Toyota GT86 Road Test - Sports Cars
La Toyota с GT86Like Subaru and its twin sister BRZ, it looks like it has found the perfect car recipe that doesn't dazzle with the number of cars or advanced technological solutions, but amaze with its "old school" that it has to offer.
The correct recipe
Naturally aspirated front engine, Speed six-speed mechanics e rear drive с differential Torsen with limited slip are the main components of the GT86.
The line of this coupe is typically yappa: aggressive but balanced. Our sample mounts aerodynamic body kit Toyota consists of a large rear wing, front spoiler and side skirts. I'm not a fan of aerodynamics and prefer the simple and clean line of the no kit version, but I have to admit that it creates a lot of the scene.
Focus on driving
When you open the door and sit down on the seat, you will immediately feel relaxed. The seat is low, the visibility is good, but the biggest surprise is that the steering wheel is just ... the steering wheel. No switches or unnecessary controls, but nice steering wheel vertical with almost ideal diameter and thickness.
Well-placed aluminum pedals and a six-speed manual gearbox complete the interior, which seems to have been deliberately crafted to keep the driver from distracting with gimmicks and allowing him to focus on driving.
The interior trim and materials are also not bad, they do not reach the level of European hot hatches, but, I must admit, I was pleasantly impressed. Doors don't look at all cheap Leather inserts with red stitching give it a nice racing look.
The large tachometer with a white background and a red line that starts at 7.500 rpm is promising.
Turning the key (something else is almost old school now), and the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four engine awakens. The tone is very different from the sound of a "normal" boxer: at idle it is very restrained and without vibration, between 3.000 and 4.000 rpm it becomes a little rougher and more metallic, but shifts towards the red area of the tachometer. there is no expected sonic explosion, rather, it is a loud rumble.
On the other hand, the engine is very flexible and you can drive sixth speed at sixty per hour without any problem, while at slow speed you can easily drive over 15 km on a liter.
At low speeds, the ride is a little harsh and the limited-slip differential is quite noisy, as there is some rustling when driving on the highway, even if not exaggerating, you definitely don't expect dead silence from a sports coupe.
The question arises: can the GT86 be used every day? Absolutely yes. It has a decent trunk and a few storage spaces, but like almost all 2+2 coupes, the rear seats are such a formality that we didn't even get to try them out.
Il engine he is not a monster of power: despite the sun 1.324 kg move, 200 hp power at 7.000 rpm and 205 Nm couple there seems to be barely enough for the chassis, so one wonders if they're all there, but the GT86 is not a straight-shot car, its habitat is cornering.
True Soul GT86
Picking up the pace, Toyota comes alive and you discover one steering precise and consistent, a little heavy considering today's light handlebars, but extremely tactile and full of feedback.
The gearbox is fantastic, the shifts are short and dry, it just demands to be used and mistreated, and it fits perfectly with the character of the car.
The GT86 loves to be thrown into corners, but it's not built to attack the road like you're running away from the police, but to be used to 80% of its potential, and it's much more enjoyable to let it slip between corners. and find the right pace.
Its modest tires (215/45 R ”17) were designed more to emphasize chassis performance rather than breaking track speed records.
However, with the controls inserted, anyone can enjoy the GT86 in complete safety, and the electronics are capable of correcting even the most serious mistakes. If you're smart enough and confident in what you're doing, you can turn off the electronic controls and discover the true soul of this coupe. In this case, the password oversteer.
The limited slip differential provides excellent traction, and oversteer doesn't occur if you're not looking for it, but once you provoke it, the controls are easy and intuitive, and most of all, incredibly fun.
The GT86 is not a car for everyone, not because it is difficult to drive and requires driving skills, but because it was designed for people who are willing to give up pure power and sequential gearboxes in favor of a car that is not very fast. but in short, extremely enjoyable and fun for true driving enthusiasts.
The final decision
Il price The base of the list is 30.500 euros, which is interesting, especially considering the fact that it has no direct competitor, the car that is perhaps closest to it as a concept is the Mazda MX5, but we are waiting to try the new model to make a comparison.
The final judgment on emotion and driving pleasure is unequivocally positive. This is not a full-fledged car that stands out in all areas, but does not want to be one either. He wants to entertain you, and he does it very well, without even making you devour the madness.
The only negatives are the unattractive sound and the lack of a few more horses, but nothing to ruin the fantastic driving experience.
