SPY PICS: Mid-life refresh for Toyota 86
Not a lot to see, but something to be felt when Toyota updates its 86 coupe in 2016Less appears to be more with Toyota's planned revamp of its now three-years-old 86 coupe scheduled for launch in 2016.
Spy photographers have managed to capture these photos of a test mule sporting minimal front and rear-end masking, but indications are that it will be largely a case of "nothing to see here" when the revised 86 appears next year.
What you don't see could well be substituted by what you can feel, as the 86 is tipped to get small power increases as well as extra chassis refinement to further its already notable on-road capabilities.
While the test mule reveals precious little about what might be planned for the external styling except to indicate precious little might be actually done, firming rumours of a five per cent lift in power (making it around 155kW compared with the current model's 147kW) and new chassis enhancements should make next year's car an even better drive.
Word is that the 2016 86 will improve efficiency by around seven per cent, benefitting fuel economy and exhaust emissions.
Extra work on the intake area, plus a general friction-reducing programme within the normally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder Subaru boxer engine, as well as bespoke Sachs dampers and a reinforced subframe for the rear suspension, are expected to yield dividends on the road.
According to reports, the suspension improvements have come as a result of feedback from Toyota's in-house racing arm GRMN.
Subaru's virtually identical BRZ coupe is expected to get similar styling and mechanical upgrades next year as well.
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