Toyota GT86
must be a very patient group. After waiting many years for the
Toyobaru
project reach production, a performance flagship still seems some way off in the distance. And yet models hinting at the potential of the
GT86/BRZ
coupe duo continue to tease fans.
Next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed will see the UK debut of the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Griffon GT86, which showcases TRD accessories and hopefully previews a more extreme derivative. The concept isn't likely to make production, but has been designed specifically for track driving.
Certainly looks mean enough with new aero
Over a standard GT86, the TRD car comes equipped with carbonfibre doors along with a carbon bonnet, boot lid and roof to reduce mass and lower the centre of gravity. Further weight-saving measures include replacing all the glass with polycarbonate and using carbonfibre-reinforced plastic for the wider front wings, rear diffuser and bumpers. The interior gets some additional gauges, a TRD bucket seat for the driver and a Momo steering wheel. With track driving in mind, expect the cabin to be stripped of some equipment.
Elsewhere, the Torsen diff of the road car has been replaced with a mechanical item and lower, stiffer suspension has been fitted. The brakes have been upgraded also with mono-block calipers and race-spec pads.
Predictably given the car's track bias, the Michelin Primacy tyres from the regular GT86 have been swapped for a set of larger Yokohama Advans. The wheels are bigger also, the TWS rims measuring 18 inches in diameter.
Less weight appeals but increased grip?
Those expecting news of a chunk of extra power for this track-prepped GT86 will (still) be disappointed. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer remains unchanged, still producing 200hp and 151lb ft. Given the extra modifications to make the TRD Griffon GT86 quicker into and through the corners, it does seem a shame that the only performance gains will come through reduced mass.
But also, do we really want a GT86 that's faster round a track? Wasn't the appeal of the Toyobaru coupes that they could deliver fun at real-world speeds? It shows progress and promise though, whilst also holding much more appeal than the GT86 TRD you can actually buy in the UK...