In a market saturated with sports cars that often compromise on the core essence of driving pleasure, the Toyota 86 stands out as a beacon of authentic automotive athleticism. This stylish 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupe champions the fundamentals: an ideal power-to-weight ratio, a captivating design, and exceptional balance and responsiveness. For the 2019 model year, the Toyota 86 not only retains its celebrated spirit but elevates its game with the introduction of the limited-production 86 TRD Special Edition, the most performance-focused variant yet.
While the lineup also includes the well-equipped 86 and 86 GT grades, offering a comprehensive array of standard features and the choice between a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, it’s the TRD Special Edition that truly embodies the purest expression of the Toyota 86 Sports Car philosophy.
Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition: The Pinnacle of Performance
If there were an “organic” label for sports cars, the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition would undoubtedly earn the certification. This model represents the most distilled and potent version of the toyota 86 sports car ever offered in North America. It’s engineered for those who seek the ultimate connection with the road, whether carving through winding canyon roads or conquering challenging race tracks. At the heart of its enhanced performance are the all-new SACHS dampers, performance-oriented Brembo brakes (12.8-inch front and 12.4-inch rear rotors), and exclusive 18×7.5-inch alloy wheels shod in high-grip Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (215/40R18 85Y).
The meticulously tuned SACHS dampers significantly sharpen the toyota 86 sports car’s steering response and elevate vehicle stability, providing a more connected and confident driving experience. The enlarged Brembo brakes, featuring four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, deliver exceptional stopping power, enhancing the 86’s already renowned cornering capabilities. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires amplify grip levels, contributing to sharper steering responsiveness and heightened tactile feedback transmitted through the small-diameter steering wheel, allowing drivers to feel truly in tune with the road.
The TRD Special Edition distinguishes itself visually with an exclusive Raven black paint finish, accentuated by the iconic TRD tricolor graphics and a comprehensive TRD body kit. This kit includes a performance front bumper, aerodynamic side sills, a rear bumper with integrated diffuser, and a sporty rear spoiler, giving this toyota 86 sports car an aggressive and purposeful stance. Completing the performance aesthetic and auditory experience is a standard TRD exhaust system with polished stainless steel tips, adding a refined growl to the engine note.
Stepping inside the TRD Special Edition reveals a cabin designed to enhance the sporty ambiance. A new red and black trimmed steering wheel, wrapped in leather and featuring red contrast stitching, greets the driver. Red and black sport bucket seats with pronounced side bolsters provide enhanced support during spirited driving. The instrument cluster is topped with a Granlux suede-like material, adding a touch of luxury. A “TRD” logo embroidered on the passenger side instrument panel and red contrast stitching throughout the cabin further emphasize the special edition’s exclusivity. Even the seatbelts are finished in red, tying together the performance-oriented interior theme.
Production of the 86 TRD Special Edition is strictly limited to just 1,418 units, making it a truly exclusive and sought-after toyota 86 sports car. Furthermore, to cater to driving purists, this special edition is exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission, ensuring maximum driver engagement.
The Toyota 86 Formula: Essential Sports Car Elements
The foundation of any great sports car lies in its fundamental design and features. The toyota 86 sports car embodies this philosophy with a thoughtfully curated list of standard exterior amenities. These include striking LED projector-beam headlights, color-keyed power mirrors, a sporty chrome-tipped dual exhaust, functional front fender-mounted vortex generators, and stylish 17-inch twisted spoke alloy wheels.
Stepping up to the 86 GT trim adds further enhancements, including LED fog lamps for improved visibility, an aerodynamic floor undercover to optimize airflow, color-matched heated mirrors for added convenience, and a matte-black rear wing with color-keyed end plates for a touch of added style and aerodynamic benefit.
Inside both the 86 and 86 GT models, occupants are welcomed by supportive sport bucket front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel equipped with integrated audio controls (and Multi-Information Display controls in the 86 GT). Additional comfort and convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate control (standard on 86 GT), a Granlux suede-like rear armrest cover, an anti-theft system, and cruise control. The Smart Key System on the driver and passenger doors with Push Button Start, along with a remote keyless entry system, is standard on the 86 GT and TRD Special Edition, adding a touch of modern convenience.
For drivers who prioritize performance data, the 86 GT and TRD Special Edition feature a 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) with dedicated vehicle data screens. This display provides real-time information such as a G-force meter, stopwatch, horsepower and torque curves, engine coolant and oil temperatures, and fuel consumption. A distinctive “86” logo animation on the MID upon vehicle start-up adds a subtle nod to the car’s heritage.
Heritage and Design: Tracing Back to Toyota Legends
The lineage of the toyota 86 sports car can be traced back to legendary Toyota sports cars, most notably the iconic Toyota 2000 GT. The 86 draws design inspiration from this classic, evident in its low roofline, flowing front fenders, and sleek overall profile. However, the execution is thoroughly modern, incorporating contemporary LED technology for the front headlamps, daytime running lights, turn signals, and tail lamps, blending classic inspiration with 21st-century aesthetics.
The athleticism of the toyota 86 sports car is also undeniably modern. Its 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed boxer four-cylinder engine, enhanced by Toyota’s D-4S Dual Injection System, delivers a spirited 205 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the six-speed manual transmission (or 200 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque with the six-speed automatic).
The engine’s “square” bore and stroke dimensions of 86 mm are a deliberate tribute to the AE86, the global name for the Toyota Corolla GT-S, a beloved rear-drive sports coupe from the mid-1980s. Known as “hachi-roku” (8-6) in Japan, the AE86 earned a reputation for being an affordable, agile, and incredibly fun-to-drive machine, especially popular among drifting enthusiasts. The new toyota 86 sports car proudly carries this legacy, incorporating ’86’ logos into a badge on the front fender and within the headlamps as a nod to its heritage.
Purist Engineering: Chassis and Handling Dynamics
The toyota 86 sports car is built upon a specially engineered rear-drive sports car platform. The chassis features a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension with strut tower bars and reinforced mounting brackets, coupled with a sport-tuned independent multi-link rear suspension with reinforcement bracing. This sophisticated suspension setup contributes to the car’s exceptional handling balance and responsiveness.
The electric power-assist steering is quick and precise, requiring only 2.48 turns lock-to-lock, and offering a tight 36.1-foot turning circle for excellent maneuverability. The steering system is also highly communicative, providing ideal road feel through the small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, further enhancing driver confidence and control.
Standard 17×7-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 215/45R17 summer performance or all-season tires, depending on the model and driver preference. For track days and autocross events, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system offers a Track mode or can be completely disabled, allowing experienced drivers to explore the car’s full dynamic potential. Both manual and automatic toyota 86 sports car models include Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) as standard, preventing unwanted rollback on steep inclines.
Boxer Engine Performance: Power and Refinement
The heart of the toyota 86 sports car is its 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed aluminum Boxer engine. This engine configuration is known for its low center of gravity and smooth power delivery. It produces 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 156 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,400 rpm (manual transmission version). The engine’s 86 mm x 86 mm bore and stroke dimensions are optimized for high-revving performance, while dual variable valve timing ensures a broad torque curve, making the toyota 86 sports car responsive and engaging in everyday driving situations.
Key to the engine’s impressive output of over 100 horsepower per liter is Toyota’s innovative D-4S Dual Injection system. This system combines direct-injection and port-injection technologies. The direct-injection system cools the cylinders, enabling a high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximum power. The port fuel injectors contribute during light- and medium-load conditions to optimize combustion efficiency and fuel economy.
The toyota 86 sports car excels not only on winding roads but also as a practical and economical daily driver. It achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the six-speed automatic transmission, and 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the six-speed manual, balancing performance with efficiency.
The car’s lightweight construction, tipping the scales at just under 2,800 lbs. (with the manual transmission), contributes to both fuel economy and agility. An ultra-low center of gravity and a low drag coefficient (0.29 Cd, or 0.27 Cd on the 86 GT) further enhance the focus on pure performance and fuel efficiency.
Transmission Choices: Tailoring the Driving Experience
The toyota 86 sports car offers two distinct transmission choices to cater to different driving preferences. The standard six-speed manual transmission is a dream for driving purists. Its short-throw shifter and light clutch action make gear changes a tactile pleasure. The transmission incorporates features like triple-cone mesh synchromesh on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears, a ball-bearing-mounted shift linkage, and reverse gear lock-out protection for enhanced feel and durability.
For those who prefer an automatic, the six-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) is a compelling option. It delivers quick shifts and includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control. Sport Mode and Dynamic Rev Management technology, which automatically “blips” the throttle on downshifts, further enhance the automatic driving experience. A standard Torsen limited-slip differential on all models maximizes traction during cornering, regardless of transmission choice.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Driver-Focused Cabin
The purist sports car philosophy extends to the interior of the toyota 86 sports car, which is designed to be driver-focused yet comfortable for everyday use. Intuitive controls are positioned to minimize distractions and keep the driver’s attention on the road. The instrument panel is dominated by a large, centrally located tachometer with an integrated digital speedometer and a programmable rev indicator. An analog speedometer flanks the tachometer on the left, while fuel level and temperature gauges are positioned to the right, creating an easy-to-read and informative gauge cluster.
In the 86 GT, an ’86’ logo is subtly integrated into the Granlux material covering the instrument panel surround, and the same material adds a soft-touch feel to the door trim. As a practical 2+2 coupe, the toyota 86 sports car offers a rear one-piece seatback that folds down to expand trunk space, adding versatility to its sporty nature.
Audio and Connectivity: Modern Infotainment
The toyota 86 sports car comes standard with a Display Audio system featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display. The eight-speaker Pioneer audio system provides a rich sound experience and includes Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and music streaming, HD Radio, iPod connectivity, and AUX/USB inputs. Song titles, album names, and artist information are easily accessible on the head unit display.
An optional 86 Display Audio with Navigation system adds push-to-talk voice navigation and geo-located points of interest for enhanced convenience. Both audio systems are equipped with Aha Radio, providing access to a vast library of free audio stations and location-based services like Yelp and TripAdvisor, along with popular social media applications, sports, news, and entertainment. The system also includes a phonebook capable of storing up to 2,500 contacts.
Comprehensive Safety Features: Peace of Mind
The 2019 toyota 86 sports car prioritizes safety with the inclusion of Toyota’s STAR Safety System as standard. This comprehensive suite of safety technologies includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRAC), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
The supplemental restraint system features driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags, driver and front passenger outboard seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The rear seats are equipped with the Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system, accommodating front-facing child seats and enhancing family-friendliness.
Warranty and ToyotaCare: Added Assurance
The toyota 86 sports car is backed by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, covering all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional warranties include a 60-month/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and a 60-month corrosion warranty with no mileage limitation.
Standard ToyotaCare provides a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, offering added peace of mind and value to toyota 86 sports car ownership.
