86 gets sharpened

Toyota has rolled out details of its updated 86 sports coupe which is due on sale Down Under later this year.

And according to the car-maker, the new model has been the benefactor of “applying feedback from extensive racetrack experience, including from the world's toughest endurance race”.

That’s the Nurburgring 24-hour, to which the marketeers are referring, drawing a fairly long bow between the standard 86 and the much-modified Gazoo Racing 86s that have competed at ‘The Green Hell’ in recent years.

"We overhauled everything – primarily as a result of technological feedback from the 86's participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring – and repeatedly tested the vehicle on roads all over the world as we manufactured every single part," 86 project Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada said.

"The new 86 has been perfected to such an extent that, from the moment the steering wheel is gripped and the vehicle accelerates away, every driver will be able to recognise its evolution," he said.

Toyota claims the new model changes include “better engine breathing that releases more power and torque for manual models along with across-the-board updates to suspension and body rigidity that promote improved handling”.

The updated 86’s boxer four is now rated at 152kW and 212Nm (in the case of the manual version). This is an increase of 3.4 per cent. Changes include new intake and exhaust manifolds.

The 2.0-litre four’s torque peak is now generated over a wider rev range – from 6400-6800rpm. Toyota says the torque curve has also been improved at lower revs.

The suspension has been reworked and Toyota says the 86’s structure has also been strengthened.

“Aerodynamic performance was the priority for the freshened exterior, contributing to enhanced road holding and turning performance,” the manufacturer claims.

There’s a new rear spoiler, front ‘nose fins’ and a wider front grille. LED headlights are also part of the update.

Inside, the 86 gets a new infotainment setup and a smaller steering wheel. New trim options are offered.

The Toyota 86 first went on sale Down Under in 2013. Total local sales have now passed 17,000 cars.

The updated 86 goes on sale in the last quarter of 2016.