Toyota GT 86 meets Toyota Sports 800
Heard of the Sports 800? Possibly not, but it's officially Toyota's first sports car and stakes a claim on the GT 86 bloodline
Does this answer the identity crisis?
Does it really matter though? Ultimately not really - the BRZ and GT 86 are, minor suspension and styling differences aside, more or less identical. So the choice really comes down to brand loyalties, availability and the finer details of the spec sheet. All that stuff that's been said about a return to affordable rear-wheel drive fun, an emphasis on handling over outright pace and a more relevant approach to performance motoring rings true, twice over.
B-roads feel like A-roads in the Sports 800
Whose badge is it anyway?
Turns out there is, and it belongs to JHW Classics, a firm specialising in supplying exotic and rare vehicles to film and TV production companies. And PH, on occasion (curator Jane Weitzmann provided the Miura for our Lamborghini features a couple of months back).
One nil to Toyota in PR battle with Subaru
The contrast with with the Miura we saw last time couldn't be more dramatic and when I hear the Sports 800 being manoeuvred round I have to stifle a giggle. It really does sound a bit like a lawnmower. Looks cute as you like though, kind of a miniature 2000 GT and the very image of a classic 60s sporting coupe. Just half the size.
No, Dan hasn't nicked a kid's pedal car...
It's a lovely little thing though, half a metre longer than a (proper) Mini at 3,580mm but similar in width and weighing just 580kg. The tall roofline does spoil the scale effect slightly but this is a proper little car, not a novelty like the Peel. And the view from within along a louvred bonnet and behind an oh-so-60s skinny-rimmed steering wheel and Spartan aluminium dash really does make you feel like you're in a mini E-Type. An illusion spoiled slightly by the fact it shivers on tickover like a dog on a frosty morning walk and has an engine note that's more 2CV than Porsche 550 Spyder.
The novelty and charm win you over though and for all its diminutive proportions it doesn't feel quite so comedic inside. OK, it's not for the larger of frame, but nor does it feel like you're driving a kids' pedal car. There's a chunky precision to the controls too, the stubby little gear lever requiring surprising muscle and the non-assisted steering - proud 'T' at the centre of the wheel - hefty enough at low speeds.
Boxer engine gives handy (if flimsy) link
Scale speed
60-70mph is about what the Sports 800 is comfortable buzzing along at and, clearly, the M25 is not its forte. So I peel off and onto some more appropriately sized lanes where Caterham-like width and sightlines are more of an advantage and just 49hp less of a hindrance. It's a hoot too, thrashy, buzzy and noisy but eager and chuckable and fun to punt along so long as you keep that tiny gearstick busy in an attempt to make meaningful progress.
Roof panel removable,Targa style
Scale it up and put it into a modern context and, yes, the GT 86 does contrive a similar sense of innocent fun. Compared with the exposed metal of the Sports 800 the GT 86 feels relatively decadent in its luxury but for a modern car it's pleasingly pared back. And evocative of an earlier time.
No, not the 60s. Think late 80s or early 90s. Yup, if you've been raised on a diet of MX-5s, Evos, Celicas, Imprezas or Type Rs you'll feel right at home here, right down to the crummy digital clock.
"Noddy called and wants his car back" etc
Those who've moaned about the lack of poke, thrummy noise or supposed lack of throttle adjustability need to spend more time north of 5,000rpm. Sure, it's no rocketship and there are more exciting sounding engines about. But it's just quick enough to entertain, sings a more vigorous tune and is happy to throw some shapes if you so desire. All at vaguely sensible speeds. Pin-sharp, rewarding and, most of all, tremendous fun.
Is it the true successor to the Sports 800? Sure, you can draw parallels. But this pairing is no pure bloodline like a 911. Just a bit of fun, an unexpected opportunity inspired by a PR-friendly soundbite from Tada-san and a chance to appreciate the fact, yes, Toyota can let its hair down from time to time (with a little help from Subaru).
With thanks to JHW Classics, photos by SBMotoPhoto
TOYOTA GT 86
Engine: 1,998cc flat-4, direct injection
Transmission: 6-speed manual/6-auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 200@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 151@6,400rpm
0-62mph: 7.7 sec
Top speed: 140mph
Weight: 1,238kg
MPG: 36.2mpg (combined)
CO2: 181g/km
Price: £24,995 (£27,995 as tested, including Touch and Go nav, metallic paint and leather/Alcantara heated seats)
TOYOTA SPORTS 800
Engine: 790cc flat-2
Transmission: 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 49hp@5,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 52.8@3,800rpm
0-62mph: N/A
Top speed: 97mph
Weight: 580kg
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Price: c. £12,000
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How about that latest Subaru boxer engine if it fits...
In fact that set-up could be launched by FIAT tomorrow and called a Barchetta and it would seem incredbily forward thinking.
A little in your face for my liking - thankfully it's an option. As for the sports offerings, the Hyundai Coupe looks a lot better than the new Toyota GT...
3.8l V6 is rather a different ethos too.
I drove a gt86 and was great like everyone said,reminded me very much my Clio 172 for the fun,no way i will be paying 27k (as the one i drove was) but without leather seats and the leather pack at 25 k is still very very pricey for what it is,in a 3-5 years time depending from depreciation it should be good enough.
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