Hachiroku (86 in Japanese) fans have been waiting for the Toyota 86 since decades ago after the production of the legendary Toyota AE86 ceased in 1987. Many of us thought it will be named FT-86 but the ‘FT’ is dropped, simply 86 or Hachiroku (????). This is because Toyota wants to pay a respect to the AE86. This time, the 86 is developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru, that’s why when the car hood is opened, we can see both the Toyota and the Subaru logo printed on the engine.

The Toyota 86 is also known as Toyota GT-86 in Europe, Scion FR-S in US, and Subaru BRZ in several countries. Do not get confused because all of them share the same body style and layout. There are only a few things to distinguish them which are the hexagonal-shape grille in the Subaru BRZ and the inverted trapezoid in the Toyota 86. Other than that, all of them look alike just identical twin brothers.

An original AE86 meets the Toyota 86

Design

The 86 is a two-door coupe sports car with front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Toyota and Subaru did not let all the 86 fans down. The car is built with many characteristics and spirits that the AE86 has. The shape of the car, light-weight body, and well-balanced chassis are just a few to be mentioned. It is a great enjoyment to drive the 86 especially for those who like to drive ‘sideways’ rather than straight ways.

A Toyota 86 race car by TRD

Engine and Performance

The Toyota 86 is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer 16-valve DOHC engine, named the FA20. Together with a direct & port fuel injection (D-4S) system, the car produces 147kW (200PS) at 7,000 rpm and 205Nm of torque from 6,400 to 6,600 rpm. The automatic transmission version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and capable to reach a top speed of 210 km/h. On the other hand, the manual transmission version accelerates slightly faster. It takes only 7.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and achieves a top speed of 226 km/h. The 86 also come with Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) which is almost considered essential for drifting. This is one reason why we say it has many special characteristics. As for suspensions, the car sits on a MacPherson Strut with stabilizer at the front and double Wishbone with stabilizer at the back.

Toyota 86 Engine

A list of active and passive safety features can be found in the 86 including reverse sensors, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, 7 SRS airbags (front, front side, curtain, and driver knee), 3-point ELR seat belts, ISOFIX, and alarm system.

17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45R17 tire

Interior

Inside the car, the first thing the driver will hold is the rack & pinion 3-spoke leather adjustable steering wheel with Electric Power Steering (EPS). In front of the steering wheel, there are only a few important dials showing the speed, rpm, fuel indicator, and engine temperature to the driver. Next to be noticed are the aluminum pedals where all the sports car should have, cruise control, power windows, and a 2-DIN CD-Player at the center console. Down to the CD player, there is a digital clock (just like the original AE86) and several buttons to adjust the air-conditioning as well as a button to start and stop the engine.

To make the car sportier, the designer placed a few buttons beside the leather e-brake (handbrake) where the driver can choose the driving mode he prefers including VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), VSC Sport mode, TRC (Traction Control), and Snow mode.

Although the 86 has 2+2 seats, the +2 rear seats are too small to be seated by adults. The legroom for the rear seats are cramp. It is only enough for kids under five or anyone who is shorter than 150cm. Look at the picture below, there is almost no legroom for rear passengers.

Toyota 86 rear seats

Fuel Economy

22 mpg city and 20 mpg highway; 9.35 km/l city and 8.50 km/l highway.

Why we love the car?

• Light weight. The kerb weight of the car is 1,298 kg.
• Superb handling thanks to the well-balanced chassis.
• It is cool with a low-slung boxer engine.

What could be better?

• Please sell it cheaper!
• Make the rear seat with bigger legroom.

Price

• United States: Scion FR-S (MT) – MSRP from $24,200.
• United Kingdom: Toyota GT-86 (MT) – £24,995; Toyota GT-86 (AT) – £26,495.
• Thailand: Toyota 86 (MT) – THB 2,490,000; Toyota 86 (AT) – THB 2,560,000; Toyota 86 (AT) Top Ranging – THB 2,740,000.
• Malaysia:Toyota 86 (MT) – RM 243,000; Toyota 86 (AT) – RM 249,000.

Toyota 86’s competitors or similar cars: Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT-86, Scion SR-S, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Honda S2000, and Nissan Altima.

The official production date for the Toyota 86 is started on the 16^th March 2012. For those who want to be the first few owners of this future-going-to-be-legendary Toyota 86, you can place your order with Toyota now. Last but not least, let’s look at the pictures that compare the production Toyota 86 with the concept Toyota FT-86.

Toyota 86 and Toyota FT-86 Concept

Toyota 86 Pictures

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