The Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S is just as good as you think it is
We waited years for a new take on a fun, affordable RWD Toyota sports car. The wait, thankfully, was worth it.
When the Toyota GT 86 was first mooted, petrolheads all over the world had to sit down and hide their excitement under a cushion. Toyota was going to return to the RWD sports car scene with an affordable, fun car -- much like the MR2 used to be before it started doing a frog impression.
Toyo was going to hook up with Subaru to create the ultimate mix of Japanese fun. Subaru would donate the Boxer engine and Toyota the RWD know-how. Together they'd rule the galaxy as father and so...no, wait, that's "Star Wars."
The merger would give both firms a product to be proud of -- Subaru, with the BRZ, would enter the RWD market; Toyota would be back on form. Today we'll be concentrating on the Toyota.
It's a looker, that's for sure. It looks like a proper sports car should: vaguely phallic, with a hint of approachability. You don't look at it and immediately assume a tosser holds the keys. Inside it's all sports car: lots of racy fonts, tactile plastics, sculpted seats up front, and chairs only suitable for weeble-wobbles and shopping in the back. It's aesthetically pleasant and doesn't look like it'll date too badly. The rimless rearview mirror is pretty cool, too.
To drive, it was certainly worth all the excitement. Its 2.0-litre Boxer engine pumps out a relatively meagre 197 bhp, but that's enough to get you going at a fair lick. You can also easily play with the back end if you're that way inclined.
Bends are no problem for the GT 86 -- its chassis is perfectly suited to being flung into a bend and keeping you there. You'll be flattered by its handling, charmed at times. It feels light, nimble, quick...and many other words that can be translated to "awesome."
What's all the fuss about? Toyota's brought the sports car back, that's what. And it's better than ever.
Specs | |
---|---|
Engine | 2.0-litre Boxer |
Power | 197 bhp |
Torque | 151 lb. ft. |
0-62 mph | 7.7 seconds |
Top speed | 140 mph |