Description

Toyota gt86 Scion

The Toyota GT86, also known as the Scion FR-S in North America (before Scion was discontinued in 2016), is a compact sports car developed in a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru. It’s part of a family of vehicles that also includes the Subaru BRZ. The car has garnered praise for its balance, rear-wheel-drive layout, and driving dynamics, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving.

Key Features of the Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S

1. Engine and Performance

• Engine: The GT86/FR-S is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four “boxer” engine developed by Subaru, known as the FA20 engine. It produces around 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: It comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
• Rear-Wheel Drive: The car features a rear-wheel-drive layout, making it unique in its class, providing a more engaging driving experience compared to front-wheel-drive cars.
• Lightweight Construction: The GT86 emphasizes lightness, weighing around 2,800 pounds, contributing to nimble handling and agility.

2. Handling and Dynamics

• Low Center of Gravity: Thanks to the boxer engine’s design, the GT86 has a very low center of gravity, which improves handling and cornering abilities.
• Chassis Tuning: The car’s suspension is tuned to prioritize sharp handling and feedback, providing excellent road feel. Enthusiasts love it for its precision and balance, especially on twisty roads or tracks.
• Limited-Slip Differential (LSD): Standard on most models, the LSD enhances traction during aggressive driving or track use, allowing for more predictable power delivery through corners.

3. Design and Styling

• Exterior: The GT86 has a sleek, aerodynamic coupe design with aggressive front headlights, a wide stance, and a low profile. It’s designed to evoke a sporty, performance-oriented feel.
• Interior: The interior is simple and driver-focused, featuring sports seats, a low seating position, and minimal distractions. While not luxurious, it emphasizes functionality, with controls and dials positioned for easy access.
• Compact Size: The car’s small footprint makes it ideal for maneuvering through tight spaces or taking on winding roads with ease.

4. Affordability and Accessibility

• Price Point: One of the major attractions of the Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S is its affordability for a sports car, offering performance at a relatively low price. It’s positioned to be accessible to younger drivers or enthusiasts who might not be able to afford more expensive sports cars.
• Aftermarket Support: There is a large aftermarket for the GT86/FR-S, allowing owners to customize their cars with performance upgrades, body kits, wheels, and more. This has made it popular among tuners and car modification enthusiasts.

5. Subaru Partnership (Subaru BRZ)

• Shared Platform: The Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ share the same platform and mechanical components, though they have minor tuning differences. Subaru was responsible for the engine and much of the engineering, while Toyota focused on the styling and other aspects.
• Brand Variants: In North America, the GT86 was originally marketed as the Scion FR-S, and after the discontinuation of the Scion brand, it was rebranded as the Toyota 86. Subaru’s version, the BRZ, has subtle differences in suspension tuning and equipment.

6. Second Generation (2022-present)

• Engine Upgrade: The second generation of the GT86, now called the Toyota GR86, and the Subaru BRZ debuted with a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This addressed one of the main criticisms of the first-generation model, which was its lack of power.
• Improved Performance: The new generation also boasts enhanced chassis rigidity, refined aerodynamics, and improved suspension tuning, making it even more capable on the track while maintaining its lightweight and engaging driving dynamics.

Pros and Cons of the Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S

Pros:

• Engaging Driving Experience: Rear-wheel drive and balanced chassis make it fun to drive, especially on twisty roads or tracks.
• Affordable Sports Car: Offers a pure sports car experience at a reasonable price point.
• Aftermarket Customization: Huge support for tuning and modifying, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
• Lightweight and Nimble: Its lightweight design contributes to excellent handling.

Cons:

• Limited Power: The first-generation model’s 2.0-liter engine, while sufficient, lacks the high-end power that some enthusiasts desire.
• Minimalist Interior: Not as luxurious or feature-packed as other cars in its class, with a focus on driving rather than comfort or technology.
• Small Size: The compact dimensions may not be ideal for those who need more space for passengers or cargo.

Conclusion

The Toyota GT86 (or Scion FR-S) is a car designed for driving enthusiasts who value handling, balance, and engagement over outright speed or luxury. Its affordability, rear-wheel-drive layout, and extensive aftermarket support make it a popular choice for both track-day enthusiasts and tuners. The second-generation GR86 addresses many of the power concerns while maintaining the same core driving philosophy that made the original so beloved.