For those seeking a pure and exhilarating driving experience, the 86 Toyota 86 stands out as a stylish and agile 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupe. This vehicle embodies the fundamentals of automotive athleticism, boasting an ideal power-to-weight ratio, a captivating design, and exceptional balance and feel. In 2019, the 86 Toyota 86 lineup expanded to include the limited-production TRD Special Edition, injecting an even greater dose of performance into this already impressive sports car.
Unleashing Pure Performance: The 86 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition
Imagine a sports car meticulously engineered for peak performance, and you’ve envisioned the 86 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition. This model represents the pinnacle of the 86 Toyota 86 lineage in North America, crafted for drivers who crave the thrill of winding canyon roads and the precision of challenging racetracks. Key enhancements that define the TRD Special Edition’s exceptional performance include all-new SACHS dampers, high-performance Brembo brakes, and exclusive alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
The SACHS dampers elevate the 86 Toyota 86‘s handling prowess by sharpening steering response and enhancing vehicle stability. The upgraded Brembo brakes, featuring large four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, provide confident and consistent stopping power, perfectly complementing the car’s balanced cornering capabilities. Furthermore, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires significantly increase grip levels, contributing to sharper steering response and enhanced feedback through the steering wheel.
Visually, the 86 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition makes a bold statement with its exclusive Raven paint finish, accented by the iconic TRD tricolor graphic and a distinctive TRD body kit. This kit includes a performance front bumper, aerodynamic side sills, a sporty rear bumper with diffuser, and a rear spoiler, all contributing to both the car’s aggressive aesthetics and aerodynamic efficiency. A standard TRD exhaust system, complete with brushed stainless steel tips, adds a refined sporty note to the car’s auditory profile.
Stepping inside the 86 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition reveals a cabin designed to match its performance-oriented nature. The interior features a striking red and black theme, with a telescoping steering wheel adorned with red contrast stitching, supportive red and black sport bucket seats, and a Granlux suede-like material covering the instrument cluster. “TRD” logos embroidered on the passenger side instrument panel and red seatbelts further emphasize the special edition’s unique character.
Production of the 86 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition was limited to just 1,418 units, making it a truly exclusive offering. This model is exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission, catering to driving purists who prefer full control and engagement.
The Foundation of a Sports Car: Core 86 Toyota 86 Features
Beyond the TRD Special Edition, the standard 86 Toyota 86 and 86 GT grades provide a solid foundation of sporty features and amenities. The exterior of every 86 Toyota 86 is equipped with standard LED projector-beam headlights, color-keyed power mirrors, a chrome-tipped dual exhaust, front fender-mounted vortex generators, and stylish 17-inch twisted spoke alloy wheels. The 86 GT trim level enhances the offering with LED fog lamps, an aerodynamic floor undercover, color-matched heated mirrors, and a matte-black rear wing with color-keyed end plates.
Inside the 86 Toyota 86 and 86 GT, drivers and passengers are greeted by comfortable sport bucket front seats and a steering wheel with integrated audio controls. The 86 GT further adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a Granlux suede-like rear armrest cover, an anti-theft system, and cruise control. Keyless entry with push-button start is standard on the 86 GT and TRD Special Edition, adding convenience to the sporty experience.
For drivers who value performance data, the 86 Toyota 86 GT and TRD Special Edition feature a 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID). This display provides real-time vehicle information such as G-force meter, stopwatch, horsepower and torque curves, engine coolant and oil temperatures, and fuel consumption. An “86” logo animation on the MID upon vehicle start-up adds a touch of sporty flair.
Heritage and Modernity: The Design Inspiration of the 86 Toyota 86
The 86 Toyota 86 draws inspiration from Toyota’s legendary 2000 GT, a sports car icon. This influence is evident in the 86 Toyota 86‘s low roofline, flowing front fenders, and sleek silhouette. However, the 86 Toyota 86 firmly embraces modern design with LED headlights, daytime running lights, turn signals, and taillights, seamlessly blending classic inspiration with contemporary aesthetics.
The athleticism of the 86 Toyota 86 is equally modern. Its 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, equipped with Toyota’s D-4S Dual Injection System, delivers 205 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the six-speed manual transmission (slightly less with the automatic). The engine’s “square” bore and stroke dimensions of 86 mm are a deliberate nod to the car’s name and a tribute to the AE86, the Toyota Corolla GT-S of the 1980s, known in Japan as “hachi-roku” (8-6). “86” logos are subtly incorporated into the front fender badge and the headlamps, further celebrating this heritage.
Engineered for Driving Purity: Chassis and Performance of the 86 Toyota 86
The 86 Toyota 86‘s chassis is purpose-built for rear-wheel-drive sports car dynamics. It features a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension with strut tower bars and reinforced mounting brackets, and a sport-tuned independent multi-link rear suspension with reinforcement bracing. The electric power-assist steering is quick and responsive, offering excellent road feel through the small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Standard 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted with summer performance or all-season tires, depending on the model. For track days or autocross events, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system offers a Track mode or can be fully disabled, allowing for greater driver control. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) is standard on both manual and automatic 86 Toyota 86 models, providing assistance when starting on steep inclines.
The Boxer Engine Advantage: Power and Efficiency of the 86 Toyota 86
The 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed Boxer engine at the heart of the 86 Toyota 86 delivers 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 156 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,400 rpm (slightly lower figures for the automatic transmission). The engine’s design allows for high-revving performance and a broad torque curve, making the 86 Toyota 86 responsive and engaging in everyday driving.
Toyota’s D-4S Dual Injection system, combining direct and port injection, is a key technology in achieving this engine’s high performance and efficiency. Direct injection cools the cylinders, enabling a high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximum power, while port fuel injectors optimize combustion efficiency under light and medium loads.
The 86 Toyota 86 strikes a balance between thrilling performance and practical fuel economy. It achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the automatic transmission, and 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the manual transmission. Its lightweight construction, under 2,800 lbs. for the manual version, contributes to both fuel efficiency and agile handling. A low center of gravity and a low drag coefficient further enhance the 86 Toyota 86‘s performance and efficiency.
Transmission Choices: Manual and Automatic Options in the 86 Toyota 86
The 86 Toyota 86 offers a choice of two transmissions to suit different driving preferences. The six-speed manual transmission is designed for driving enthusiasts, featuring a short-throw shifter and an easy-to-use clutch for engaging gear changes. The transmission incorporates advanced features for durability and feel, including triple-cone synchromesh on lower gears and a ball-bearing-mounted shift linkage.
For those who prefer automatic convenience, the six-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) offers quick shifts, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Sport Mode, and Dynamic Rev Management technology for smooth downshifts. A standard Torsen limited-slip differential enhances traction and cornering performance in all 86 Toyota 86 models.
A Driver-Focused Cabin: Interior Comfort and Technology in the 86 Toyota 86
The interior of the 86 Toyota 86 is designed with a focus on the driver, while still providing modern comfort and convenience. Intuitive controls and a driver-centric gauge panel help keep attention focused on the road. A large center-mounted tachometer with an integrated digital speedometer and programmable rev indicator is the central focal point.
The 86 Toyota 86 GT adds Granlux material accents to the instrument panel and door trim, enhancing the interior ambiance. As a practical 2+2 coupe, the 86 Toyota 86 features a rear seatback that folds down to expand trunk space, adding versatility to its sporty nature.
Entertainment and Connectivity: Audio and Technology Features of the 86 Toyota 86
The 86 Toyota 86 comes standard with a Display Audio system featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display and an eight-speaker Pioneer audio system. This system includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming, HD Radio, iPod connectivity, and AUX/USB inputs.
An optional Display Audio with Navigation system is available, adding voice-activated navigation and points of interest. Both audio systems include Aha Radio, providing access to a wide range of online audio content and location-based services, enhancing connectivity and entertainment on the go.
Safety and Security: Peace of Mind in the 86 Toyota 86
The 86 Toyota 86 prioritizes safety with the standard Toyota STAR Safety System, which includes ABS, EBD, TRAC, BA, VSC, and SST. It is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of airbags, including dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Rear seats are equipped with LATCH anchors for child seats, making the 86 Toyota 86 a safe choice for a variety of drivers.
Warranty and Ownership: Toyota’s Commitment to Quality for the 86 Toyota 86
The 86 Toyota 86 is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty, including a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty and extended warranties for powertrain and corrosion. ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance plan, further enhances the ownership experience for the first two years or 25,000 miles.
The 86 Toyota 86, especially in its TRD Special Edition guise, delivers an unmatched blend of performance, style, and heritage for driving enthusiasts. Whether carving through canyon roads or navigating city streets, the 86 Toyota 86 provides a truly engaging and rewarding driving experience.
