Toyota GT 86

Toyota 86 (ZN6)
Model years	2012-Current
Body style	2 door Coupe
Layout	FR layout
Wheelbase	2570 mm
Length	4240 mm
Width	1775 mm
Height	1285 - 1300 mm

Toyota GT 86 (1st Generation)
Manufacturer	Toyota
Also called	Toyota FT-86
Assembly	Japan
Predecessor	Toyota AE86
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FMR layout
Engine	2.0L flat-four
Curb weight	1210-1250kg
Related	Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S

Introduction

The Toyota GT 86 is the newly released production version of the Toyota FT-86. The car has been produced in collaboration with Subaru who have their own version the Subaru BRZ. While in the USDM the car is known as the Scion FR-S

Toyota first unveiled the Toyota FT-86 concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The production model of which has been named the Toyota GT 86 (also known as the Scion FRS in the USDM and simly 86 in the JDM), named after Toyota's GT car history and the success of the Toyota Corolla Levin/Trueno AE86.

The GT 86 is an entirely new car built from the ground up in co-operation with Subaru (the Subaru BRZ is the automotive sibling of the GT 86). It is powered by a 2.0 liter, naturally aspirated, boxer engine. The GT 86 features a low, aerodynamic body with a sports orientated interior containing the smallest steering wheel yet fitted to a production Toyota at 365mm. Interior features also include satellite navigation, aluminium pedals, sports gauges, carbon effect trim, red upholstery stitching, aviation style rocker switchgear, enlarged tachometer and sports bucket front seats.

Dimensions are as follows; length: 4,240mm, height: 1,285, wheelbase: 2,570mm giving it a profile very similar to the current (third) generation Mazda MX-5. The GT 86 has near-perfect weight distribution at 53:47 and a centre of gravity of 475mm high. The front biased weight distribution was purposely selected to aid in the cars handling and "fun factor" according to the cheif design engineer.

The 2.0 liter flat-four engine is the result of a pooling of resources between Toyota and Subaru. The engine was primarily designed by Subaru and incoporates Toyotas D-4S technology (direct injection combined with port injection). The engine has a high compression ratio of 12.5:1 and bore and stoke are equal at 86.0mm, subsequently increasing power and torque over a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel economy.

The engine outputs a maximum power of 147 kW (197 hp) at 7000rpm and a maximum torque of 205 N·m (151 ft·lbf) at 6600rpm, redline is 7400rpm. For the Subaru BRZ Subaru have promised approximately 200kw to be produced in their STi version.

The GT 86 has the option of a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed automatic with paddle shifts. All variants shall come standard with an LSD except the base model automatic.

Chassis Generations

First generation (ZN6; 2012-Current)

Design

Subaru BRZ

The FR-S was designed around a front-mounted boxer engine rear-wheel drive configuration. "The flat architecture of the boxer engine, allows it to be mounted low, dropping the center of gravity down, resulting in sporty handling characteristics."^[1] The exterior design of the FR-S was inspired by the Toyota 2000GT's extremely low to the ground profile and long, sleek hood. The total concept of the car was most inspired by the Toyota AE86 which originally utilized lightweight design combined with modest engine power along with the front engine rear-wheel drive design that the FR-S will have. According to the FR-S'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."^[1] The car's design was inspired by previous Toyota sports cars including the Toyota Sports 800, Toyota 2000GT, and Toyota AE86.^[1]

Engineering

The Toyota designated 4U-GSE engine is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that uses Subaru's horizontally opposed boxer engine as well as Toyota's D-4S injection system which uses both direct and port injection. The engine has a 12.5:1 compression ratio and a bore and stroke of 86 mm that results in 200 horse power @ 7000 RPM, for the FR-S and BRZ, and 197 horse power for the Toyota variant, and 151 pound-feet of torque @ 6000 RPM for all three vehicles. As part of FR-S's low weight design, the car utilizes an aluminum hood, a solid roof, and a trunk design as opposed to a hatchback.^[2]^[3]

The FR-S, 86 and BRZ will offer two 6 speed transmission built by Aisin, a manual gearbox and modified automatic transmission from the Lexus IS-F, minus two gears. 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.

When questioned about differences between the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S, Scion hinted at the FR-S being tuned more for sport, while the Subaru was tuned more for ride compliance. Meaning the Subaru could have a softer ride than its Scion counterpart. ^[4]

The boxer engine sits as far back and as low as possible in the engine bay for an optimum weight distribution of 53% of the weight up front and 47% of the weight in the rear. The low sitting engine provides excellent low center of gravity, which allows the engine to sit lower than the Nissan GTR and just 0.6 inches higher than the Lexus LFA.^[2]

The three vehicles use 17 inch diameter wheels 7 inches wide. The wheels are lightweight and wrapped in Michelin tires, similar to those that are found on an upgraded Toyota Prius, but different diameter and width of 215/45. The wheels feature ventilated disc brakes at all four corners with two piston-opposed calipers in the front and single caliper design in the rear. Suspension is MacPherson suspension in the front and double wishbone in the rear.

Interior

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.^[2]

Japanese version

For the Japanese market, the Toyota 86 is offered in RC, G, GT, and GT Limited trim levels. Targeted for customers who want to modify their cars, or compete in motorsports, the strippo model RC came with black bumpers, steel wheels, and no air conditioning. Transmission for the base model is 6 speed manual only, while all the higher grades are available with either manual or 6 speed automatic. The 86 G adds color-keyed bumpers, 16 inch alloy wheels, manual AC, and halogen headlights as standard equipment. The GT has 17 inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control AC, smart key, HID headlights and fog lamps. The top of the line GT Limited has all the GT's features plus Alcantara seats, 18 inch alloys, and rear spoiler. This model will be on sale in Japan this April 6, 2012, and afterwards, Toyota will open "Area 86" specialty shops, where car enthusiasts can get together to talk about automobiles and where shop specialists can support car-owner activities aimed at helping give sports-car culture local roots.^[5]

Specifications

Toyota GT-86 (2012) Specifications

Press Release

Full Toyota Press Release (expand)

MORE PASSION, MORE FUN: TOYOTA RECAPTURES THE JOY OF DRIVING World debut for Toyota GT 86 sports car at the Tokyo motor show

KEY POINTS

- Entirely driver-focused sports car, designed to recapture the fundamental joys of motoring - World's most compact four-seater sports car, delivering very low centre of gravity and excellent power-to-weight ratio - A return to Toyota's sporting roots, with a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive package - Powertrain combines 197bhp 2.0-litre flat-four boxer engine with torque-enhancing D-4S injection technology - Design achieves outstanding aerodynamics while recalling Toyota's sports car heritage - New car to be called the GT 86 in Europe, in tribute to Toyota's GT car heritage - On sale in the UK in June 2012

The anticipation is over: Toyota's new GT 86 sports car makes its world debut at the Tokyo motor show on November 30. The compact 2+2 model, one of the most keenly awaited new cars of the coming year, will go on sale in the UK in June 2012.

The GT 86 has been conceived as an entirely driver-focused machine, designed to deliver the core qualities of the classic sports car experience. That means precise, instant response to the smallest throttle and steering inputs and the kind of performance that appeals to those for whom driving is a passion, not a necessity.

The GT 86 is built on a new platform, with a highly aerodynamic bodyshell stretched tight over the car's mechanical elements. Rather than fitting a heavy, large capacity powertrain, Toyota has opted instead to go back to its sporting roots, installing a compact, front-mounted, free-revving petrol engine that drives the rear wheels.

This four-cylinder "boxer" unit generates 197bhp at 7,000rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm at 6,600rpm, giving the GT 86 brisk, engaging performance.

The powertrain is matched to the world's most compact four-seat design to create a car that benefits from light weight, low inertia and a low centre of gravity to achieve the best possible power-to-weight ratio. For the driver that means lively, accessible performance and dynamic character with minimal intrusion from electronic systems.

Packaging

The GT 86 measures 4,240mm long, 1,285mm high and 2,570mm wide, dimensions which make it the most compact four-seater sports car available today.

Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to achieve the best balance: the car has a near-perfect 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution. The flat-four engine format and the driver's hip point – the lowest of any current Toyota production model – together give the GT 86 an ultra-low centre of gravity, at just 475mm.

The GT 86 makes the most of a light kerb weight, making it easy for drivers to exploit its nimble handling and cornering poise. The suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear. The car rides on 17-inch wheels and is fitted with ventilated disc brakes fore and aft.

World's first horizontally opposed engine with D-4S

The GT 86's engine is the result of a joint Toyota and Subaru development programme that brings together their technical know-how and mutual passion for sports cars.

Toyota has added its D-4S injection technology to Subaru's new, horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated 1,998cc four-cylinder boxer engine. This system features separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, increasing power and torque across a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

The flat-four engine has equal bore and stroke of 86.0mm and drives through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts using a tactile, short-throw lever; the automatic transmission can be controlled using paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel.

Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential to give the best possible grip in all driving conditions. The ABS and switchable vehicle stability control systems have been tuned specifically to deliver dynamic stability at the limit of the car's performance envelope with minimal electronic intervention to help preserve the purity of the driving experience.

Design

The design of the GT 86 successfully works within the technical constraints of achieving the most compact dimensions possible, a low centre of gravity and aerodynamic performance inspired by motorsport technology, while also displaying evocative, sweeping styling that recalls Toyota's sports car heritage.

Toyota's new design language informs the styling, as in the way attention is focused on the lower part of the car with the large lower grille. Elsewhere the "keen" approach can be witnessed in the clear, expressive lines.

The lower grille's "scorpion" look gives the GT 86 a more powerful appearance, with further sporting details including the model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, twin exhausts and the "86" piston logo that denotes the car's special powertrain configuration.

On board, the ergonomics and function of every element the driver interacts with have been scrutinised to make driving the car as natural, instinctive and rewarding as possible. For example, the steering wheel has a 365mm diameter, making it the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota, and it is trimmed in buckskin, developed from exhaustive feedback from test drivers on how to achieve the best steering performance and grip.

The three-meter instrument cluster is arranged around a large tachometer, its design benefiting from close attention to the positioning of the displays, markings and typeface. The result is the best possible visibility and readability. The driver-focus of the cockpit is further reinforced by the carbon-effect trim, all-black roof lining, red stitching on the upholstery, aviation-style rocker switches and lightweight, aluminium pedals.

Toyota's 50-year sports car heritage

The GT 86 may be launched as the world's only current sports car to feature a front-mounted, horizontally opposed engine and rear-wheel drive, but it cannot claim to be the first. That honour is held by Toyota's two-cylinder boxer-engined Sports 800, which the company began developing in 1962. Since then, Toyota has established a long history of producing exciting, driver-focused sports cars with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive format that have proved as popular with the public as they have been successful in competition.

The beautiful 2000 GT, a coupe powered by a 2.0-litre straight-six engine, was first displayed at the 1965 Tokyo motor show and helped establish Toyota's global reputation as a sports car manufacturer.

Launched in 1971, the first Celica models featured rear-wheel drive powertrains and were praised by enthusiasts for their agility. All four Supra generations came with straight-six engines and rear-wheel drive, while from 1984 the MR2 won recognition as one of the best handling sports cars in motoring history.

The inspiration for the GT 86, however, is the Corolla GT (or Levin) AE86, a car with an enduring reputation for delivering sheer excitement and capturing the fundamental joy of driving. Its front-engine, rear-wheel drive package, compact dimensions, light weight, impeccable balance and superior power-to-weight ratio made it a must-have choice for rallying and circuit driving throughout its production life, from 1983 to 1987. Here in the UK the GT claimed two British Touring Car Championship titles and a series of top-level rally victories.

The GT 86 is a genuinely lightweight machine that offers the intimacy and involvement of a car that can be driven as though an extension of the driver's body. In this way, it perfectly recaptures the exhilarating spirit of the last of the AE86. And, with numerous customisable parts, its shares its predecessor's aim to be an affordable car that will evolve with its owner.