Author: Robin Roberts
Toyota has confirmed what its sporty GT86 will be wearing when it is revealed to buyers on 1 July.
With a front-mounted 2.0-litre “boxer” engine and rear wheel drive, the light, low and nimble GT86 has a classic sports car set-up.
The styling and specification reflect its driver-focused character: exterior features include a rear spoiler, 17-inch light alloy wheels, chrome-finished dual exhaust tailpipes and a signature “T”-mesh grille. That T motif is repeated in the shape of the rear foglight, set centrally between the tailpipes.
A limited slip differential also fitted as standard, reaffirming GT86’s essential “driver’s car” character.
- Two versions available: six-speed manual at £24,995 on-the-road, six-speed automatic at £26,495
- Single high specification includes limited slip differential, dual-zone climate control, sports seats, bi-xenon headlights and 17-inch alloys
- Options include Toyota Touch and Go with satellite navigation and leather and Alcantara upholstery
Other features include bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps and electric folding door mirrors with housings matched to the car’s body colour. Seven exterior colours are available: Dark Red, Silver metallic, Black metallic, Blue metallic, Dark Red metallic, Orange metallic and Pearl pearlescent.
Optional side, roof and bonnet decals are available in black or silver to add an extra dimension to GT86’s sporting appearance.
The 2+2 cabin further emphasises the essential character of the GT86, with a cockpit designed around the driver, front sports seats, aluminium pedals and contrasting red stitching around the black leather trimmed steering wheel, gear knob and parking brake.
Black cloth upholstery is standard, but customers have the option of black leather and Alcantara, or black leather with red Alcantara and additional red leather styling details on the door grips, steering wheel, gear knob and parking brake. Both of these options also include heaters for the front seats.
It comes with Smart Entry system, dual-zone air conditioning, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control, hill-start assist, scuff plates and the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system for controlling the six-speaker audio system, with Bluetooth for phone connection and music streaming, and a USB port.
As an option, the system can be upgraded to Toyota Touch and Go, with satellite navigation and advanced functions such as speed and safety camera warnings, on-board connection to Google Local Search and (via subscription) connected services providing data such as live parking and fuel price information and local weather forecasts.
Active safety provisions include a switchable VSC stability control system, which can be adjusted through three driving modes to suit driver preference, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential. Seven airbags are provided, including a driver’s knee airbag.
The six-speed automatic transmission available for GT86’s includes paddle shifts to give the driver the option of making manual gear changes.
For many, the GT86 would be a dream company car but its business car tax position means it will only be used by a lucky few.
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