In a market saturated with sports cars that often miss the mark, the Toyota 86 stands out as a beacon of genuine automotive passion. This stylish 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupe embodies the core principles of a true sports car: an ideal power-to-weight ratio, a striking design, and exceptional balance and driving feel. For 2019, the 86 Toyota not only retains its inherent appeal but elevates it further with the introduction of the limited-production 86 TRD Special Edition, a model designed for ultimate performance.
The Toyota 86 lineup also includes the well-equipped 86 and 86 GT grades, offering a comprehensive range of standard features and the choice between a six-speed automatic or manual transmission to cater to various driver preferences.
86 Toyota TRD Special Edition: The Apex of Performance
If there were a gold standard for pure sports car DNA, the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition would undoubtedly set it. This model represents the most focused and performance-oriented 86 Toyota ever offered in North America. It’s engineered for those who crave exhilarating drives on winding roads or seek to conquer challenging race tracks, lap after lap. At the heart of its enhanced performance are the newly engineered SACHS dampers, high-performance 12.8-in. front and 12.4-in. rear Brembo brakes, and exclusive 18 x 7.5-in. alloy wheels shod with ultra-grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (215/40R18 85Y size on all four corners).
The SACHS dampers significantly sharpen the 86 Toyota’s steering response and enhance overall vehicle stability, providing a more connected feel to the road. The oversized Brembo brakes, featuring four-piston calipers at the front and two-piston calipers at the rear, deliver confident and immediate stopping power, perfectly complementing the 86’s renowned cornering capabilities. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires elevate grip levels, further improving steering responsiveness and enhancing the tactile feedback transmitted through the sporty, small-diameter steering wheel.
The 86 Toyota TRD Special Edition makes a bold visual statement with its exclusive Raven black paint finish, accented by a distinctive TRD tricolor graphic and a full TRD body kit. This kit includes a performance front bumper, aerodynamic side sills, a rear bumper with integrated diffuser, and a sporty rear spoiler, all contributing to its aggressive and track-ready appearance. Adding to the auditory experience, the TRD Special Edition is equipped with a standard TRD exhaust system, featuring polished stainless steel tips that emit a refined and sporty exhaust note.
Stepping inside the 86 Toyota TRD Special Edition reveals a cabin that is both sporty and refined. A new red and black trimmed steering wheel with telescoping function and red contrast stitching immediately catches the eye. The sport bucket seats, upholstered in red and black, feature pronounced side bolsters to provide enhanced support during spirited driving. The instrument cluster is finished with a Granlux suede-like material, adding a touch of luxury. A “TRD” logo is embroidered on the passenger side instrument panel, and red contrast stitching is applied throughout the interior, including the red seatbelts, further emphasizing the special edition’s unique character.
Production of the 86 Toyota TRD Special Edition is strictly limited to just 1,418 units, making it a truly exclusive offering. Reflecting its performance focus, this special edition is exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission, catering to driving purists.
The Winning Formula: Features Across the 86 Toyota Range
The core appeal of the 86 Toyota lies in its straightforward sports car philosophy. Even the base 86 model comes generously equipped with essential exterior features, including LED projector-beam headlights, color-keyed power mirrors, a chrome-tipped dual exhaust, front fender-mounted vortex generators, and stylish 17-in. twisted spoke alloy wheels. Moving up to the 86 GT trim adds further refinements, such as LED fog lamps, an aerodynamic floor undercover, color-matched heated mirrors, and a matte-black rear wing with color-keyed end plates, enhancing both style and functionality.
Inside both the 86 and 86 GT, occupants are greeted by supportive sport bucket front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls (and Multi-Information Display controls in the 86 GT). 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 86 GT and TRD Special Edition further enhance convenience with a Smart Key System on both driver and passenger doors, featuring Push Button Start, and a remote keyless entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, panic, and trunk release functions.
For drivers who appreciate performance data, the 86 GT and TRD Special Edition feature a 4.2-in. 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 appears on the MID upon vehicle start-up, a subtle nod to the car’s identity.
Iconic Roots: The Heritage of the 86 Toyota
The lineage of the 86 Toyota can be traced back to the legendary Toyota 2000 GT, a sports car icon. The 86 draws design inspiration from the 2000 GT, evident in its low roofline, flowing front fenders, and sleek overall profile. However, the 86 Toyota is thoroughly modern, featuring contemporary LED front headlamps, daylight running lights, turn signals, and tail lamps.
The athleticism of the 86 Toyota is equally modern. Its 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed boxer four-cylinder engine, equipped with Toyota’s advanced D-4S Dual Injection System, delivers a responsive 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 no coincidence. For Toyota enthusiasts, ‘86’ is a direct homage to the AE86, the global designation for the Toyota Corolla GT-S sold in the U.S. in the mid-1980s. The AE86 was a beloved, affordable, rear-drive sports coupe with a high-revving 1.6-liter engine, renowned for its fun-to-drive character. In Japan, it was affectionately known as “hachi-roku,” meaning 8-6. Today, the AE86 remains a popular platform for drifting and tuning. On the modern 86 Toyota, ‘86’ logos are subtly integrated into a badge on the front fender and within the headlamp housings, further connecting it to its heritage.
Purist Sports Car Construction: Chassis and Performance
The 86 Toyota is built upon a purpose-engineered rear-drive sports car platform. It features a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension with strut tower bars and reinforced mounting brackets, along with a sport-tuned independent multi-link rear suspension with reinforcement bracing. The electric power-assist steering is quick and precise, requiring just 2.48 turns lock-to-lock, and offers a tight 36.1-ft. turning circle. The steering system is also designed to provide excellent road feel through the small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing driver engagement.
The standard 17 x 7-in. 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 and can be completely disabled, allowing experienced drivers to explore the car’s full dynamic potential. Both manual and automatic 86 Toyota models are equipped with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), which helps prevent the car from rolling backward when starting on steep inclines.
Boxer Bite: Engine and Drivetrain of the Toyota 86
The 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed aluminum Boxer engine in the 86 Toyota is a key contributor to its balanced handling and engaging performance. It delivers 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 156 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,400 rpm in manual transmission models (and slightly less in automatic versions). The engine’s 86 mm x 86 mm bore and stroke dimensions enable it to rev freely, while dual variable valve timing helps create a broad torque curve, ensuring responsive performance in everyday driving situations.
A highlight of the engine is the Toyota-innovated D-4S Dual Injection system, which combines direct-injection and port-injection technologies. The direct-injection system cools the cylinders, allowing for a high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximum power output. The port fuel injectors optimize combustion efficiency under light- and medium-load conditions, contributing to both performance and fuel economy.
The 86 Toyota strikes a balance between being an exhilarating sports car on winding roads and a practical daily driver. It achieves respectable fuel economy figures, with EPA-estimated ratings of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway when equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission, and 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the six-speed manual.
The 86 Toyota’s lightweight construction significantly benefits both fuel economy and agility. Weighing in at just under 2,800 lbs. (with the six-speed manual transmission), the 86 is among the lightest sports cars in its class. An ultra-low center of gravity and a low drag coefficient (0.29 Cd, and an even lower 0.27 Cd on the 86 GT) further enhance its performance and efficiency.
The 86 Toyota offers a choice of two six-speed transmissions. The standard six-speed manual transmission is designed for driving enthusiasts, featuring a short-throw shifter and a user-friendly clutch. The transmission incorporates features like triple-cone mesh synchromesh on the first three gears, a ball-bearing-mounted shift linkage, and reverse gear lock-out protection for enhanced feel and durability.
The available six-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) is also a capable option, offering quick shifts, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a Sport Mode, and Dynamic Rev Management technology, which automatically rev-matches on downshifts for smoother transitions. A standard Torsen limited-slip differential helps optimize traction to the rear wheels during cornering, regardless of transmission choice.
Sports Car Cabin: Comfort and Technology in the 86 Toyota
The interior of the 86 Toyota reflects its sports car focus while providing modern comfort and convenience. The cabin is designed with intuitive controls to minimize driver distraction. A large, centrally positioned tachometer dominates the instrument panel, incorporating a digital speedometer and a programmable rev indicator. An analog speedometer is positioned to its left, with fuel level and temperature gauges to the right.
In the 86 GT, an ‘86’ logo is subtly embossed on the Granlux material covering the instrument panel surround, and the same material adds a soft touch to the door trim. As a practical 2+2 coupe, the 86 Toyota features a rear one-piece seatback that folds down to expand trunk space, adding versatility for everyday use.
For in-car entertainment, the Toyota 86 comes standard with Display Audio featuring a 7-in. touchscreen display. The eight-speaker Pioneer audio system 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.
The optional 86 Display Audio with Navigation system adds push-to-talk voice navigation and geo-located points of interest for enhanced on-the-go guidance. Both audio systems are compatible with Aha, providing access to a wide range of audio stations, location-based services, social media applications, news, sports, and entertainment.
STAR Safety System and Warranty
The 2019 Toyota 86 prioritizes safety with the standard STAR Safety System, which 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 86 Toyota is also equipped with a comprehensive supplemental restraint system, including 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 for secure installation of front-facing child seats.
Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage includes a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, a 60-month/60,000 mile powertrain warranty, and a 60-month corrosion warranty with no mileage limitation. Standard ToyotaCare provides complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, adding peace of mind to Toyota 86 ownership.
The Toyota 86, especially in its exhilarating TRD Special Edition form, remains a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts seeking a pure, engaging, and stylish sports car experience. Its blend of performance, heritage, and everyday usability makes the 86 Toyota a standout in its class.
