Toyota ups the price of the 86, again

TOYOTA Australia has increased the price of its fan-favourite 86 sportscar by as much as $650 just one year after launching the facelifted coupe, justifying the increase in price with the inclusion of satellite navigation and its Toyota Link infotainment system as standard.

Manual GT versions now start at $31,440 before on-road costs, with automatic-equipped vehicles also rising $650 to $33,740.

Both GTS variants rise $150 to $36,640 and $38,940 for the three-pedal and automatic variants respectively.

The Japanese car-maker has also made available an optional equipment pack for its two-door sportscar that will improve braking and handling performance and costs $2900 fitted to the GT and $2200 on GTS variants.

Although buyers of the ‘performance kit’ do not benefit from a lift in output from the 86’s 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder engine, they will be comforted by the inclusion of larger Brembo brakes, bespoke Sachs dampers and new-look 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.

Toyota cites the upgrade from the standard GT’s 16-inch hoops as the reason for the $700 price discrepancy between the two grades.

With the kit installed, brake rotors measure 326x30mm in the front and 316x20mm in the rear, up from the GT’s stock 227x24mm front and 286x10mm rear, and GTS’ 294x24mm front and 290x18mm rear set-up.

Brake callipers also grow in size, with the new units upping the swept area by 38 per cent in the front and 23/six per cent in the rear compared with the GT/GTS’ standard equipment.

These mechanical tweaks were previously made available in the limited-run Special Edition, but are now available full-time for all new 86 vehicles.

GTS buyers opting for the performance kit will also unlock an option for a special Moon Slate exterior colour, as well as red interior highlights and black-finish wheels, side mirrors and rear spoiler. This fully loaded 86 is priced from $39,400.

As previously mentioned, the 86’s powerplant remains unchanged with manual versions delivering 152kW of power at 7000rpm and 212Nm of torque. Automatic versions produce 147kW/205Nm, with all 86s sending power to the rear wheels.

Standard equipment across the range includes seven airbags, auto-levelling LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, a limited-slip differential and reversing camera.

Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the new optional equipment will enhance the 86’s fun-to-drive nature even further.

“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,” he said.

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

2017 Toyota 86 pricing*

GT	$31,440
GT (a)	$33,740
GTS	$36,640
GTS (a)	$38,940

*Excludes on-road costs