Toyota unleashes extreme 86

TOYOTA has launched a harder-edged lightweight limited-edition version of its 86 complete with suspension and aerodynamic upgrade, but don’t expect to see it on Australian streets or tracks anytime soon as it’s only on sale in Japan.

Just 100 examples of the TRD 14R-60 will be built by the Japanese car-maker’s in-house tuning shop, Toyota Racing Development (TRD), with potential owners entering an online lottery in the hope buying one.

The price is 6.3 million yen ($AU65,860), which is a significant increase over the price of the top-spec 86 GTS which sells in Australia for $39,290, plus on-road costs.

While powered by the same 147kW/205Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine in the regular 86, it gains upgrades to the exterior and chassis for better handling and aerodynamics, but is no faster than the regular 86.

It features more aggressive front and rear bumpers with aero fins, side skirts, a massive carbon rear wing with swan-neck mounts and a carbon-fibre roof panel.

A large rear diffuser has been installed along with an integrated centre twin exhaust.

The rear seats have been removed to save weight, while a carbon plate fitted across the rear firewall, a V-brace added to the boot and high-strength adhesive bonding on the windscreen all improve rigidity.

The regular 16-inch wheels are replaced by 18-inch magnesium rims and shod with fatter 235/40-R18 Bridgestone Potenza rubber.

Brakes upfront have been swapped for four-piston monoblock calipers with 345mm discs, while the rear features two piston calipers and 330mm discs.

Suspension has been upgraded with new, height- and camber-adjustable coil over MacPherson style springs at the front and revised double wishbone and coil spring set up in the rear. At 1305mm high, the car sits 15mm lower than a regular 86.

A new mechanical limited slip differential has been installed, so too has a lightweight flywheel and the clutch has been strengthened. Only available in with a six-speed manual gearbox, a quick-shift gear lever has added for faster cog swapping.

The cabin gets TRD racing bucket seats with a four-point Takata harnesses, an Alcantara-clad TRD steering wheel and handbrake lever with orange stitching and centre mark, carbon dash panels and an inscription plate with build number.

TRD said the 14R-60 embodies the spirit of the 86 TRD Griffon Concept from 2012 and has been designed with a track focus. Much of the body strengthening is based on the 86 TRD Griffon Concept 014 which made it debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2013.