Toyota 86 now available with optional performance package

Driving enthusiasts can enhance the dynamic capabilities of Toyota’s cult 86 sports car by choosing a new performance kit available on all four variants.

The optional kit comprises larger Brembo performance brakes for improved stopping power, specially tuned Sachs performance dampers to boost handling, plus anthracite-coloured 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.

This combination – offered previously as part of a limited-edition run of just 60 cars released in June – is now available as an option on all four 86 model variants, GT and GTS grades with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

In Australia, the recommended retail price for the performance kit is $2,200 on the GTS grade and $2,900 for the GT – taking into account the kit’s inclusion of bigger wheels than the standard GT 16-inch alloys.

GTS buyers can combine the performance pack with a newly developed exterior paint colour, Moon Slate. This special variant also comes with red interior trim highlights and a unique black finish for the wheels, exterior mirrors and rear spoiler – all priced from $39,400.

Introduction of the optional performance kit is accompanied by an upgrade to the 86 that adds satellite navigation to the GT variants and across-the-range adoption of an updated multimedia system with Toyota Link connected mobility.

Prices for the upgraded 86 begin from $31,440 ($650 increase) for the six-speed manual GT and from $36,640 ($150 increase) for the GTS manual.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the dynamic performance kit adds another dimension to an already finely balanced and popular rear-drive sports car.

“We’ve chosen two renowned performance suppliers – brands that are used in Formula 1 – to expand the 86 coupe’s credentials as a true driver’s car,” Mr Cramb said. “These performance components will add to driver involvement and enjoyment, whether it is on the road or the track,” he said.

The expanded features and optional performance kit arrive with total sales in Australia of the 86 now surpassing 19,500 cars, the highest in the performance segment.

The Brembo performance brake package increases 86’s stopping power and brake endurance with bigger rotors and callipers. Ventilated rotors are 326mm x 30mm at the front (standard GT: 227mm x 24mm; standard GTS: 294mm x 24mm) and 316 x 20mm at the rear (standard GT: 286mm x 10mm solid; standard GTS: 290mm by 18mm ventilated).

The new callipers provide an increase of 38 per cent in swept area for the front pads (75cm2 v. 54cm2) while the rear pad size is increased by 23 per cent on GT and six per cent on GTS.

Toyota 86’s is powered by a 2.0-litre ‘boxer’ engine with D-4S direct injection and ‘square’ bore and stroke dimensions of 86mm by 86mm, delivering 152kW at 7000rpm in manual-transmission models.

An all-coil suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear, both with a stabiliser bar.

Every Toyota 86 is equipped with seven airbags, three-spoke steering wheel and premium shift lever, auto-levelling LED headlamps, LED DRLs, limited-slip differential, air-conditioning, multi-information display, satellite navigation, reversing camera and Hill-Start Assist Control.

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