Toyota South Africa has confirmed that the FT-86 (or just ‘86’ as the new, two-door sports car will be known in production form) will be launched in the second half of 2012.
The news, along with some additional confirmation on the specifications of the 86, was made public to coincide with the official unveiling of the car at the Tokyo Motor Show. Also confirmed is the power output of the Subaru-sourced flat-four engine, which will comfortably sit at 147 kW at 7 000 rpm, linked to 205 Nm of torque at 6 600 rpm.
Other important facts and numbers include a kerb weight of 1 180 kg, putting the 86 in the featherweight class, and ensuring that it is a lot lighter than anything in close competition.
The 2+2 is rumoured to offer particularly driver-friendly handling, with a rear end that is supposedly trivial to unsettle but even easier to tame.
This is probably due to the extra time that Toyota spent tuning the dynamics and suspension, all focused on enhancing the driving experience. A limited slip differential in the back should also keep things tidy in the corners, which will be especially useful when the ESP and traction control are completely disabled – a first on a modern Toyota.
But without a doubt, what makes the 86 really interesting is trying to decide what its competitors are, because there is nothing like it on the market, and very little that bears a discernable resemblance.
As far as engine specifications go, Renault’s Clio RS is probably the closest, with its 147 kW and 215 Nm 2,0-litre four potter. And while the Renault is renowned for its handling and driver-focused flair, the 86 is a good 10 percent lighter and significantly lower, not to mention the fact that it is rear-wheel driven.
The truth of the matter is that there is nothing that is close to what the 86 promises in sheer driving pleasure terms, apart perhaps from the ageing Mazda MX-5, although the 86 trumps it in every department (except for the topless part).
The Audi TT in 2.0 TFSI form offers slightly more power, loads of refinement, and the allure of a premium brand – but it’s front-wheel driven, and costs R424 000 before options.
The most direct challenge will come from the 86’s close stablemate, the Subaru BRZ, which shares the same platform and powertrain. Just how these two cars will be distinguished in price and positioning terms remains to be seen, but our guess is the Subaru will be dearer.
Even so, at an estimated price of R375 000, the Toyota 86 will need to be truly special to gain traction in this market. Luckily the 2+2 layout does add a degree of practicality to the car, which might sway some buyers from more dedicated sports cars like the two-seater MX-5. Spec levels should be high, too.
We hope the 86 well, because Toyota hasn’t made such a decisive move into the sports car market since the glory days of the Supra. And who knows, maybe there is a supercharged TRD-tuned 86 waiting in the wings…
