Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021) Review
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Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021) At A Glance
Huge amounts of grip. Superb handling. Free-revving 2.0-litre non-turbo engine produces 200PS.
Cabin lacking in quality. Engine needs to be revved, so not ideal for town driving.
The Toyota GT86, and the Subaru BRZ, which it was co-developed with, promoted a simpler formula for coupes. The emphasis was on fun rather than outrageous power, and the Toyota GT86 proved to be a great handling that was plenty quick enough. Rivals like the Volkswagen Scirocco and stylish Peugeot RCZ are strong alternatives, as is the Mazda MX-5. Read on for our full Toyota GT86 review.
After the demise of the Toyota Celica and the Toyota MR2, the Japanese brand didn’t have a sports car – until the arrival of the Toyota GT86 coupe in 2012.
It was developed with Subaru which launched its own version, the Subaru BRZ. Aside from the badge on the bonnet, both are pretty much identical.
The big surprise was that despite the trend for turbocharged engines, the Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ used the same naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine developing 200PS.
It’s an engine which does need to be worked hard to get the best out of it, but that only adds to the old-school sports car feel.
That’s not to say it’s gutless at low revs, but with only a moderate 205Nm of torque which peaks at the top of the rev range, it’s clear that this is designed as a keen driver’s car.
The light weight helps with performance – 0-62mph takes 7.6 seconds – and the lovely short-shifting six-speed manual is a delight to use.
It handles superbly, too, helped by the rear-wheel-drive set-up, with responsive and direct steering, great body control and plenty of grip.
It’s a car that really inspires confidence, but more importantly is huge fun to drive. So while there may be other used coupes that are quicker, little feels as enjoyable as the Toyota GT86.
True, it doesn’t feel the most modern of sports cars, especially inside, but you can probably live with that given the value it offers.
Fancy a second opinion? read heycar’s Toyota GT86 review here.
Reviews for Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021)'s top 3 rivals
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Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 to 2.0 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–43 mpg
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021): Handling and ride quality
On open roads, the Toyota GT86 is absolutely in its element. It may not be the quickest coupe around, but what it lacks in outright power, it makes up for in its handling ability.
Thanks to the rear-wheel-drive set-up and an electronic limited slip differential, it’s superb in and out of corners with amazing grip – even in the wet – and great traction, too.
The stability control system isn’t overly intrusive, but can be switched to intervene later, giving a little more slip before it kicks in. That’s useful if you’re having a bit more fun, but still want a safety net.
Toyota also kept the tyre choice deliberately modest, so you get lots of grip, but not so much the car will switch from plenty of grip to none in an instant - it’s much more progressive and entertaining.
Add in fine steering feel and the Toyota GT86 is a car you can enjoy on the road while staying within safe boundaries.
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021): Engines
There’s just the one engine choice in the Toyota GT86 – a non-turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 200PS.
The car was conceived as an entirely driver-focused machine, and that’s certainly reflected in the nature of the engine.
The power peaks right at the top of the rev range at 7000rpm, while the 205Nm comes in at its maximum at 6600rpm. There was a small increase in power in late 2016, but not so you’d notice on the road.
The engine only really comes alive at above 5500rpm, although it’s so free-revving that it’s easy to keep it buzzing at high revs, where it sounds really good.
There’s a real honesty and back-to-basics feel to the Toyota GT86, and that’s not meant as a criticism. You feel very connected to the driving experience, which is a rare thing in modern cars.
The engine was designed by Subaru and is a boxer unit, which basically means that the cylinders lie horizontal rather than vertical (hence the term ‘flat four’).
It’s the same set-up that Porsche uses and means the engine sits low in the car, which is good for handling.
The fact the Toyota GT86 weighs just 1300kg also means that it doesn’t require a hugely powerful engine, and although there are odd occasions where you feel an extra 20PS would really benefit things, the majority of the time it’s more than quick enough.
The standard gearbox is a lovely six-speed manual with a short positive shift. It means getting the most out of the engine is easy, helped further by a responsive throttle.
Where the Toyota GT86 isn’t as happy is in traffic. Driving it in a busy city soon becomes tiring, although it is at least fairly sedate at low speeds and there’s no big booming exhaust to give you a headache.
That said, there is a nice exhaust sound in the cabin when you’re working the engine. This is down to a clever system which channels the sounds from the engine directly into the cabin.
Under gentle acceleration, there is a soft intake sound, which changes to a sports car note under full throttle.
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021): Safety
All Toyota GT86s come with LED headlights, ABS anti-lock brakes, an emergency brake light signal, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control and hill start assist.
There’s also a tyre pressure warning system, Isofix seat fixings in the rear seats and driver and front passenger whiplash injury reducing seats with seatbelt pre-tensioners.
There are twin front, side and head airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag. Cruise control is also standard, but you had to pay extra for rear parking sensors.
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021): Towing
The Toyota GT86 was never rated for towing in the UK.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 33–36 mpg | 7.6 s | 180–196 g/km |
| 2.0 Automatic | 35–40 mpg | 7.6–8.2 s | 164–183 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
100%
Real MPG
24–43 mpg
MPGs submitted
131
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021) interior
- Boot space is 243 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4240 mm |
| Width | 1775 mm |
| Height | 1285–1320 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm |
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021): Practicality
As with the rest of the Toyota GT86, the interior has been designed with the focus very firmly on the driver. Functionality and usability are the key elements here; there’s nothing superfluous and the layout is simple.
It’s not exactly dated, but it doesn’t feel particularly cutting-edge either, especially features like the old-fashioned digital clock, which looks like a throwback to the 1980s.
There is plenty to enthuse about, though. The driving position is perfect, with a low-slung seat and good reach adjustment in the steering, so even taller drivers will find it accommodating.
The small steering wheel has a quality feel to it, and the sports seats are great, with plenty of side support.
The dials are nice and simple too, dominated by a large rev counter and a digital speedo. The air-conditioning controls with their bolt-shaped dials are a bit clunky, but there’s a pleasing row of rocker switches below and an engine start button.
Despite its small size, the Toyota GT86 does actually have rear seats. Toyota described it as a 2+2, but as with most coupes this size, they are only really suitable for carrying extra bags or as somewhere to put your coat.
Still, the boot is a reasonable size and the rear seats do at least fold down if you do need to carry something larger.
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021): Quality and finish
You need to understand Japan’s idea of what constitutes ‘quality’ before being overly harsh on the Toyota GT86. Hard plastics are favoured, for example, because they’ll wear well.
Measured by that rationale, the Toyota GT86 is very high quality, but if your expectations are of soft-touch, tactile materials then you’ll be disappointed.
It all feels incredibly well built, though, as well as feeling like it’ll last forever.
The finishes improved throughout the Toyota GT86’s lengthy life, and go for the Pro model and you gain suede on the dashboard and door trims, which does elevate the ambience somewhat.
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021): Infotainment
The infotainment feels a bit dated, so much so even its double-DIN sizing looks like an afterthought. (DIN was the old size standard for car stereos).
The idea is that you’ll be too immersed in your driving to be worried about messing about with your infotainment, but even so there is some connectivity in the Toyota GT86.
The central touchscreen contains all you need. Its 6.1-inch display is clear enough, if lacking the sort of sophisticated graphics and operation of rivals’ newer offerings. It has a Bluetooth phone connection, DAB and aux-in and USB connectivity.
That all plays through six speakers. Navigation was a cost option, so you might want to just buy a map, or fix your smartphone to a mount and use Waze or Google Maps instead.
There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, sadly, but some aftermarket suppliers are able to rectify that if it’s an essential.
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021) value for money
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021): Prices
A Toyota GT86 between 10 and 12 years old that is in good shape with 70,000 miles under its wheels will cost from around £10,500.
Go for an updated 2016 model, and you will need a budget of £16,000 for a car that has covered 50,000 miles.
A later Toyota GT86 that is four years old and shows 20,000 miles on the clock will require a spend of around £23,000, which shows how well the car hangs on to its value in the used market.
Toyota GT86 (2012 – 2021): Running Costs
For such a sporty car, the Toyota GT86 claimed strong fuel economy when it was launched in 2012.
Light weight helped here to give an official combined figure of between 32.8mpg and 36.2mpg for the manual, and up to 39.8mpg for cars with the automatic transmission.
Those numbers were revised down when the new WLTP testing method for economy was introduced. However, the Toyota GT86 still delivers a decent real-world economy of 35.4mpg with the manual and 31.6mpg for the auto.
Of course, this assumes you’re driving the car in a reasonably gentle manner, rather than exploiting all of its potential all of the time.
The automatic Toyota GT86 emits slightly less CO2 than the manual, with 164g/km versus 181g/km respectively.
For cars registered prior to 1 April 2017, this means the auto will cost £255 in annual road tax, while the manual will require £335. Cars registered after that date all pay the £190 flat rate.
Almost all Toyota GT86 models sit in groups 29 or 30 for insurance, but the Toyota GT86 Orange Edition model jumps up to group 35, so beware of this.
All models are easy to service, and there’s no turbocharger to worry about. Use a Toyota dealer and you can enjoy warranty cover up to 10 years and 100,000 miles from when the car was first put on the road.
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All Toyota GT86 models come with automatic dual-zone air conditioning, Smart Entry and Start system, cruise control, scuff plates, the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system, Bluetooth and a USB port.
They also have 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, electric folding door mirrors and cloth upholstery.
The Toyota GT86 TRD model added 18-inch alloys, front and side skirts, deeper rear bumpers, quad exhaust with rear diffuser, a TRD gear lever and alloy pedals.
A Toyota GT86 Aero model arrived in 2014 with TRD body kit and large rear spoiler, plus 18-inch OZ Ultraleggera alloy wheels.
For 2017, the Toyota GT86 Pro model offered heated front seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, a leather driver’s armrest and suede-effect finish for the dashboard and door trims.
It also gained a rear spoiler, finished in matt grey.
The Toyota GT86 Club Series GT86 Orange Edition featured Solar Orange paint, a metallic black finish to the rear spoiler tips and door mirror housings, and a set of Anthracite 17-inch alloy wheels.
It also had front sports seats upholstered in black leather and Alcantara with contrast orange stitching, plus the dashboard and door panel trims were covered in black suede with orange stitchwork.
There was also the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with DAB and Bluetooth, too, plus heated front seats, aluminium sports pedals, a limited slip differential and performance brake discs and pads.
Look out for other special editions such as the Toyota GT86 Bianco and Toyota GT86 Club Series Blue Edition.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4240 mm |
| Width | 1775 mm |
| Height | 1285–1320 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1239–1298 kg |
| Boot Space | 243 L |
| Warranty | 5 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £22,705–£33,110 |
| Insurance Groups | 29–35 |
| Road Tax Bands | G–J |
| Official MPG | 32.8–39.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until April 2021
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S Auto 2dr | £28,275 | 39.8 mpg | - |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S Club Series Blue Edition Nav 2dr | - | 32.8 mpg | 7.6 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S Club Series Blue Edition Nav Auto 2dr | - | 35.3 mpg | 8.2 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S Nav 2dr | - | 32.8 mpg | 7.6 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S Orange Edition 2dr | £28,830 | 36.2 mpg | 7.6 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S Orange Edition Auto 2dr | £30,285 | 39.8 mpg | 8.2 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S Pro Nav 2dr | - | 32.8 mpg | 7.6 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S Pro Nav Auto 2dr | - | 35.3 mpg | 8.2 s |
On sale until April 2017
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 Boxer D-4S 2dr | £25,005 | 36.2 mpg | 7.6 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 Boxer D-4S Aero 2dr | £27,660 | 36.2 mpg | 7.6 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 Boxer D-4S Auto 2dr | £26,000 | 36.2 mpg | 8.2 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 Boxer D-4S Primo 2dr | £22,705 | 36.2 mpg | 7.6 s |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S 2dr | £26,410 | 36.2 mpg | - |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 D-4S Auto 2dr | £27,960 | 39.8 mpg | - |
On sale until June 2016
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| GT86 Coupe 2.0 Boxer D-4S Blanco 2dr | £28,660 | 36.2 mpg | 7.6 s |
On sale until October 2015
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 Boxer D-4S 200 2dr | £25,000 | 36.2 mpg | - |
| 2.0 Boxer D-4S 200 Auto 2dr | £25,995 | 39.8 mpg | - |
| 2.0 Boxer D-4S 200 Auto 2dr | £25,995 | 39.8 mpg | - |
| 2.0 Boxer D-4S 200 No spoiler 2dr | £25,000 | 36.2 mpg | - |
| Aero 2.0 Boxer D-4S 200 2dr | £27,500 | 34.9 mpg | - |
| Aero 2.0 Boxer D-4S 200 Auto2dr | £28,500 | 36.2 mpg | - |
| Giallo 2.0 Boxer D-4S 200 2dr | £27,500 | 36.2 mpg | - |
| Primo 2.0 Boxer D-4S 200 2dr | £23,000 | 36.2 mpg | - |
On sale until December 2014
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Automatic 200 2dr | £26,605 | 39.8 mpg | 8.2 s |
| Manual 200 2dr | £25,110 | 36.2 mpg | 7.6 s |
On sale until August 2014
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| TRD Automatic 200 2dr | £33,110 | 36.2 mpg | 7.6 s |
| TRD Manual 200 2dr | £31,610 | 34.9 mpg | 7.6 s |
Model History
- January 2012: GT86 launched in UK revealed
- January 0001: 30-02-12: GT86 goes on sale
- March 2012: GT86 TRD version unveiled
- October 2014: Toyota GT86 update announced
- May 2015: Toyota GT86 improvements announced
- June 2015: Toyota GT86 Bianco introduced at £28,500
- March 2016: 2017 Toyota GT86 revealed
- September 2016: UK prices announced for improved 2017 Toyota GT86
- May 2018: GT86 Club Series Blue Edition launched
January 2012
GT86 launched in UK revealed
The GT86 measures 4,240mm long, 1,285mm high and 1,775mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,570mm, dimensions which make it the most compact four-seater sports car available today. The 2.0-litre flat four develops 200PS at 7000rpm with torque of 205Nm to 6600rpm.
Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to achieve the best balance: the car has a near-perfect 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution. The flat-four engine format and the driver’s hip point – the lowest of any current Toyota production model – together give the GT 86 an ultra-low centre of gravity, at just 460mm.
The GT86 makes the most of a light kerb weight, making it easy for drivers to exploit its nimble handling and cornering poise. The suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear. The car rides on 17-inch wheels and is fitted with ventilated disc.
Toyota has added its D-4S injection technology to Subaru’s new, horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated 1,998cc four-cylinder boxer engine. This system features separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, increasing power and torque across a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.
The flat-four engine has equal bore and stroke of 86.0mm and drives through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts using a tactile, short-throw lever; the automatic transmission can be controlled using paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel.
Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential to give the best possible grip in all driving conditions. The ABS and switchable vehicle stability control systems have been tuned specifically to deliver dynamic stability at the limit of the car’s performance envelope with minimal electronic intervention to help preserve the purity of the driving experience.
January 0001
30-02-12: GT86 goes on sale
The range starts at £24,995 for the manual version, with the automatic at £26,495. There is just one equipment grade. Orders are being taken now, with deliveries from 1 July.
The styling and specification reflect its driver-focused character: exterior features include a rear spoiler, 17-inch light alloy wheels, chrome-finished dual exhaust tailpipes and a signature “T”-mesh grille. That T motif is repeated in the shape of the rear foglight, set centrally between the tailpipes. A limited slip differential also fitted as standard, reaffirming GT86’s essential “driver’s car” character.
Other features include bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps and electric folding door mirrors with housings matched to the car’s body colour. Seven exterior colours are available: Dark Red, Silver metallic, Black metallic, Blue metallic, Dark Red metallic, Orange metallic and Pearl pearlescent.
Optional side, roof and bonnet decals are available in black or silver to add an extra dimension to GT86’s sporting appearance.
March 2012
GT86 TRD version unveiled
Toyota Racing Development version of GT86, just 250 examples available, equipped with TRD design and performance features. The GT86 TRD, on sale from March 1 2013, available, in a choice of two colours: Pearl White and GT86 Black. On-the-road prices: £31,495 manual and £32,995 auto.
The package includes 18-inch cast TF6 alloys, deep front and side skirts, a rear bumper spoiler and a fast-response quad-exhaust system with a rear diffuser to increase stability. TRD touches also extended to a branded radiator cap and fuel filler cover, while inside the car there is a new TRD gear shift lever.
These are in addition to GT86’s HID headlamps, front fog lamps, limited slip differential, Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, analogue dials and meters, drilled aluminium pedals, sports seats, scuff plates, cruise control and the Toyota Touch multimedia system.
Acceleration and maximum speed are unchanged at 7.7 seconds for 0-62mph and 140mph for the manual and 8.4 seconds and 130mph for the automatic. There are slight changes in fuel consumption and emissions: 192g/km and 34.9mpg for the manual and 181g/km and 36.2mpg for the automatic (all figures official combined cycle).
October 2014
Toyota GT86 update announced
The revised GT86 comes with a smart new shark fin roof antenna, tyre pressure warning system and carbon fibre-effect finish for the instrument panel.
The new cut-price model is called 'Primo', on 17-inch alloys, with limited-slip differential, aluminium sports pedals, air conditioning, power-folding door mirrors, front fog lamps, twin tailpipes, Toyota Touch multimedia system, Bluetooth and a new tyre pressure monitoring system. Available exclusively with manual transmission, the GT86 Primo is available to order immediately for delivery from January 2015.
The official on-the-road price for GT86 Primo is £22,995, cutting the cost of getting behind the wheel of a new GT86 by £2,115. Early customers can take advantage of an additional £500 saving on the model, for a limited period.
The classic GT86 remains at the heart of the range. Additional features to the Primo include a rear spoiler, keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, dusk-sensing HID headlights, LED daytime running lights and the option of automatic transmission.
The third model GT86 Aero has a TRD body kit, with large rear spoiler and front, side and rear skirts and 18-inch OZ Ultraleggera alloy wheels with an anthracite grey finish.
A new special edition GT86 Giallo adds extra style with special Giallo Edition black leather seats (heated for the driver and front passenger), a black GT86 side decal, gloss black door mirror housings and vibrant Giallo yellow metallic paintwork. Customers can also add an optional single-stripe bonnet, roof and boot decals at no extra cost. Just 86 examples are available for UK customers, each one individually numbered.
| MODEL | TRANSMISSION |
ON-THE-ROAD PRICE |
| GT86 Primo |
6MT |
£22,995 (£22,495 with introductory £500 customer saving offer) |
| GT86 |
6MT |
£24,995 |
| GT86 |
6AT |
£25,995 |
| GT86 Aero |
6MT |
£27,495 |
| GT86 Aero |
6AT |
£28,495 |
| GT86 Giallo |
6MT |
£27,495 |
May 2015
Toyota GT86 improvements announced
The entry level Toyota GT86 Primo model moves on to 16-inch alloys and comes with a £300 lower price tag. An on-going customer offer is also available, adding a further £505 saving to deliver an on-the-road price of £22,195. Pricing for other models in the range is unchanged.
New wheels and new colours lead the features list for 2016MY, with the range-topping Aero model running on gloss black 18-inch rims and available with a hot GT86 Orange paint finish. Low sales of the auto mean that Aero is now only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The larger alloys are also newly available as an option on the core GT86 model.
The GT86 retains its proven combination of normally aspirated 2.0-litre boxer engine, low centre of gravity, rear-wheel drive and a beautifully balanced chassis. The engine now complies with Euro 6 emissions standards, with no change to its fuel economy and CO 2 performance.
June 2015
Toyota GT86 Bianco introduced at £28,500
Finished in GT White Pearl pearlescent paint with contrasting sports decals in a combination of red and grey. A stripe decal runs up from the nose and across the bonnet and roof, matched by a GT86 twin-stripe along the sills. The front lip and rear diffuser are edged in red and red and grey flashes adorn the door mirrors.
The 18-inch alloys have a slim 10-spoke design, finished in Anthracite and embossed with the GT86 name. The heated front sports seats have full leather upholstery. Each car features its own numbered plaque on the centre console, recording its place in the special edition production run.
A nine-speaker JBL sound system and the Toyota Touch and Go touchscreen-controlled multimedia and navigation package are optional extras.
March 2016
2017 Toyota GT86 revealed
The most important improvement is better torque at low revs, helping overcome the need to change down for the slightest incline on a motorway. Power also up from 198PS to 206PS.
Visual changes are led by more powerful styling elements, including an enlarged central air intake, which serves to emphasise the coupe’s low and wide stance. The front end also gains a restyled bumper, fog light housings and LED headlamps and turn indicators, and there are new-design alloy wheels with twisted spokes.
The cabin gets a new combination leather and Alcantara upholstery and Alcantara-wrapped instrument panel options. Alcantara is also featured on the door trims. A new cloth upholstery will be available with contrast silver stitching. The sports steering wheel has a new look, too, with integrated audio controls and an 86 logo on the centre boss.
Suspension changes, with revised shock absorber tuning and spring rates deliver easier control and increased agility. The powertrain is unaltered, retaining the car’s distinctive combination of a front-mounted, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre “boxer” engine driving the rear wheels.
September 2016
UK prices announced for improved 2017 Toyota GT86
Handling has been honed by tuning the electronic control systems, resulting in a new selectable “track” mode that lets the driver tap into the GT86’s full potential by adjusting the level of stability and traction control, including a “fully off” option.
Car’s styling changes have a specific dynamic purpose. This includes the new “teeth” featured along the bottom edge of the lower grille in the redesigned nose section, which help smooth the airflow. There is also a new, deeper rear bumper design and aero-stabilising fins have been introduced on the side of the car. The body structure has been made stiffer, particularly at the rear where additional spot welding has been introduced and key components have been made thicker. The Showa shock absorbers have been retuned for better handling and ride comfort.
A new 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display is included in the instrument binnacle’s triple-dials with a switchable menu that provides familiar journey distance and fuel economy information plus more performance-focused data, such as power and torque curves, stopwatch and a G-force monitor. In a small but telling detail, the tachometer has been reoriented so that 7,000rpm – the point of peak power delivery – sits invitingly at the top of the dial. The instrument panel has a one-piece design with a black finish with new carbon-fibre-pattern detailing.
The GT86’s “face” has been sharpened with new headlight units that create a stronger horizontal emphasis. LEDs are used for both low and high-beam and the turn indicators have been relocated from the front bumper to within the headlamp clusters, presented as a range of individual orange LEDs that harmonise with angled arrangement of the white daytime running lights. The rear lights have been reworked, too, again generating a stronger horizontal effect with new light guides for the LED tail lights.
The 2017 GT86 is offered in the UK in a simplified range that features two versions: GT86 and GT86 Pro, both of which are powered by the established 200PS 2.0-litre “boxer” engine with six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The GT86 sits on new, slim 10-spoke 17-inch alloys with a machined finish. Equipment features include adaptive LED headlights, cruise control, electric, heated door mirrors with a folding function, aluminium sport pedals, high-performance brake discs and pads, hill start assist and smart entry with push-button start.
The GT86 Pro adds heated front seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, a leather driver’s armrest and a sporting suede-effect finish for the dashboard and door trims. It also gains a rear spoiler, finished in matt grey (if customers prefer, this can be deleted at no extra cost).
Both versions feature the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with Bluetooth, 6.1-inch touchscreen and DAB tuner. As an option, the system can be upgraded to Toyota Touch 2 with Go, adding satellite navigation, connectivity giving access to on-line services and social media channels, and three years’ inclusive map updates.
| MODEL | OTR PRICE |
| GT86 (manual) | £25,945 |
| GT86 (automatic) | £27,495 |
| GT86 Pro (manual) | £27,095 |
| GT86 Pro (automatic) | £28,695 |
16-5-2017: Toyota GT86 Club Series Orange Edition announced Solar Orange paint that achieves extra depth of tone thanks to a special triple-coat paint process. Metallic black finish to rear spoiler tips and door mirror housings, and a set of Anthracite 17-inch alloy wheels.
Front sports seats upholstered in black leather and Alcantara with contrast orange stitching, while the dashboard and door panel trims are covered in black suede, also with orange stitchwork. Equipment includes Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with DAB and Bluetooth, heated front seats, aluminium sports pedals, a limited slip differential and performance brake discs and pads.
The Club Series GT86 Orange Edition went on sale in May 2017, price £28,800 with six-speed manual transmission, £30,270 with six-speed automatic gearbox.
May 2018
GT86 Club Series Blue Edition launched
The Blue Edition makes a strong street statement with its Electric Blue bodywork and contrasting black styling details, including front grille, rear spoiler and diffuser, door mirror housings and front fog light surrounds. Inside, the cabin is finished in sporting black leather and Alcantara.
The optional Performance Pack delivers a more focused drive with the introduction of a Sachs-tuned suspension upgrade, with Sachs Performance dampers, and larger Brembo brakes that give both increased stopping power and improved pedal feel. To accommodate the striking, large red Brembo calipers, new-design 17-inch black alloy wheels are fitted.
Equipment specifications match those of the GT86 PRO and include a limited-slip differential, cruise control, dusk-sensing headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, LED front and rear lights and the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system.
| MODEL | OTR PRICE |
| GT86 Club Series Blue Edition 6MT | £29,980 |
| GT86 Club Series Blue Edition 6AT | £30,335 |
| GT86 Club Series Blue Edition Performance Pack 6MT | £30,455 |
| GT86 Club Series Blue Edition Performance Pack 6AT | £31,795 |
What to watch out for
Complaint of Toyota GT86 flattening its battery when left standing for a few days. After 18 months the battery could no longer hold a full charge and needed to be replaced. Could be the common Toyota ailment of the interior light dimmer switch remaining live. If you have this problem, switch the interior light off completely at the light itself.
09-01-2016:Another complaint of Toyota GT86 regularly driven distences flattening its battery when left standing for 2 weeks. Apparently due to the post-production fitting of a Thatcham compliant alarm/immobiliser system that is not always fitted correctly. Apparently when owners complain, Toyota is replacing 45A batteries with 65A batteries.
22-01-2017:Brand new Toyota GT86 supposed to be delivered 6-1-2017 not delivered until 16-1-2017 due to problems with transmission linkage. This then failed again on 23-1-2017 giving buyer statutory right to reject it under Consumer Rights Act 2015. Also had problem with battery connection.
04-04-2019:Report of 2012 GT86 Automatic with 60k miles stalling several times and running rough. Toyota dealer can't find the fault.
17-06-2021:Reports of main-beam headlight failure requiring replacement of expensive Gateway Network ECU.
