Toyota releases 86 upgrade kit

Remember the special-edition Toyota 86 coupe released in June and limited to just 60 units? Well now the same upgrades are available to all 86 owners and buyers.

Priced at $2900 for the top-shelf 86 GTS and $2200 for the entry-level 86 GT (which comes standard with 16-inch wheels), the performance upgrade kit is available for all four 85 variants (including six-speed manual and automatic versions).

As per the special-edition, there are no changes to the 86’s Subaru-sourced 152kW (manual) 2.0-litre boxer engine.

Instead, there are bigger Brembo performance brakes, specially tuned Sachs performance damper and anthracite-coloured 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.

While the Sachs shocks join the 86’s all-coil suspension comprising rear MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones (both with a stabiliser bar) the Brembo brake pack is claimed to improve stopping power and endurance via bigger callipers and rotors.

The latter feature a 38 per cent bigger swept area for the front pads (75 v 54cm2), while the rear pad size is increased by 23 per cent on GT and six per cent on GTS.

In detail, the vented rotors measure 326x30mm at the front (standard GT: 227x24mm; standard GTS: 294x24mm) and 316x20mm at the rear (standard GT: 286x10mm solid; standard GTS: 290x18mm vented).

"We've chosen two renowned performance suppliers — brands that are used in Formula 1 -- to expand the 86 coupe's credentials as a true driver's car," said Toyota Australia sales and marketing executive director, Tony Cramb.

"These performance components will add to driver involvement and enjoyment, whether it is on the road or the track.”

At the same time, Toyota dealers are also offering a unique cosmetic package for GTS variants — comprising ‘Moon Slate’ paint colour, red interior trim highlights and a unique black finish for the wheels, exterior mirrors and rear spoiler – priced from $39,400 plus on-road costs.

Separately, an updated multimedia system with satellite-navigation and Toyota Link has now been made standard on all 86s.

However, the catch is a $650 price hike at base level (the GT manual now costs $31,440 plus ORCs), while the GTS manual is $150 pricier at $36,640 plus ORCs).

Toyota Australia has now sold more than 19,500 examples of the rear-wheel drive 86 coupe, which comes standard with seven airbags, reversing camera, auto-levelling LED headlights, LED DRLs, air-conditioning and a limited-slip differential.