Driven: Toyota GT86 JRM Racing/Sumo Power
We know Toyota is working on a clubman race GT86 but here's one you can buy right now...
A few tweaks later the 86 is a serious tool
Evidence of the promise of the base package can already be found both in the world of motorsport and aftermarket tuning realm, where there's a plethora of performance parts being rapidly created for the GT86 and BRZ - superchargers, turbochargers, body kits, suspension upgrades, the lot. It's all gone mental oriental on that front.
JRM took an early pre-prod car from Japan
Normally, we'd turn a blind eye and let the aftermarket get on with it, but when a pure-bred motorsport company like JRM Racing (responsible for GT1 and GT3 R35 GT-R, LMP1 and Group N rally winners and more) makes the effort to start developing a tuning package for the GT86 (and BRZ), in conjunction with sister 'street' brand, Sumo Power, we had to have a look.
What we have here is a pre-production GT86 from Japan - bought as early as possible by JRM and Sumo, so they could start the process of research and development - with the aim of producing a £3,000-4,000 kit, aimed at the track day and street market. "We wanted to create a sub-£30,000 car that looks great, handles and stops superbly, is a lot of fun on track and the road and is totally accessible. It's sort of half a GT4 car and half an aftermarket car," says JRM Sales Manager, Mark Dexter.
Full strip and cage is a serious statement
All the gear
They've also worked with various top-line brake and suspension firms to offer a specification turning the stock GT86 into a bit of a tool. The car now has AP Racing 286mm front discs, with six-pot front calipers and a four-pot set-up at the rear, with braided lines throughout, for added bite. And the suspension is a bespoke coilover kit from KW Suspension, just for JRM Racing customers. And a set of nice and lightweight Team Dynamics 18-inch rims and Toyo R888 tyres finish off the chassis set-up nicely.
Proven kit builds on the solid foundations
At a damp and dark Snetterton, the jet black GT86 certainly attracts a lot of attention. And whilst the looks of the Damd bodykit are not to everyone's taste, putting aesthetics aside and looking at dynamics alone, opinion is positive.
Chassis and brakes sorted, now for power
"Today's an opportunity for us to have a first run out with the car on track, evaluate and consider our final product mix for the kit, which we hope to finalise and have on sale in the new year," says Mark.
To assist in the R&D, racer Phil Glew takes the GT86 out for a few laps, and is soon passing 'faster' cars around the outside of Coram. It looks fast, flat and fun. He's out for longer than he said and only comes in when the fuel light comes on, which has got to be a good sign, and says "for a first time out, this is an impressive bit of kit. It just needs a few bits and pieces doing and it's there. There's a bit of initial push-on understeer, but you have to dial that out of all cars, it's got great balance and it feels very stiff and well sorted. It needs a bit more power, but I say that about pretty much every car I get out of on track."
Engine mods are minimal for the moment
Just leave the bodykit off and here's a cracking GT86 track day hero for fast, fun, reliable, consistent lapping. And, if you don't go as hardcore with the strip and scaffolding route and just fit the JRM Racing/Sumo Power suspension and brakes kit, you've still got a cracking road coupe too... Win, win.
JRM Racing/Sumo Power Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ
Engine: 1,998cc flat-four, direct injection
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 200@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 151@6,400-6,600rpm
0-62mph: 7.7
Top speed: 140mph
Weight: 1,238kg
MPG: 36.2
CO2: 181g/km
Price: £24,995 (base car) + kit, price TBC
Thanks to Nick Rice at Club MSV for the track time
http://youtu.be/FCKYCntiaSU
If the rumors are true and we won't be getting a turbo or supercharger because of space restrictions, I think the best thing to do is weight for the warranty backed 'better breathing' variants from Toyota and Subaru.
Buying one and fiddling around with it now is a risky business.
Innovate, famed Wideband/Gauge manufacturer, already have a supercharger kit ready to rock and roll. The top spec charger comes with a built in intercooler and all the kit required to plumb it in plus remap package. Apparently there is plenty of room in the engine bay for a turbocharger if you prefer.
There are plenty of other kits out there already to go so i sincerely hope we get to read about what these cars are like with the extra power.
If the car handles that well an extra 100bhp will be well within it's remit and make this car blisteringly quick baring in mind it weighs bugger all by today's standards for a 2dr coupe.
Although I strongly doubt your 'Piss all over' claim.. Innovate, famed Wideband/Gauge manufacturer, already have a supercharger kit ready to rock and roll. The top spec charger comes with a built in intercooler and all the kit required to plumb it in plus remap package. Apparently there is plenty of room in the engine bay for a turbocharger if you prefer.
There are plenty of other kits out there already to go so i sincerely hope we get to read about what these cars are like with the extra power.
If the car handles that well an extra 100bhp will be well within it's remit and make this car blisteringly quick baring in mind it weighs bugger all by today's standards for a 2dr coupe.
As for this package being 3-4k. I think they will have to drop a lot of kit from that mentioned in the article. Surely APs all round alone will be 4k easy!
Personally I thought the Greddy GT86 or Scion or whatever it's called in the USA that appeared almost before the real thing was unveiled was the perfect-looking version. The standard spoiler on the back looks a bit naff in my opinion, better to have it smoothed off and a lip added.
Gotta say, I was super-excited about the GT86 but when the first pics and reviews came out I was a a bit disappointed - but it's really growing on me again, partly because it seems to generate a love/hate response.
Because FWD cars are no Fun, aren't they? A gently tweaked 205GTi would Piss all over this on a track. And be just as much fun. And all for pocket money in comparison.
Anway Thread de-rail
The Toyoburu has sufferd at the hands of it's own hype. What has been delivered is decidely limp wristed so far.
Well, with AP's, Toyo R888's, uber suspension etc. it does 100% need more power, otherwise you'll have more grip than you could ever use.
So yeah, needs more power
If this is about lap times rather than drifting then sticky tyres seem like a simple bolt on solution.
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