Toyota GT Coupe 86 finally revealed

The series "Toyota FT-86 concept" holds us in suspense for two years. At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the production model finally revealed its attractive features and its final surname: GT 86.Tokyo 2009, Toyota introduced a concept called small coupe FT-86. Those who have never recovered from the death of the Celica or Supra regained hope. Because since 2006, the Japanese giant did not count any sport model in its European range, with the exception of confidential Yaris TS. An absence that was surprising how the largest manufacturer in the world could he be out of a market segment as iconic?
Upon his appointment in 2009, Akio Toyoda, the new boss of the Japanese giant, decided to change gear. The first speech of this race car driver said they will reintroduce the "driving pleasure" in the values ​​of the brand. The GT 86 is the first concrete result of this orientation. Designed with Subaru, this little coupe draws propulsion in the heritage of Toyota and is remembered fondly the little coupe AE86 Levin for 80 years, known for his lively rear.Toyota GT 86 (Tokyo 2011)Image © Toyota
Aesthetically, the GT 86 has very little to do with the concept of 2009. Fortunately, it remains true to its architecture. It is still a compact coupe (4.24 m) and particularly picked up (1.29 m high). Yet it has four seats with its wheelbase of 2.57 m.
The first pictures of the interior have nothing to generate enthusiasm. Certainly, the Japanese designers have all the trouble to innovate in this area. The atmosphere is certainly athletic, but the instrument panel, headed by aerators rather coarse, not shown, nor originality, nor elegance.
As announced at the presentation of the concept, the engine is a Subaru boxer home, features a direct injection system and indirect Toyota D-4S similar to the V10 Lexus LFA. It uses indirect injection at low speed to generate a turbulence effect in the cylinders to improve combustion. This 4-cylinder "square" of 1998 cm3 using the same stroke and same bore: 86 mm. It should also find this value in the origin of the name "GT 86".Toyota GT 86 (Tokyo 2011)Image © Toyota
With its high compression ratio (12.5: 1) that block air takes a typically Japanese philosophy: it will take the whip to get the best. The maximum torque of 205 Nm is indeed obtained 6600 rev / min and the maximum power of 200 hp attained only at 7000 rev / min.
This radical approach is reflected in the definition of transmission and suspension. The GT 86 is available with a six-speed manual or automatic automatically associated with a limited slip differential. The suspension adopt a scheme McPherson front double wishbone and rear. Finally, the weight distribution of 53/47 coupled with an exceptionally low center of gravity should clearly favor a balanced handling.
In the end, sporty drivers can not but welcome feature of this new coupe. Good news never comes alone, the GT 86 will soon arrive in Europe: its commercialization is planned for next summer.