Toyota GT86: not just reasonably fast

Sure, it’s designed to be reasonably fast, but it’s more than that. The way Toyota’s engineers have improved its features – the 4.2-inch information display, the track mode, the optimised steering wheel – seems to speak of a good time. In fact, you may well have seen it recently being put through its paces by a few recognisable faces on a very famous airfield test track in Surrey.

That’s not to say the improvements are all style-over-substance. The chassis is stiffer, and the aerodynamics have all been fine-tuned to make the car more responsive, but the visual cues and constant information the GT86 provides go a hell of a long way to making man and machine feel more at one. 

4.2-inch Colour TFT Multi-Information Display

Any motor racing on television these days comes with a plethora of real-time graphics, giving you an insight into exactly how the drivers and their machines are optimising every ounce of performance. Similarly, the GT86’s high-grade meter display will give you the science behind that big beam across your face in forensic detail. 

Designed for ultimate visibility and ease of use, you can of course access the necessities like instant fuel usage, average speed and journey time, but go beyond that and it’s suddenly driving nirvana for performance geeks everywhere. There’s a G meter with and without peak hold, a torque curve and – for when the temptation to take it to a track day becomes overwhelming – a stopwatch and lap-time leader board, all easily operated using steering wheel-mounted switches.  

Track mode and improved steering wheel

Speaking of track antics, the nifty track mode button allows you to balance fun and performance. One press minimises interference of the stability and traction control systems to a level that enables you to push the car hard, but with an ever-present, in-built safety net.   

Indeed, when it comes to track-readiness, it would appear Toyota’s Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada really has thought of everything. The shape of the steering wheel has been subtly changed, all with the end goal of allowing you to be more fleet of hand. The inertia mass has been reduced by ten per cent, and the grip shape subtly adapted so that the driver’s arms naturally turn inwards. 

This, combined with the reduced wheel diameter and three sculpted metal spokes, feels sportier and stronger, and increases the speed with which you can apply the requisite lock to nail that apex more satisfyingly. 

An unforgettable ride    

It’s not all gadgets and gizmos. There have also been some engineering tweaks:
 
•    Thickened tower bar and transition mount brackets, as well as elements of the rear panel, for a more stable base 
•    New Showa absorbers fitted to suspension for smoother handling
•    Intrigued? Then take a look at the first limited edition in the Toyota GT86 Club Series range, available now

For more information or to book a test drive click here