It’s been more than a year since Toyota unveiled the concept version of the FT-86 Coupe at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. During that year, we’ve heard so many reports, rumors, and whispers about the car, that we’re beginning to think that this could very well be the second-coming of Toyota’s iconic Celica line.
Now, after months of speculation on our part and hardcore testing on Toyota’s part, the Japanese company has finally unveiled the production FT 86, only it will be called the GT-86 instead. The new name was chosen as a tribute to Toyota’s GT car heritage and the exhilarating drivability of the Corolla Levin AE86. The Toyota GT-86’s official debut will be made at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.
The new GT 86 is based on an entirely new platform and features a low, highly aerodynamic bodyshell. It is powered by the same engine as its Subaru sibling - a 2.0 liter, naturally-aspirated petrol engine - but will only deliver 200 HP as opposed to Subaru’s promised 300 HP. That being said, the base BRZ will come with the same 200 HP that the new GT-86 is sporting, bringing these two models closer than originally anticipated. Subaru’s promised 300 HP will be present in the STI version, leading us to believe that a G-Sports variant for the GT-86 will bring forth the same amount of power. This borrowed engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
UPDATE 07/10/2012: Nino Karotta made one of the most epic reviews for the new GT 86. He crosses Europe in a GT86 to put it up against his AE86 on a racetrack. Hit the jump to see the results.
Hit the jump to read more about the new Toyota GT 86.
