Toyota GT 86: the hottest ticket in town
"Anticipation" isn't the word...
By cj hubbard 09/05/2012 22:25
Just a quick blog to say I'm at a Heathrow Airport hotel ahead of flying to Spain to drive the Toyota GT 86 for the first time tomorrow. To say I can't wait would be understatement in the extreme – right now I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.On the other hand, check-in for the flight is at 5:30am, so perhaps it's a good thing if I can't get to sleep.
I already have the press pack, too, which is a bonus. Because although I've only flicked through the first few pages so far I can already tell you that Toyota has really gone to town with the whole "86" thing. It's not just a reference to the AE86 Corolla, oh no.
That low-slung 200hp "boxer" engine driving the rear wheels? It's a square bore and stroke configuration, 86mmx86mm – something it shares with previous Celica and MR2 engines. The tail pipe diameter is 86mm, too.
And in no way have I already been told off by a Toyota PR for giggling at the fact the engineers have deliberately chosen to fit this performance car with the same tyres as a Prius, in order to keep grip levels down and make the handling more fun.
This is going to be awesome.
More anon.
1Comment
10/05/2012 11:02
Shame about the Subaru engine though. My experience as a Fleet Manager of these engines is that they are heavy on fuel & suffer high running costs (servicing/repairs/parts). Furthermore, Subaru reliability is not as good the Press report. My advice is to make sure the manufacturers warranty covers your anticipated ownership term, accept the car will cost more to run than equivalent models from other manufacturers & do not expect Toyota levels of reliability due to the Subaru element.
Report
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
About Richard
Richard AucockSo committed to car journalism he is Guild Chairman of the Guild of Motoring Writers. He has been writing about cars since he was 15 and is living the dream.
CJ HubbardCJ is thoroughly enjoying fulfilling the ambition he's always had to become a motoring writer. Don't ask him about working in retail, though, or he may start to twitch...
Ian DicksonIan is the senior editor on MSN Cars, a job that involves planning, writing and editing content and generally keeping the site ticking over day-to-day.
Latest Cars videos
MSN Cars poll
