At the same show, Subaru also unveiled a transparent silhouette of the car that showed off the new D-4S boxer engine and displayed the "Boxer Sports Car Architecture".

Scion followed next in April 2011 at the New York Motor Show with the FR-S Sports Coupé Concept, co-developed with aftermarket tuner Five Axis. Another semi-transparent Subaru concept, known as the BRZ Prologue, was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show that September, followed in November at the Los Angeles Motor Show by the BRZ Concept STi, the first full mock-up of Subaru's version of the 86 with input from Subaru Tecnica International (STI).

The 86's engine, known by the Toyota code 4U-GSE and Subaru code FA20, is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that uses Subaru's horizontally opposed boxer engine design, with the addition of Toyota's D-4S injection system, which uses both direct and port fuel injection. Given its placement, the 86 can be considered having a front mid-engine, rear wheel drive drivetrain layout. The engine runs on 98 RON (premium unleaded) fuel and features a 12.5:1 compression ratio and a bore and stroke of 86 mm (3.4 in) that results in 200 horsepower (149 kW; 203 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb·ft (205 N·m) of torque at 6,000 rpm. As part of the 86's low-weight design, the car utilizes an aluminium hood, a solid roof, and a trunk as opposed to a hatchback. The boxer engine sits as far back and as low as possible in the engine bay for a weight distribution of 53% in front and 47% in the rear. The low-sitting engine provides a lower center of gravity, allowing the engine to sit lower than the Nissan GTR and just 0.6 inches higher than the Lexus LFA.

The 86, BRZ and FR-S are offered with two 6-speed transmissions, an in-house developed Toyota TL70 manual gearbox (based on Aisin AI's AZ6) and an Aisin-Warner A960E, which is modified from that used on the Lexus IS 250. The automatic uses a traditional wet torque converter design, but its software has been engineered to mimic the response of a dual-clutch gearbox. The automatic transmission uses three different modes: Sport, Snow, and Normal. A torque sensing limited slip differential is standard on most models.

The vehicles are offered with 16 in (41 cm) steel and alloy wheels shod with Yokohama dB Decibel E70 tyres in 205/55 size or 17 in (43 cm) alloy wheels shod with Michelin Primacy HP tyres (as used on the Toyota Prius) in 215/45 size, depending on sales market. The limited editions Toyota Racing Development (TRD) GT86 models are instead offered with 18 in (46 cm) forged aluminium wheels, which are shod with either Yokohama Advan Sport tyres Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres in 225/40 size, also depending on market. All non-TRD cars feature ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes on base models or, on higher models, also ventilated rear disc brakes with two piston-opposed calipers in the front and single caliper design in the rear. The TRD editions instead have an upgraded braking system comprising upsized TRD two-piece rotors and TRD six-pot 355mm front and four-pot 345mm rear calipers (compared to the GTS' 294mm and 290mm calipers and GT's 277mmm and 286mm, respectively). Suspension design comprises front MacPherson struts and double wishbones at the rear.

The 86 was designed around a front-mounted boxer engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, inspired by the AE86. The flat architecture of the boxer engine allows it to be mounted low, dropping the center of gravity down, resulting in sporty handling characteristics. The exterior design of the 86 delivers a slippery drag coefficient of Cd=0.27 and was inspired by theToyota 2000GT's low-to-the-ground profile and long, sleek hood. Its design cues translate onto the 86 in such areas as: upward trailing edge of the doors; the upward finish to the side-window line; the front and rear haunches; the circular taillights set in silver (singular instead of double as on the 2000GT).

The 86 "boxer" side badge appears on all Toyota and Scion versions of the car, but not the Subaru BRZ. Aside from badging, the main differences between the 86/GT86 and the BRZ are the front grilles and bumper bars. The rest, including the 17 inch alloy wheels, are shared.According to the 86's designers, "The goal was to create an authentic rear-wheel drive sports car with compelling style, exceptionally balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising MPG."[5] When asked about the TRD version of the car, the lead engineer Mr. Tada said "There is definitely going to be a more TRD oriented variant down the line. However any of the parts that would be standard on the TRD model will fit on your current Toyota 86 so there is no need to wait."

To enhance its identity, the vehicle is also characterized by symbolic references and various motifs associated with the number 86 and Toyota heritage:

the engine bore and stroke is 86mm x 86mm

the diameter of the exhaust tip is also 86mm

the side badge mentioned above symbolizes the horizontal layout of the boxer engine and its crank motif is the number 86 stylized to resemble a drifting car from above

a subtle "T" motif (for Toyota and representing the brand's vintage logo) is present in the T-mesh pattern of the front grille, door-switch base, instrument panel, meters, triangular rear-centre foglamp and spare-wheel cover.

The interior features a 2+2 seating configuration, which utilizes low mounted front seats. The rear seats fold down enabling increased storage space for larger items. Three interior variations exist, the FR-S and base 86 models have cloth seats with all black interior trim that features a black patterned dash trim, while the shift boot features red stitching. The BRZ has two available interiors, one identical to the FR-S but with silver dash trim, a red stitched parking brake boot, black gauge faces (instead of the white tachometer of the 86 GTS models) and a touch-screen navigation head unit; the second option upgrades to leather and Alcantara heated seats, automatic HVAC controls, and a push-button start. The top-of-the-range 86 models are fitted like the BRZ except as noted above, and the Japanese interior can be had in black/red leather and Alcantara or full black leather and Alcantara (Australia being offered only the latter).

Performance

Top speed: 145 mph (233 km/h) (as tested)

Acceleration:

0–62 mph (0–100 km/h): 7.6s (manufacturer's claim)

0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): 6.0-6.2s (estimated)

Standing 1/4 Mile: 14.7-14.9s (estimated).

The Toyota 86 is available in Japan from Toyota's Netz Store and Corolla Store line of dealerships; the 1980s Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno were sold at the same networks. Four trim levels are offered, with the RC model being the base aimed at people wishing to modify or race their vehicles. This model is available with only a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with unpainted bumpers and mirrors, 16 inch steel wheels, simpler interior trim components, analogue speedometer and no stereo or air conditioning. Outside Japan, the RC model is only available in New Zealand. The G model adds all the interior components missing from the RC, plus a fully painted exterior and 16 inch alloy wheels and the availability of an automatic transmission. The GT86 model adds high intensity discharge headlights with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, automatic climate control, keyless start with engine start button, 17 inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tips, white tachometer face with analogue and digital speedometer, silver accents on the centre dash and steering wheel, aluminium pedals. The top-of-the-range GT Limited adds leather and Alcantara seating and a rear spoiler.

In Europe, GT86 models are generally the same as the Japanese 86 GT with a red/black leather/Alcantara interior with red stitching. In the United Kingdom, the Japanese G model is sold as the GT86 Primo[30] and the car has also been available as a limited edition Toyota Racing Development "TRD GT86", which features: 18 inch forged aluminium wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport tyres; full bodykit with front and side skirts, rear spoiler and new diffuser; quad-exhaust system; TRD-branded detailing on the filler cap, radiator cap and gear knob. In New Zealand, the TRD 86 is sold with the above features except for Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres instead plus upgraded TRD braking system. Options not available to all markets include a Bose sound system upgrade.

In Australia, the GT is the equivalent of the Japanese G model but with only an all black interior trim and standard radio head unit, whereas the top-of-the-range GTS model is the equivalent of the Japanese GT Limited except for an all black leather/Alcantara and red-stitch interior trim only and touchscreen multimedia head unit. Upon Australian launch in June 2012, all models for Australia featured a full-size spare wheel, the GTS lacked a rear spoiler, and a limited slip differential or LSD was standard on all models except automatic GT's. The full-size spare wheel was phased out after the first shipments to Australia, replaced with a repair kit. This model also benefitted from a remapping of its Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to address initial reports of rough idling and stalling.[34] The range of models and main options had the following retail prices: GT manual A$29,990; GT automaticA$32,490; GTS manual A$35,490; GTS automatic A$37,990; metallic paint A$425 for all models; "Aero pack" bodykit A$3,000 for GTS only.

As of the August 2013 production update (which carried the formal year designation MY14), the automatic GT also gained LSD as standard (but with a price increase of A$300; manual price unchanged in Australia) and the GTS gained the same rear spoiler fitted to the Japanese GTS Limited and the Subaru BRZ (with a price increase of A$500 for both the manual and automatic model in Australia).[35] Other distinguishing features on the MY14 models include the removal of the lettered "TOYOTA" badge from the rear bonnet of the GTS and optional availability of rear parking sonar sensors on GT and GTS.

In July 2014, an updated version of the Australian Toyota 86 range was launched with year designation MY15. The key highlights include: revised suspension settings; "shark-fin" roof antenna; GTS instrument cluster on GT; carbon-fibre look dash insert and reverse-view camera on GTS; new white and silver exterior paints. The price of the GT remained unchanged while the GTS was the subject of a price increase of A$500 and A$800 for the manual and automatic version, respectively.

In late 2014, as part of its MY15 range, Toyota offered in the UK two new models: the GT86 Aero, featuring a full bodykit and 18 inch OZ Ultraleggera alloy wheels in anthracite grey finish; and the GT86 "Giallo" (meaning yellow in Italian), limited to only 86 units. Similar to the latter, Toyota also offered in Italy a total of 50 "Limited Edition" models. Externally, the key distinguishing feature of these limited editions is the new Sunrise Yellow metallic paint and black side stripes (bonnet, roof and bonnet stripes are available in the UK at no extra cost and standard in Italy). The interior is distinguished by a limited edition badge and heated quilt leather seats with yellow 86 logo. The retail price of the Limited Edition in Italy is EUR28,500, which translates to EUR1,700 more than the standard base model.

At the same time in Japan, Toyota released the 14R-60 model limited to 100 units, inspired by the GT86 TRD Griffon Project of 2013. Its engine power remains the same as the standard models despite featuring various drivetrain changes such as twin central exhausts, a TRD mechanical LSD, a short-shifter, and revised gearing for the six-speed manual transmission. Other changes include extra body reinforcement, a variable-height coil-over spring suspension setup and more rigid suspension bushings. A TRD bodykit with carbonfibre components is complemented by 18 inch magnesium wheels and, overall, 14R-60 model results lighter than the base model. Inside there are race-style bucket seats with four-point belts, an Alcantara-clad steering wheel, carbonfibre dashboard trim and yellow piping and highlights. Price-wise, this Japan-only model is listed for ¥6,300,000, which is significantly higher than the ¥2,100,000 for the base RC model or ¥3,100,000 for the top-of-the-range GT Limited.[40]

In 2015, the 86xstyle Cb was officially launched after its presentations at the 2013 and 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon. It is characterised by a drastically different front end design with revised lights and bumper bar but standard bonnet. Available in 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, it has revised interior trimmings including a red Cb logo embroidered leather steering wheel, white (instead of red) backlit instruments and a dark woodgrain-style panel across the dashboard. The most peculiar features are the replacement of the front side gills with a set of LED-illuminated fins and optional contrasting colour for the car’s upper body section. Another option is different alloy wheels than those fitted as standard on the GT86. On sale from April, this Japan-only model is listed for ¥4,180,000, which is a ¥1,280,000 premium over the regular 86 GT on which this variant is based.

To celebrate Australia's 86 2016 Pro-Am racing series, the following November Toyota launched 450 "Blackline" units (250 of which with manual transmission). Based on the standard GTS model, this limited edition carries a A$2,000 premium because of its cosmetic upgrade with TRD parts and special livery.

Peculiarly, in Jamaica and Nicaragua, the 86 is marketed and sold using one of its pre-launch concept car badges, the "FT-86

In 2011, with the unveiling of the Super BRZ Concept STi, Subaru also unveiled their latest entry in the Super GTseries' GT300-category. R&D Sport would develop the BRZ GT300 to replace their Legacy for the 2012 season.The BRZ GT300 does not utilize the production car's FA20 engine, instead opting for the Legacy's EJ20 engine.

Toyota, in partnership with Gazoo Racing, announced plans to develop the 86 for motorsport use in multiple disciplines. Toyota and Gazoo will support private teams in the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and All-Japan Rally Championship. Gazoo Racing entered 86s in the 24 Hours Nürburgring, winning their SP3 class in 2012. Privateers Toyota Swiss Racing also claimed the V3 category in the same year. In the United Kingdom, GPRM is developing a turbocharged version of the 86 for classification in the SRO Group's GT4 category for use in Europe. The engine developments are being carried out by Nicholson McLaren Engines.

In the United States, Ken Gushi utilized a GPP Scion Racing FR-S built by GReddy Racing for the US Formula Driftchampionship. The FR-S features a turbocharged EJ25 boxer engine from a Subaru WRX STI produced more than 450 kW (600 bhp). Ryan Tuerck drove a Scion FR-S powered by a stroked 2JZ-GTE producing more than 520 kW (700 bhp) for Retaks Backpacks and Maxxis Tires in the 2013 US Formula Drift championship. Also in 2013, the FR-S replaced the Scion tCfor the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. In all cases, the competition FR-S were standard production units modified for racing safety and reliability. By contrast, the 86 entered by Nobuhiro Tajima to compete at the 2013 Pikes Peak Hill Climb only used the production unit's silhouette.86 Racing / BRZ RA Racing

In October 2012, Toyota Racing Development and Gazoo Racing announced a production racing model for the Toyota 86. The 86 Racing adds brake and oil cooler modifications, as well as a 4-point racing harness and rollcage. The stock 86 wheels are replaced by simple steel rims, while the exterior colour was only available in white. Subaru followed in early 2013 with the BRZ RA Racing, featuring similar modifications. Both cars are only available in the Japanese market, and are eligible for a one-make racing series run by Gazoo Racing. Unlike the Toyota, the BRZ is available in any of the production car's colours.Australian 86 Pro-Am series

In February 2015, Toyota Australia announced a Pro-Am series with races exclusively during that country's V8 Supercars events from 2016. Its inceptor was long-time Toyota racing driver,Neal Bates. The race cars are based on manual production models with key specifications (such as engine management, extractors and exhaust, suspension, brakes, oil cooler, wheels and tyres) controlled to ensure their suitability and reliability while keeping costs as low as possible.