9. Lightweight wheels for 86
Toyota’s 86 is fitted with the lightest production 16-inch and 17-inch cast aluminium wheels Toyota has ever produced.
The new 16 x 6.5J and 17 x 7J wheels have sharp spoke designs with bright machine-finished highlights that create a mechanical, sports-inspired image.
By machine-cutting a section of the painted face, the wheels display the natural bright finish of aluminium.
The 16-inch wheels on the 86 GT are the lightest at just 7.21kg and feature a simple 10-spoke design.
The high-grade 86 GTS has 17-inch wheels with five machine-finished twin spokes, offset by five single dark-accented spokes to provide fine detail.
All wheels feature a small centre ornament to emphasise the spoke length.They are designed for optimum rigidity and functional appeal while minimising unsprung weight to ensure the vehicle maintains optimum contact with the road at all times.
A full-size spare tyre is standard – steel for the GT and alloy for the GTS.
10. Toyota 86 has two brake packages
New Toyota 86 has two grade-specific brake packages to suit the 16-inch wheels on 86 GT and 17-inch wheels on 86 GTS.
86 GT has 277mm diameter ventilated front discs and 286mm diameter solid rear discs.
High-grade 86 GTS has 294mm diameter ventilated front discs and 290mm ventilated rear discs.
Both have aluminium callipers and a lever-type parking brake.
The brake response and vacuum booster have been fine-tuned to provide precise brake modulation.
11. Toyota 86 suspension provides excellent response
Toyota 86 was designed for high levels of handling, stability and steering response.
It was benchmarked against Porsche Cayman during development with a view to providing quicker lateral-force response and stability, a smaller roll angle and smaller steering angle.
Toyota 86 has a direct steering feeling on country roads and highways, with sharp steering, low body roll and high levels of grip.
Toyota 86 has MacPherson-strut front suspension with an all-new L-shaped lower-arm design and double-wishbone rear suspension.
It has electric power-assisted steering with a 13.12:1 steering ratio.
The foundations for Toyota 86′s impressive steering and handling are its low centre of gravity (460mm above the road), centralised mass/low polar moment of inertia, and the strong yet lightweight body structure which provides a stable platform for the suspension.
In addition, 86 has a large footprint on the road for its overall dimensions, with a wheelbase of 2,570mm, front track of 1,520mm and rear track of 1,540mm.
Body rigidity has been optimised while meeting strict weight targets through extensive use of high-tensile and ultra-high tensile strength steel, and optimal use of strengthening brackets and gussets.
Reinforcements have been added to key points where load is transmitted from the suspension to the body, including the front side members and rear floor members.
A front-strut tower bar has been adopted as well as an aluminium engine under-cover to efficiently increase rigidity.
The 86 chassis-frame also has a rear top-mount reinforcement, rear-frame gusset between the rear frame and rocker panel, and a front lower member to reinforce the suspension.
The body rigidity structure around the front suspension also includes a top-mount reinforcement and a reinforced apron.
Front suspension
Toyota designed the 86 MacPherson-strut front suspension for the levels of handling stability owners expect in a “fun-to-drive” sports car.
The all-new design provides direct handling feel, sharp response and high levels of controllability.
It has coil springs, gas-filled dampers and a ball-joint mounted stabiliser bar.
The springs, dampers, stabiliser bar, steering knuckle and lower arm are all new designs.
Special attention was paid to optimising the rigidity of the front suspension mounting points and positioning those points to create a lower roll axis.
The struts are mounted as low as possible to achieve a low bonnet line (for improved aerodynamics) and a low centre of gravity.
The single L-shaped lower arms have been reverse-positioned (rear to front) compared with the conventional arrangement to allow the engine to be mounted lower and closer to the centre of the vehicle.
The steering box has been positioned behind the front cross-member.
The cross-member has in turn been specifically designed to fit the limited space between the boxer engine’s oil pan and exhaust system.
Rear suspension
The purpose-designed double-wishbone rear suspension in the 86 provides agile stability and high levels of rear grip.
The roll axis has been tuned to compliment the front suspension while providing both the high level of roll rigidity expected of a sports car and the crisp turn-in of a front-engine/rear-drive sports car.
The 86 rear suspension has new designs for the rear sub-frame, coil springs, dampers, ball-jointed stabiliser bar, lower-arm rear and trailling link.
Special attention was paid to ensure optimum rigidity of the suspension mounting points.
A substantial rear sub-frame carries the rear suspension and the differential, to optimise suspension rigidity while minimising unsprung weight.
12. Toyota 86 is ultra-low, wide and compact
Toyota 86 features an aerodynamic and stylish body design built around a low, highly compact chassis for optimum handling and performance.
At 4,240mm in length the standard 86 is shorter than a Corolla Ascent hatch (4,245mm).
Its roof height of just 1,285mm is 225mm lower than the Toyota Yaris YR three-door hatch.
Its 2,570mm wheelbase is also shorter than Corolla Ascent (2,600mm).
However, at 1,775mm the standard 86 is wider than a Toyota Rukus (1,760mm), providing its squat, sporting stance.
Designers took advantage of the low centre of gravity afforded by the boxer engine and front-engine/rear-wheel drive layout to create the low, compact design.
The flat, low bonnet signals the presence of the boxer engine.
The bonnet has sharp, geometric surface styling above the headlamps and sweeping upward lines on either side that flow into the wheel arch profiles.
The large, low-set grille provides generous cooling to the front radiator and front brake callipers with a shape that provides a cue to Toyota’s design identity.
The front grille also has distinctive T-mesh in place of conventional grille mesh.
Other design details point specifically to Toyota’s legendary 2000GT sports car, including the distinctive side window graphic and flared wheel arches.
The rear wheel arches and trapezoid-shaped rear fascia give the 86 a wide, sporty stance at the rear.
Dual circular exhaust tips with a large, 110mm outer diameter provide an additionally dynamic appearance.
The front fenders each have the distinctive 86 emblem, which features opposed pistons to signify the boxer engine and an ’86′ in the middle with a design that evokes the image of a four-wheel drift.
The 86 GT comes with halogen headlamps as standard while high-grade 86 GTS has high intensity discharge headlamps and LED (light emitting diode) daytime running lights (DRLs).
The 86 GTS also has a headlamp washer and foglamps in the lower section of the front bumper.
On GT grade, DRLs are fitted in the same position as the foglamps on GTS.
Rear combination lamps with a 12-element LED tail and stop lamp and rear turn signal lamp (globe) are standard across both models.
Two reverse lamps and a foglamp are integrated in the rear bumper, and there is a four-element LED high-mount stop lamp in the rear shelf.
LED lamps provide high visibility, a cutting-edge appearance and use less power than traditional stop lamps.
The sides of the rear lamps also have aero stabilising fins, which contribute to overall aerodynamic performance.
The stay-type side mirrors of 86 have a compact and lightweight design.
As well as providing maximum rear visibility, the door-mounted position allows for high visibility around the A-pillars.
Toyota 86 is available in seven exterior colours: Pegasus White, Tornado Grey, Thunder Silver, Storm Black, Velocity Orange, Sonic Blue and Mount Fuji Red.
13. Toyota 86 aerodynamics provide stability and enhanced handling
The aerodynamic design of the Toyota 86 promotes agile handling at low to mid-range speeds and superior straight-line stability at high speeds.
An aerodynamic concept promotes stability by enveloping the car with air – above, below and along the sides.
This principle prevents unnecessary downforce that can affect fuel economy.
The 86 has a drag coefficient of 0.27.
The profile from the bottom edge of the low-set front bumper to the bottom edge of the side rocker enhances stability.
The bonnet surface is gently curved, which reduces drag and lift.
A pagoda roof design widens towards the rear of the car, which contributes to a lower roof and in turn provides handling stability.
The boot angle maximises airflow efficiency over the rear of the vehicle.
The upturned rear diffuser provides additional and effective downforce for enhanced handling.
14. Toyota 86 has smallest Toyota steering wheel
The new 86 has the smallest-diameter steering wheel in the Toyota range.
The three-spoke premium wheel has a 365mm diameter for quick steering inputs.
Grip on the wheel and thumb stability have been maximised through the design of the steering wheel cross-section, and verified by test drivers.
Concave-shaped grooved thumb rests are built into the inner circumference of the wheel.
The rim thickness and the size of the horn pad have been optimised to allow a clear view of the instruments.
The horn pad was designed with minimal offset towards the driver, to appear small when viewed from the front, optimise operability and create an easily recognised steering centre.
The ’86′ logo mark is embossed on the horn pad in place of a metal badge, to minimise light reflection and hence potential distractions.
Toyota 86 has electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering, with a quick 13.1:1 steering ratio.
The steering column has a tilt range of 15mm (an angle 16 degrees) and a telescopic range of 20mm.
15. Toyota 86 has a voice that can be heard
The Toyota 86 development team overcame traditional corporate guidelines to produce a stirring engine note – and to channel the sound directly into the cabin.
Led by chief engineer Tetsuya Tada, the team developed a sound creator that allows the driver to enjoy fully the boxer engine’s sporty induction sound.
“The sound creator picks up intake pulses and uses a damper that resonates at certain frequencies to optimise the sound – a principle similar to hitting a drum,” Mr Tada said.
“The selected frequencies are channelled directly into the cabin via a thin rubber tube that passes through the firewall and into the passenger footwell, just ahead of the passenger’s feet.
“When you have the throttle wide open, you get a rich, throaty sound that is sports-car to the core – especially above 4,000rpm.”
Mr Tada said driving a sports car should stimulate all five senses, such as the sight of the design, touch of the steering, the distinct smell of hot brake pads, a taste for sports-car behaviour and the sound of the engine.
“While we aimed to address each of the senses during development, we placed a particular focus on ensuring a pleasing engine note.
“However, our standard development procedures focus on eliminating sound, not tuning it – and we also face strict worldwide noise regulations.
“Despite all this, we knew what we needed to do and how to get it done. It took many trial and error sessions, but we were finally able to perfect engine, induction and exhaust sound, including the feature that allows induction sound to be piped directly into the cabin.
“Although it was an uncommon procedure, we strove to ensure that the 86 has a voice that can be heard,” he said.
16. Design elements evoke Toyota’s heritage
Toyota has applied design elements throughout the 86 to convey a sense of precision and high performance – as well as a dash of fun.
The front fender proudly displays the new car’s logo that is centred on a stylised “86″.
This symbolises the engine’s square 86mm bore and stroke while evoking thoughts of the car’s spiritual predecessor, the Corolla Levin AE86.
Horizontally opposed pistons are placed either side of the “86″ to signify the 2.0-litre boxer engine under the low bonnet.
A T-mesh pattern in several areas throughout the car provides a subtle link to Toyota’s heritage.
The pattern is found in the front grille, instrument panel ornamentation, door-switch base and the climate-control panel.
On the upper grade, the mesh is also etched into part of the Alcantara® fabric in the front seats.
Even the reversing light and rear foglamp are arranged in the shape of a “T” to emphasise the global Toyota brand.
A further design element is a connecting-rod shape, which can be seen on the headlamps, exhaust tip, shift-lever base, side air vents and the meter ring.
Toyota 86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada said these design features expressed the attention to detail of the passionate team of engineers who created the 86.
“The engineers’ emotions and love for performance has been transformed into a work of art,” Mr Tada said.
“Virtually every component has been fine-tuned to satisfy the most discerning driving enthusiast.”
17. Toyota 86 – no stone unturned
Toyota’s attention to detail with the new 86 sports car includes measures to protect against stone chips during rallying and sports-car activities.
Enthusiast owners of the 86 are expected to enter their cars in officially sanctioned competitive events, where close racing can lead to stones and other debris hitting their car.
In consideration of this risk, engineers undertook a chipping analysis of the 86 and developed measures to protect the paint and underbody.
A special anti-chip paint coating has been applied to the areas most at risk – the front edge of the bonnet and roof, and the two windscreen pillars.
In addition, other areas have benefited from a chip-resistant coating while anti-chip tape has been applied to the rear area of the door partition.
Early testing and analysis also resulted in wide-ranging underbody rust-protection and anti-chipping measures.
These include the use of rust-resistant steel in the underfloor area, and anti-rust wax in areas such as the bottom edge of the doors and the closed-in cross-section of the frame.
Other measures to protect the car from damage during competition include an aluminium cover under the engine.
The cover also acts as a contact warning, alerting the driver when the car’s underbody scrapes the road surface.
Similarly, contact guards at the rear prevent damage to the exhaust pipes.
18. High-quality 86 interior engages the driver
Toyota 86 has a dynamic, high-quality interior with features that maximise driver engagement.
Designers trimmed unnecessary space to create a snug, cosseting cabin environment.
It has a front-rear couple distance of 700mm which ensures the minimal amount of space for the rear seats, as befitting a compact 2+2 sports car.
The front seats have a hip point of just 400mm.
Seat materials were specially chosen for their light weight, strength, durability, breatheability and non-slip qualities to enhance sporty driving.
The high grade GTS has leather-accented front-seats with Alcantara® fabric inserts.
In addition, the GTS seats are embossed with the signature T-mesh pattern, which also appears on the instrumentation, climate control panel and door switch base.
T-mesh evokes Toyota’s rich sports car history while providing a dynamic, high-tech appearance.
The main seat and sides of the GT grade seats (including shoulder supports) are trimmed in a soft fabric known as Prosuena.
The predominantly black interior features contrasting colours and materials to provide a sense of sportiness and high-quality craftsmanship.
Switch panels on the door trims are angled towards occupants and easy-to-use door grips enhance cabin operability.
The door handles were also specially positioned to enable fitment of a roll cage for track use.
High grade GTS comes with a knee pad to provide additional support and maintain driver pedal control under high lateral loads.
The centre console height was designed to prevent interference with the driver’s arm when shifting gears.
An optional removable cup holder can be set in a backward position to prevent drinks from obstructing the driver’s arm movement during shifting.
On both grades, the centre console has a VSC (vehicle stability control) off switch, SNOW/SPORT switch (automatic transmission only) and VSC SPORT switch.
Toyota 86 GTS comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate controlled air conditioning.
The centre instrument panel of the 86 GTS also has an engine stop/start switch.
Front seat heater controls are located in the centre console behind the VSC switches.
GT grade comes with manual air conditioning.
12V/120W accessory sockets are located in the centre console and glove box on both grades.
19. Comprehensive active and passive safety package for 86
The new Toyota 86 has a comprehensive active and passive safety package as standard equipment.
The 86 was designed to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating and has a pedestrian-friendly front structure.
Both model grades have seven SRS airbags, including driver’s knee airbag and Toyota’s latest-generation whiplash-injury lessening front seats.
Active safety features include ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, traction control (TRC) and five-mode vehicle stability control (VSC).
The five VSC modes are controlled by the VSC OFF and VSC SPORT switches.
The five modes are:
*When the TRC function is off and the vehicle exceeds 50km/h, the TRC function will automatically turn on.
In all scenarios, the limited-slip differential function of the VSC continues to operate.
Toyota 86′s active safety credentials are further enhanced by its high grip and quick steering, powerful brakes and well-modulated brake feel.
Toyota 86 GT has halogen headlamps and daytime running lamps (DRLs).
The 86 GTS has HID headlamps with integrated LED DRLs.
The Toyota 86 passive safety strategy begins with its impact-absorbing body, designed to channel frontal crash energy from the side members to the rockers, and floor and transmission tunnel reinforcement.
Body strength and crashworthiness have been further enhanced by using five grades of high-tensile strength steel sheet as well as a series of reinforcing brackets and gussets.
The combination of lightweight, high-strength steel and optimal positioning of body reinforcements increases body rigidity and strength while meeting strict weight targets.
Energy from the front upper members is distributed through a large gusset to the A-pillar and rocker sections.
The front structure also includes a radiator-support lower attachment reinforcement, as well as an oversized torque box and oversized gusset at the base of the A-pillar.
20. Toyota 86 ‘sees red’
The new Toyota 86 GTS has engine-revolution indicators in the tachometer to make sporty driving more enjoyable.
One red light doubles as a pre-set rev limit indicator and the red zone warning for engine over-rev.
The driver can set the rev indicator to illuminate when the engine speed reaches a certain rpm, which can be anywhere in the revolution range between 2,000 and 7,400rpm.
A buzzer will sound to inform the driver.
The red-zone indictor is located in the centre of the tacho face.
In addition to any pre-set limit the driver inputs, it will flash red when the engine revs exceed 7,400rpm.