Showing posts with label 86. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 86. Show all posts

Friday, August 11, 2023

My FH5 Log: 86 -Eighty Six-

Launched over a decade ago, the Toyota 86 is proof that you don't need to blow your budget away to get a sports car that's fun enough for you and your tuning needs.


Fresh from the FH5 Summer Party Dry Season playlist, here comes the new version of the reborn Hachiroku, welcome to the Toyota GR86.


So, what's it all about the GR86?


Launched three months later than its Subaru BRZ twin, which is now in its second generation form, the GR86 proudly carries over where its predecessor left off while still delivering the same accessible dynamics coveted the world over. It utilizes the improved version of its signature platform used by its predecessor. While the new model is similarly sized compared to the old one, the sport-tuned suspension and chassis have been updated to make it more enjoyable to drive than the previous model.

Under the hood, the flat-four boxer engine had its displacement up from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in an increased power output of 235PS and 250Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or auto.


Compared to its predecessor, the GR86 feels so much more addictive and more fun to drive, taking this reasonably fast car a step to ascension. With the added power and improved dynamics, this is Hachiroku redefined for the Reiwa era and I'm hooked on it, thank you very much.



Speaking of ascension, let's find out how much the GR86 evolved from its 86 predecessor. With that, it's time for a Hillclimb run in the dead of the night because such a setting gives me the Initial D vibes. Anyway, no time for sentimental thoughts. Let's get this experiment rolling, pronto.


And now the results...

86 - 3m59.823s

GR86 - 3m41.889s


Talk about a massive improvement compared to the previous model! Guess the ToyoBaru collaboration really leveled up with this one.


The Toyota 86 is famed for being cheap, easy to drive, and fun in every way, and the GR86 still boasts the same purposes but now with the added power and improved dynamics to keep up with the challenges of the new normal. The world's favorite reasonably fast car has turned.

I was going to wrap this up but I have other plans with the GR86 so watch this space...

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

My GT7 Log: A decade of 86 and BRZ

2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ twin coupes and what better way to celebrate a decade of the twin FR coupes that rocked the street scene than discovering the evolution of the ToyoBaru twins.


Okay, so where should we start? Oh yes! The beginning, of course!


The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ made their world premiere at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and then went on sale in the Spring of 2012 with the BRZ first in late March 2012 and then the 86 a month later. Under the hood, the 86 and the BRZ are powered by a 2.0L boxer-four D-4S engine that produces 200PS of power and 205Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed AT or a 6-speed MT. Thanks to this engine powerplant, both of these coupes have a low center of gravity and because of that, they have accessible handling, the hallmark of the 86 and the BRZ, and because being JDM machines, speedo boys expressed endless creativities with these machines courtesy of aftermarket tuning potential.


In 2016, both the 86 and the BRZ received a minor change featuring a revised front, new interior, and a slight upgrade on its 2.0L flat-four engine, producing 7PS more than the pre-facelifted models. Not only that, both of these models now come with improved springs and dampers as well as increased spot welding points on the rear pillars, allowing for better steering response and ride comfort and with the optional Sachs dampers, the handling is slightly improved.


Fast forward to the year 2021, the Toyota GR 86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ have been unveiled. Running on the improved version of its signature platform, the new models have improved the suspension and chassis for improved cornering abilities as well as better traction. Under the hood, the flat-4 engine that contributed to the car's low center of gravity had its displacement up from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in an increased power output of 235PS and 250Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or auto.

And there you have it, a decade of 86 and BRZ well summed up for your nostalgic pleasure. Although I had a blast getting to know the evolution of the ToyoBaru twin coupes, there's something missing...Of course! Let's compare them and find out which of these twins is the alpha. This will be the showdown between Team 86 and Team BRZ. It's going to be out of this world.







Using the Streets of Willow Springs segment from California's Willow Springs International Raceway as the venue for the ideal turf war, it's time to find out which side is the best. Are you with Team 86 or Team BRZ? Let's roll the tape.


With two sides done their laps in the Streets of Willow Springs, here are the results;

86 - 1:31.562

BRZ - 1:31.874

86 F/L - 1:31.314

BRZ F/L STi Sport - 1:30.160

GR86 - 1:26.963

BRZ II - 1:27.360

It's a 2:1 split decision in favor of Team 86, meaning that despite being the same machines, it's no wonder why most speedo boys love to be with Team 86 rather than Team BRZ. What a shocker as such but anyway...


The 86 and BRZ are fruits of the wonderful collaboration between Toyota and Subaru and with their latest versions fit to take on the bold challenges of the Reiwa era, these two sides are gearing their brave faces on as they're ready to fight to the death in this ever-changing unstable world we live in. These cars may not live forever in the age of electrification but the 86 and the BRZ have created an impressive legacy that will be remembered forever for many generations to come.

Whether you're Team 86 or Team BRZ, in this unstable world, these machines are clear reminders that you, speedo boys, must fulfill their destinies until the true endgame comes sooner than later.

As always, enjoy these new machines in GT7!

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

My GT7 Log: The Founding Fathers of the Reiwa-era JDM Sports Cars

The Reiwa era. When you talk about this current era in the Japanese calendar, what can you think about the Reiwa era? Yes, the early years of the Reiwa era are a messy one because of COVID and the war in Ukraine, among many others, but when you talk about Japanese sports cars, which company kickstarted the new breed of JDM sports cars? Toyota, of course.


The GR Supra, the GR Yaris, and the GR86 will forever go down in history as the Founding Fathers of the Reiwa-era JDM sports cars because a Japanese motoring giant like Toyota was the first to introduce the new breed of JDM sports cars of this current era. So, what do you know about the Founding Fathers of the Reiwa-era JDM sports cars?


Launched in May 2019, the beginning of the Reiwa era, the GR Supra marked the return of "The Sports of Toyota", which was greeted by many cheers and jeers from speedo boys worldwide. It is the first JDM sports car of the Reiwa era and despite being a Supra, it was basically a BMW Z4 G23 underneath because of the connection between BMW and Toyota. With the design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept, the GR Supra shares most of the engines from the BMW Z4 such as the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

In the spring of 2020, in the early months of the COVID pandemic, the GR Supra's 3.0L BMW-derived TwinPower Turbo engine on the flagship RZ variant has been boosted by 47PS, resulting in a 387PS of power output. In addition, the updated GR Supra features a revised chassis consisting of lightweight aluminum braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning.


Known as the second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era, the GR Yaris served as the template for Toyota's next rally car. Take the fourth-generation Yaris, strip the two extra doors off, make it wider, jam it with the G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine, lodge it with the GR-FOUR four-wheel-drive system, and this is the result; a road-legal rally car akin to the legendary Toyota Celica GT-FOUR.

In addition to the 1.6L turbocharged variant, there is a cheaper and much slower RS variant with the 1.5L M15A-FKS engine mated to a CVT. This basic variant is available only in Japan but who cares?


Launched in the autumn of 2021, the GR86 proudly carries over where its predecessor left off while still delivering the same accessible dynamics coveted by speedo boys worldwide. Like the second-generation Subaru BRZ, the GR 86 runs on the improved version of its signature platform used by its predecessor, and with numerous improvements underneath, it handles better than before. Under the hood, the flat-four boxer engine got its size increased from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in a slightly improved power output of 235PS of power and 250Nm of torque.


These three are undeniable proof that Toyota spearheaded the line of Reiwa-era Japanese sports cars, sports cars that truly reflect the Reiwa era of Japan. Although they're not as exciting to drive as the JDM sports cars of the Heisei era they're as hip and trendy as the trends of today's Japan in every way. As Toyotas, they have the blessings of past sportscars so when you give them a spin, you can experience the heritage they've inherited from their ancestors. The GR86 carried on the tradition of the legendary AE86 while the GR Yaris embodies the spirit of its spiritual ancestor, the Celica GT-FOUR, and the GR Supra, despite the BMW connection, follows the skidmarks of its predecessors. These three are history books in wheels and you can give credit to Toyota and friends for making them possible.

Anyway, no time to be sentimental because it's time to give these Reiwa-era Toyota sports cars a quick lap around Autopolis.




As the trio of Reiwa-era Toyota sports cars flexing its Japanese muscles in a place, only Gran Turismo fanatics can call their playpen, it's time to give them a one-lap time attack just to find out which one is best. Roll the tape.


After a quick lap in Autopolis, here are the results;

GR86 - 2m21.309s

GR Yaris - 2m16.356s

GR Supra (2020MY) - 2m14.083s

As expected, the GR Supra is plus alpha but the results don't matter to them anyway because what these three showcased is progress.


As Toyota spearheaded the breed of Reiwa-era sportscars, will other Japanese carmakers follow suit? In the midst of the new normal, there is a glimmer of hope this breed will expand slowly but surely but in the meantime, let's take a moment to appreciate Toyota's efforts to create sports cars speedo boys will love in the midst of the new normal. 

The Reiwa era showcased the world the signs of the times and in the case of sports cars, will the times erase them or join them? It's going to be an uphill battle for companies who still make sports cars, including Toyota, but rather an exciting one if you know what I mean.

So thank you, Toyota, and you're welcome.

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Toyota GR 86 (ZN8)

Almost a decade ago, Toyota roars back to the sports car business with the 86, a rear-wheel-drive compact sports car built in collaboration with Subaru. It became one of the most popular Japanese sports cars ever made and it landed a role as the hero car from MF GHOST, a comic book made by the same man who did Initial D. It really is the spiritual successor to the legendary Sprinter Trueno AE86. It's the Reiwa era and Toyota's ready for the new normal with an all-new model now called GR 86.

2022 Toyota GR 86

Priced at 2,799,000 Japanese Yen (around $28,000), the new Toyota GR 86 proudly carries over where its predecessor left off while still delivering the same accessible dynamics coveted by speedo boys worldwide. Although it works just like its Subaru twin, the BRZ, it's cheaper to own than its Subaru equivalent, which is surprisingly flinching for speedo boys looking for a reasonably fast sportscar on a budget.

2022 Toyota GR 86

Like the new Subaru BRZ, the Toyota GR 86 features a dramatic exterior design that is sharper-looking than the previous model it replaces, giving speedo boys plenty of reasons to get tempted to drive one and intoxicated by the accessible dynamics this street hero possesses.

2022 Toyota GR 86 interior

The GR 86's new interior is all about being driver-focused and race-inspired, just as what speedo boys wanted for a sportscar like this. Of course, like the previous model, it's got two rear seats which are deemed challenging to squeeze into, and ample boot space for some grocery trips to resupply your man cave. Whatever floats their boats, the GR 86 is all about getting ready for another weekend at the car meet.

2022 Toyota GR 86


The GR 86 utilizes the improved version of its signature platform used by its predecessor. While the new model is similarly sized compared to the old one, the sport-tuned suspension and chassis have been updated to make it more enjoyable to drive than the previous model. On the road and on the track, the new GR 86 is all about stretching itself to entertain its drivers with its rewarding dynamics which are deemed fun for all levels. Great one, Toyota.

Under the hood, the flat-four boxer engine got its size increased from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in a slightly improved power output of 235PS of power and 250Nm of torque. It has a WLTC-calculated fuel economy of 12km/L for the 6-speed manual variant and 11.8km/L for the 6-speed AT variant.

Just like the new BRZ, automatic variants of the GR 86 feature Driver Assist Technology, consisting of pre-collision safety tech, emergency rescue support, and secondary collision avoidance support. Manual variants don't get one, of course.

The arrival of the Toyota GR 86 shows that sports cars can still shine in the new normal. With its new design, interior, performance, and dynamics, the reborn Hachiroku promises to be a must-have for speedo boys who are driving like there's no tomorrow because, pretty soon, there won't be. Thanks to Japan's imminent move to eradicate ICE-powered cars, the Hachiroku of the Reiwa era would be the last one speedo boys will ever experience.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Subaru BRZ ZD8

A decade ago, Subaru and Toyota collaborated on a new rear-wheel-drive sportscar project that gave birth to the two icons; the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ. The Toyota side is a spiritual rebirth of the iconic AE86 Sprinter Trueno and Corolla Levin while the Subaru side is, let's just say, a sacrilege to Subaru's image as an AWD specialist and treason to Subaru's heritage if you may. It's the Reiwa era and the era of a new normal we live in and as Toyota and Subaru unveiled their new versions, the second-generation BRZ goes first.

2022 Subaru BRZ

With prices start at 3,080,000 Japanese yen plus additional costs, the second-generation Subaru BRZ joins the list of Reiwa era Japanese sportscars spearheaded by Toyota's GR Supra and it's proof that in the midst of the new normal, Japan still makes sports cars speedo boys will enjoy.

2022 Subaru BRZ

Although the new model is similarly sized compared to its predecessor, thanks to the fact that it uses an improved version of its signature platform instead of the SGP that today's Subarus don, the new styling really means business for the second-generation BRZ. From its dramatic new front design to its sharp new rear angle, every way you look at the new model is quintessential and you'll have plenty of reasons to swap your old BRZ for the new one. Tempted? Well, you should be.

2022 Subaru BRZ interior

The new interior is all about being driver-focused and race-inspired especially when you can't get enough toying with the switches in the dashboard as well as its dramatic speedo that is going to be the target of speedo boys who are busy doing speedo boy stuff while driving at the Wangan expressway. Of course, like the previous model, it's got two rear seats which are deemed to be difficult to squeeze into, and some room in the back for some grocery trips to resupply your man cave. Either way, the new interior is one of the many reasons you can't get enough with the new BRZ.

2022 Subaru BRZ

A new generation calls for a new engine and for the second-generation BRZ, the size of its BOXER D-4S engine has been increased from 2.0L to 2.4L. As a result, the power output is now bumped at a dramatic 235PS of power and 250Nm of torque. It has a WLTC-calculated fuel economy of 12km/L for the 6-speed manual variant and 11.8km/L for the 6-speed AT variant.

Apart from the added power from its new FA24 engine, the new BRZ features an upgraded version of its signature platform which makes it more huggable on the road and more rigid compared to the previous model. They have improved the suspension and chassis to make it more fun to drive than the previous model and it's got better traction as well.

The automatic variants of the second-generation BRZ feature Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which consists of pre-collision safety tech, emergency rescue support, and secondary collision avoidance support. Manual variants don't get one but who cares?

The second-generation Subaru BRZ is ready to pick up where the previous BRZ left off and thanks to its improved dynamics, new styling, new interior, and the FA24 engine, this is going to be the BRZ speedo boys will never forget and with the imminent doom to the internal combustion engine, the BRZ of the Reiwa era is one on the bucket list and speedo boys are ready to spend their hard-earned cash buying this one.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Ignition Red, Sapphire Blue Pearl, and WR Blue Pearl.

Photo: Subaru

Friday, October 23, 2020

Forza Horizon 4: Reasonably fast Toyotas

The Lexus IS F and the Toyota 86 completes the Series 27 prize car lists and now that I got my hands on these two let's have a quick navigation between these two rear-wheel drive JDM greats.


The IS F is the first of Lexus's high-performance F sub-brand, which is made to target the likes of Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, and Audi RS. Based on the second-generation IS, it was powered by a 5.0L direct injected 2UR-GSE V8 engine producing 423PS of power and 503Nm of torque. It was mated with an 8-speed paddle shift transmission.


The Toyota 86 made its world premiere at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale a year later, signaling Toyota's return to making sports cars. Built in cooperation with Subaru, which spawned its BRZ equivalent, the 86 is powered by a 2.0L flat-4 engine producing over 200PS of power while mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic.



With the quick navigation over, let's give these two some actual demonstrations to see what they're made for.



Excellent. There's nothing more to talk about.

Monday, September 14, 2020

Project CARS 3: What's your first page be like?

Congratulations to those who got their hands on Project CARS 3, the newest installment of the Project CARS series, which is made by the folks of Slightly Mad Studios (a Codemasters company) and Bandai Namco. As everybody knows, every good story begins with a choosing and for those who are starting Project CARS 3 for the first time get to choose one of three starter cars to begin with; a Toyota 86, a Lancer Evo VI, and a Civic Type R. Question is, which starter car is the best to start with?

To find out, let's examine the three Project CARS 3 starters.


First off, the Honda Civic Type R FK2. Made in Britain, the FK2 is based on the Euro-spec ninth-generation Civic and it's powered by a K20C 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine, which produces 310PS of power output and 400Nm of torque, while mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Incorporating its motorsports knowhow, the Civic Type R comes with race-inspired suspension system, Active Damper System, Dual Pinion Assist EPS, and the most advanced aerodynamics developed for this car. When it was launched in 2015, it lapped the Nurburgring in 7:51.42, which is the fastest lap time for front-wheel drive cars. It marked the return of the Civic name in Japan after a five year absence with only 750 units imported to Japan.


Next up is the Toyota 86. While this is the least powerful of the three starter cars, its rear-wheel drive layout makes its the most enjoyable to drive with and because it's the cheapest of the three, you can spend its change tweaking its car. It's powered by a 2.0L flat-4 engine producing over 200PS of power and thanks to its low center of gravity and the fact that it uses skinny tires rather than bigger, grippy, ones, it makes the 86 more lively to drive in the corners.


Lastly, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition, made in honor of the four-time WRC champion, the TME is a special Lancer Evolution VI model that is limited to 2500 units worldwide. Although the special livery wasn't made for show-offs, this model featured mechanical improvements identical to the base car. It comes with three variants ranging from the stripped-off RS model to the heavily-equipped GSR model.



These three starter cars will have their say with a quick lap round the streets of Shanghai to see which starter car is the best. I know this sounds rubbish but in the interest of car science, I stuck with it. So without further ado, let the experiment begin.


The Toyota 86 is much lively to drive in the bends because of its FR layout while the Civic Type R is all about serious grip and the Lancer Evo VI really shows its all-round capability as an all-wheel drive car. With their fun at Shanghai done, here are the results:

GT86 - 1:56.250
Lancer Evo VI - 1:50.185
Civic Type R - 1:50.915


As it turns out, the Lancer Evolution VI is the fastest of the three and I have no idea why I made the right decision choosing this as my starter car, although most disagree that the 86 is the best because like I said, because it's the cheapest of the three, you can spend its change tweaking its car. The Civic Type R is fairly nice but drivers may have hard time tinkering it.

Needless to say, whichever car you choose, your day at Project CARS 3 is officially begin and in its career mode, your goal is to win races while achieving several objectives to unlock new races. If you find it troubling, tune up or buy a new car. Simple.

Anyway, welcome to the world of Project CARS 3, drivers.

Friday, April 24, 2020

GT SPORT: Hashire, Hachiroku

The Toyota 86 has been one of the most popular Japanese sportscars ever made when it first went on sale in the Spring of 2012 and although not as fast as the expensive European imports, its accessible handling, value for money, and wide street cred made the Toyota 86 an icon of the modern era where Japanese sportscars are diminishing at an alarming rate.



The pre-facelifted 86 is nice but most demanding for the facelifted 86 to come in video games are sure in a painful situation at the time when Toyota road cars are now Gran Turismo-exclusive and after years of deceit, the facelifted 86 arrived in Gran Turismo SPORT and this version tries to see how much it was improved compared to the pre-facelift model.



Launched in the second-half of 2016, the 86 minor change features a small power increase from its 2.0L boxer-4 engine and improved dynamics underneath, not to mention some design revisions inside and out. To make the 86 minor change handle better than the pre-facelifted model, it's been given improved springs and dampers as well as increased spot welding points on the rear pillars, allowing for better steering response and ride comfort and with the optional Sachs dampers, handling can be slightly improved. Under the hood, the FA20 D-4S two-litre 4-cylinder engine adds 7 more PS to its engine output, resulting to 207PS of power and 212Nm of torque output but only the manual transmission variants are welcomed by this power increase because models with 6-speed automatic gearbox still offers the same previous output as the pre-facelift model.

A certain TV motoring show made the 86 their reasonably fast car for their celebrity guests to take a lap round the show's test track.





This car really is reasonably fast because the Toyota 86 is made to be a reasonably fast car in the first place. With such improved handling dynamics and small power increase compared to the pre-facelift model, there are several reasons why they will like the facelifted 86 better than the old one. Not as fast and powerful as they hoped but it's even more enjoyable than before and you can really drive one as long as you really want until you are fully satisfied with it.

To see how much this 86's improved from the previous model, I went back to Tsukuba Circuit and find out.







Several moments ago, I drove the pre-facelifted 86 round the track as part of my little experiment over which modern Heisei-era Japanese sportscar is the best and I lapped it round the track in 1:11.302, which is second-to-last compared to the Mazda Roadster ND. With the facelifted 86 set, it's time to find out how much this model's improved. Roll the tape.



The facelifted 86 did it in 1:10.618, meaning this car is an improvement compared to the old one but still second-to-last with the Roadster should it managed to be part of my Heisei era JDM tribute several moments ago. Still, I'm glad I drove this current 86 with my own virtual hands.



The Toyota 86 proves that a good fun-to-drive sportscar doesn't need to be fast. In fact, it takes some dynamics to make speedo boys happy to come back for more and that is why the 86 is one of the best sportscars in the modern generation. Argue what you want but the 86 is always here to stay within the drivers' hearts and minds because driving for fun is the sole purpose of this car, no doubt.