All has been a little quiet on the
GT86/BRZ
front recently. After the launch excitement two years ago, then the raft of
modified cars
Toyota's TRD
cabrio
, there hasn't been an awful lot going on. But there's a facelift on the way with a few little nerdy details for us to pore over.
BBS wheels and new rubber mooted for update
After power, wheels and tyres appear the biggest discussion topic on the GT86. Are the eco tyres really a discerning choice? Is a 215-section still too wide for fun? And why do the rims look so minging?
Toyota's solution, at least from what can be seen so far, is to introduce a new set of 18-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels (still not great, are they?) on Bridgestone Potenza rubber. Despite concerns, many positive reports have come back on the GT86 TRD with more performance orientated rubber thanks to improved predictability. Perhaps something similar is to become standard.
The handling should be further improved by the addition of Sachs dampers to the GT86. Their performance will be augmented by a stiffer structure; apparently this has been achieved simply through using bigger bolts attaching the suspension but we suspect there may be a few extra tweaks announced soon.
Sachs dampers also said to be part of package
There are a few other minor alterations inside and out (apparently the interior has more carbon effect trim) but in the spirit of the GT86 this facelift is about the dynamics. With the revised car due on sale in Japan in June, it should be on sale here before the end of the year. We can't wait to try it.