Toyota announces 86 Blackline Edition

Toyota has released a special edition of its top-selling sports car – the 86 Blackline Edition – just six months ahead of the Toyota 86 Racing series.

This limited-run 86 gets its name from the twin black stripes on the roof and bonnet, contrasted with the car's 'white liquid' exterior colour.

True to its name, the Toyota 86 Blackline Edition features a subtle body kit, gloss-black 17-inch alloys wheels, black details on the exterior and distinctive red highlights to complement the black interior.

The 86 Blackline Edition is limited to just 450 units – 250 manual and 200 automatic Backlines will be produced.

Toyota has based the Blackline Edition on the top-spec 86 GTS variant, which already comes equipped with features such as satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, HID headlights and LED daytime running lights.

The Blackline Edition is further distinguished inside with splashes of red on the seats, steering wheel, gearshift knob, handbrake lever and door grips.

Every Toyota 86 comes standard with a safety suite of seven airbags and reversing camera, as well as stability and traction control.

The release of the Toyota 86 Blackline also coincides with the announcement that the Toyota 86 Racing Series is due to hit local racetracks from May in 2016.

A support race for V8 Supercars, the five-round series will offer a starting grid of up to 32 cars at selected events, including Sandown in September and Bathurst in October.

The pro-am format will also include up to five professional guest drivers who will mentor the amateur racers competing for a prize pool of at least $125,000.

Toyota has priced the 86 Blackline at $37,990 plus on-road costs for the six-speed manual and $40,490 plus on-road costs for the six-speed automatic.