Granted that I could do with a more tasteful sleep, I was neither satisfied with the wet weather nor the cold wind that makes you shiver right down to your bare bone. But I guess it was worthwhile, considering that the car that I was going to try is one of the most anticipated car in the automotive industry here in Singapore. It’s almost a brainless move by Toyota, having hit a dry spot with the sports car segment since the Celica era back in the 90s.
A decade went by and the ’86’ (which is what it’s called in Japan), or better known as the GT86, was smacked right in the shed at Fuji Speedway - the most appropriate track to test the car keeping in mind that the Lexus LFA and ISF received much of its testing here. Toyota has come a long way, since 2009 when they first showcased the FT-86 (“FT” stands for Future Toyota) at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Fast forward two years later and I find myself standing in front of the what-is-production-ready car. Unfortunately, the wet weather (which makes driving really fun on tracks) prevented me from really pushing the car hard. The safety personnel had to reduce the speed of the car on the track to 70km/h on his list of “rules and regulations”, making it a tad hard to better understand the car. Still, it was good fun bringing it out on the wet grounds of Japan, enjoying the extra oomph with the short shifter.
Available in a low and high grade variant, drivers have a choice of both the six-speed automatic or the slightly more enthusiastic six-speed manual. What both variants have in common though, is the well-spirited soul that has been missing in many cars of our now-modern era. Clutch in and place the lever into the upper left corner and you’ll find yourself in a mechanical state of mind. Slip it into the suitable gear, squeeze the throttle gently, and the revs build up readily - giving drivers an unbelieveable punchy pick-up. It’s a more gradual than sudden blow of the pipes, thanks to the world’s first horizontally opposed D-4S engine that can also be found in it’s twin sibling Subaru BRZ.
Inspired from both the AE86 and the Toyota 2000GT, the GT86 is a visual feast, taking a leap from the sports cars that have been rolling out of the factory. The swelled wheel arches, unashamed gaping grille and the “scientific” 86 badge by the sides will call for a second glance even by the most demanding critique. This theme continues on the inside too. The back to basics interior sports bucket seats, state-of-the-art frameless rearview mirror and a nicely curved dashboard that compliments the already sporty cabin.
On the move, the car is brisk. The 4-cylinder alone provides a strong 200bhp at 6,800rpm and 205Nm of torque at 6,600rpm, allowing drivers to enjoy the power surge the moment the needle goes pass the 2,000rpm mark. The car sounds brutal too, with a subtle bark when started and a free-flow exhaust snarling when extended. But what is extraordinary is the way the sports car changes directions with ease, even on the wet grounds of Fuji Speedway - always an appreciable sense of occasion with a dash of drama.
While its handling is undeniably good, the 86 could do with a meatier clutch and a sportier-looking steering wheel such as a bottom-shaved one. But these are very small quibbles to what is an already satisfying car to pilot. Acknowledging the fact that this gem of a pleaser can probably overtake most of the cars in its segment, it will only be available in Singapore next April.
We’l be looking forward to see how it performs on our roads then.
A decade went by and the ’86’ (which is what it’s called in Japan), or better known as the GT86, was smacked right in the shed at Fuji Speedway - the most appropriate track to test the car keeping in mind that the Lexus LFA and ISF received much of its testing here. Toyota has come a long way, since 2009 when they first showcased the FT-86 (“FT” stands for Future Toyota) at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Fast forward two years later and I find myself standing in front of the what-is-production-ready car. Unfortunately, the wet weather (which makes driving really fun on tracks) prevented me from really pushing the car hard. The safety personnel had to reduce the speed of the car on the track to 70km/h on his list of “rules and regulations”, making it a tad hard to better understand the car. Still, it was good fun bringing it out on the wet grounds of Japan, enjoying the extra oomph with the short shifter.
Available in a low and high grade variant, drivers have a choice of both the six-speed automatic or the slightly more enthusiastic six-speed manual. What both variants have in common though, is the well-spirited soul that has been missing in many cars of our now-modern era. Clutch in and place the lever into the upper left corner and you’ll find yourself in a mechanical state of mind. Slip it into the suitable gear, squeeze the throttle gently, and the revs build up readily - giving drivers an unbelieveable punchy pick-up. It’s a more gradual than sudden blow of the pipes, thanks to the world’s first horizontally opposed D-4S engine that can also be found in it’s twin sibling Subaru BRZ.
Inspired from both the AE86 and the Toyota 2000GT, the GT86 is a visual feast, taking a leap from the sports cars that have been rolling out of the factory. The swelled wheel arches, unashamed gaping grille and the “scientific” 86 badge by the sides will call for a second glance even by the most demanding critique. This theme continues on the inside too. The back to basics interior sports bucket seats, state-of-the-art frameless rearview mirror and a nicely curved dashboard that compliments the already sporty cabin.
On the move, the car is brisk. The 4-cylinder alone provides a strong 200bhp at 6,800rpm and 205Nm of torque at 6,600rpm, allowing drivers to enjoy the power surge the moment the needle goes pass the 2,000rpm mark. The car sounds brutal too, with a subtle bark when started and a free-flow exhaust snarling when extended. But what is extraordinary is the way the sports car changes directions with ease, even on the wet grounds of Fuji Speedway - always an appreciable sense of occasion with a dash of drama.
While its handling is undeniably good, the 86 could do with a meatier clutch and a sportier-looking steering wheel such as a bottom-shaved one. But these are very small quibbles to what is an already satisfying car to pilot. Acknowledging the fact that this gem of a pleaser can probably overtake most of the cars in its segment, it will only be available in Singapore next April.
We’l be looking forward to see how it performs on our roads then.
