2017 Toyota GT86 sharpens up
Toyota has breathed new life into its GT86 sports car with a fresh look and revised setup for improved handling
The Toyota GT86 two-door sports car has been under the surgeon’s knife for a mid-life nip and tuck, with changes to its looks as well as dynamic improvements.
On the outside, the revised car gets a redesigned front-end featuring LED headlights, while the indicators have been moved from the lower bumper into the headlight housing and a set of “teeth” on the bottom of the lower grill to improve airflow.
Along the side, stabilising fins have been added while the rear of the car gets revised LED taillights and a deeper more aggressive bumper.
Inside there’s a new and smaller steering wheel plus a new 4.2in TFT multi-functional display within the instrument binnacle that features performance data such as power and torque curves, stopwatch and a G-force monitor.
Under the skin of the GT86, the chassis has been stiffened plus there’s a new setup to improve handling and ride comfort. It gets modified dampers and springs, the suspension has been retuned and there are aerodynamic improvements.
New for the 2017 model is ‘track’ mode that allows the driver to adjust the stability and traction settings, including a fully off mode.
Power remains unchanged and comes from a 2.0-litre boxer petrol engine which develops 197bhp and can be selected with a manual or automatic gearbox.
The GT86 is now available in two trims, GT and GT Pro. GT gets 17in alloy wheels, high-performance brake discs and pads and electrically operated and heated door mirrors. Inside the GT gets cruise control, aluminium sport pedals, Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with Bluetooth, 6.1in touchscreen and DAB radio.
GT Pro adds leather and Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, suede finish to dashboard and door trims, and a rear spoiler.
Sales start in October 2016 with customer deliveries by the end of the year or early next. The 2017 GT86 will feature at the Paris Motor Show.
