MOST of you may not know it but the Toyota 86, which started as the FT-HS concept, was rejected initially by Subaru in 2008 when its project leader, Tetsuya Tada, offered the idea to Subaru to become involved in their new sports coupe project by codeveloping the D4-S boxer engine. Subaru thought that the design went against their credo of developing high-performance all-wheel drive cars that the company is known for.
Subaru only had a change of heart after driving the prototype upon the invitation of Toyota and agreed to be further involved in the project.
The collaboration produced several concepts, such as the FT-86, which was shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and the FT-86 G Sports the following year at the same venue. And in 2011 both manufacturers have unveiled five near-production cars at several motor shows with Toyota using the FT-86 II nomenclature to differentiate it from Subaru’s BRZ concept STI.
Here in the Philippines, both the 86 and the BRZ for Subaru were released in 2012 and have enjoyed good sales ever since. The 86 had a mild facelift just recently and was shown at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in September.
This scribe was able to get his hands on the 86 two weeks ago, and enjoyed seven blissful days of driving the good-looking sports car. These are the 12 reasons you should consider buying an 86:
Head turner
The red Toyota 86 attracted a lot of attention from onlookers whether in traffic or in the parking lot. The redesigned front grille features an aggressive look and power with an extended bumper that makes it sportier even when standing still.
It has one of the lowest drag-coefficient among cars today
At just 0.27, it literally slices the wind; the aerodynamic stance is also partially responsible for its respectable fuel economy.
Its boxer engine
The naturally aspirated horizontally opposed boxer engine is a specialty of Subaru. It has been made better with the addition of Toyota’s D-4S injection system, which uses both direct and port fuel injection. It pumps out 200 horsepower and 205 N-m of maximum torque, plus it produces a sweet sonorous growl whenever one steps on the accelerator. The boxer engine was also placed as low as possible in the engine bay for an almost perfect weight distribution of 53-percent upfront and 47 percent at the rear.
Six-speed manual transmission
The Toyota developed TL-70 six-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use combined this with the light clutch, which produces lightning quick shifts (there is also a six-speed auto tranny for those who prefer it).
Superb handling
Whether you’re on the road or a racetrack, the 86 is precise. Driving and handling are both pleasure. The MacPherson strut upfront and the double-wishbone at the rear helped in this regard, the ride was firm and accurate. It is said that Toyota also tweaked the suspension for this year to address the harsh ride of the previous model.
Excellent interior ergonomics
Controls are placed within the drivers reach—making it possible to operate the vehicle without taking your eyes off-the-road.
Safety features
Equipped with four airbags (drivers, passengers and side airbags), traction control and antilock brake system, need I say more?
Ample trunk space
Believe it or not, the trunk can fit two big golf bags and or two big luggage bags with other stuff. The trunk of the 86 has space for a spare tire. Some cars in the same segment have decided to forego with the spare to further lessen the vehicle’s weight. It’s nice to know that in the event of flat tire, a full-size spare is readily available at the trunk for a quick change.
You have a sports car under P2 million
Although there was a slight price increase for manual and automatic as of late, it is still priced at less than P2 million for the top-of-the-line variant.
Image credits: Patrick Tulfo