Toyota Sports 800 - 1962
Toyota's first production sports car – the Sports 800 – the prototype was called the “Toyota Publica Sports” and had its debut at the 1962 Tokyo Auto Show.
D-4S Boxer Engine2.0-litre, flat-four naturally aspirated engine produces 200 DIN hp for consistent torque and immediate acceleration throughout the rev range
Great Sounding EngineFrom its soft intake purr driving round the city and in the lower revs, to its full throttle sports car growl, it sounds like a sports car should
86 Bore/Stroke86mm bore and 86mm stroke give the GT86 the ability to rev up to 7,450 rpm, combined with natural aspiration for an immediate throttle response
SuspensionMacPherson struts and performance rod to the front - double wishbone suspension to the rear – for stability and grip, instant response to driver input and superb controllability
Lightweight/Low Centre of GravityThe powertrain and driver’s seat are set low and far back, helping to achieve a near perfect power to weight ratio and ultra low centre of gravity, which combined with a 1,275 kg kerb weight give it incredibly nimble, responsive sports handling
TORSEN® Limited Slip DifferentialTorque sensing TORSEN® Limited Slip Differential for superb traction, with no loss of drive through the corners – for an authentic sports handling feel
SeatsFront sports seats designed to give the best possible support under hard acceleration and cornering, finished in black cloth upholstery with optional red accents, or in optional black leather Alcantara® with red leather styling detail for the door drips, steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake
Aluminium PedalsLightweight aluminium racing-style pedals positioned for sports driving to provide a comfortable driving position in the higher rev ranges where there’s more lateral movement, and on longer distances
Steering Wheel365mm buckskin-trimmed steering wheel featuring the iconic GT86 marque - the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota, gives immediate steering feedback for superb cornering
On Board Tech/Toyota TouchWell equipped with automatic dual-zone air conditioning, Smart Entry, Smart Start system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, hill-start assist and Toyota Touch – touchscreen control for the six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth for phone and music streaming and a USB port – optional upgrade to Toyota Touch and Go with advanced sat nav
6-speed Manual/Auto with Paddle Shifts6-speed manual or automatic transmission offers direct response and intuitive use with wheel-mounted shift paddles – achieving the world’s fastest torque converter auto shift speed of just two tenths of a second
WheelsLightweight 17-inch alloy wheels, machine-finished twin spokes offset with dark accent spokes for sports-like styling
HeadlightsThe high intensity bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and fog lamp design provide clear visibility in all driving conditions
T-mesh Spoiler Front GrilleThe large lower T-mesh grille reinforces the overtly sporting character of the GT86, giving it a distinctive, assertive appearance typical of iconic sports cars
GT86 BadgesThe 86 piston badge not only relates to the 86 x 86 bore and stroke of its 2.0 D-4S boxer engine, it also denotes the powertrain configuration and represents the tyres sliding in a four-wheel drift in reference to its near perfect balance even at the limits of its performance
The GT86 was designed around key principles: lightweight body, front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, great balance and handling - the perfect blend of pedigree and performance. The GT86 with its power train and driving position as low and as far back as possible to deliver great power and handling.
Naturally aspirated for consistent torque it delivers precise, instant response and consistently exhilarating performance through the entire rev range – connecting the driver to the road in a way that power alone can’t achieve. Its torque-sensing limited slip differential and two-mode VSC system lets you switch between driving modes. You can also switch the system off completely for a fully engaging GT86 experience.
The manual transmission delivers quick, precise shifting through close-stacked ratios for agile performance, while the automatic achieves the world’s fastest torque converter shift speed – at just two tenths of a second. Steering wheel mounted shift switches prioritise responsiveness in upshift for rapid changes and a consistently smooth experience.
Aerodynamic contours that push air from the top, bottom and sides combine to deliver incredible stability and grip and an impressive drag co-efficient of 0.27.
From its large, low grille and high intensity headlights that give it an open expressive glare from the front, to its sleek aerodynamic body contours, lightweight 17-inch twin spoke alloys and unique GT86 marque styling, its distinctive, assertive appearance make it an instant sporting icon. Optional side, roof and bonnet decals in black or silver let you customise the sports look further.
Simple, bold, uncluttered – the cockpit is designed around the driver. The seating position is low; you’re gripped by the sculpted seats, perfectly positioned for the sports style aluminium pedals. Aviation style gearshift switches and controls are intuitively positioned - the buckskin covered sports steering wheel and short throw gearshift are natural and instinctively designed for sports driving.
The interior is available with a choice of two trims – classic black, or black with red steering wheel, gear-knob, handbrake and door handle inserts. Sports cloth black seats are fitted as standard whilst full black leather and red Alcantara® seat trim are available as an option.
The essence of a sports car is driver control. High-tech driver aids can get in the way of the skill and emotion of driving. The GT86 is engineered to give you complete control, equipped with unobtrusive technology designed only to enhance your experience.
Smart Entry and Start system, cruise control, scuff plates and the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system for unprecedented in-car convenience – all come as standard. Touch lets you control the six-speaker audio system, provides hands-free call answering with Bluetooth technology, and lets you choose your soundtrack to the road with music streaming, and a USB port.
Upgrade to Toyota Touch and Go to be even more connected. Enhanced sat nav with safety camera warnings, on-board connection to Google Local Search.
The limited edition GT86 TRD adds further impact and appeal to Toyota's sports coupe. The car, of which just 250 examples will be available, features a range of design and performance features, developed by Toyota Racing Development, one of the worlds most accomplished and successful vehicle enhancement businesses.
TRD's roots go way back to the 1950s when a team of specialist technicians began customising Toyota production cars for motor sports events. More than 60 years of continuous innovation later, you'll find TRD Toyota cars competing from the front of the grid in races the world over.
Toyota's first production sports car – the Sports 800 – the prototype was called the “Toyota Publica Sports” and had its debut at the 1962 Tokyo Auto Show.
A year later Toyota showed a prototype for a Publica-based sports car with removable roof, going into production in 1965 – beating Porsche into production with what we now know as the Targa top.
Inspired to design a sports car that would rival those in Europe, we unveiled the now iconic Toyota 2000GT at the Tokyo Motor Show. A limited production, front engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat coupe grand tourer – it was considered the first Japanese Supercar. It boasted 150bhp, a five-speed gearbox, a top speed of 140mph and could achieve 0-60 in just 9 seconds.
The 2000GT was made even more famous for its appearance in the Bond movie, You Only Live Twice, driven by Sean Connery. At the time of the movie, the car was only available as a coupe; Toyota custom-made 2 convertible models exclusively for the movie.
Still highly collectable today, it revolutionised the way Japanese car manufacturers were seen by the motor sport and engineering world. The 2000GT had a successful motorsports career too, coming third in the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix and winning the Fuji 24-Hour race in 1967. It also set several FIA world records for speed and endurance in a 72-hour test.
Now a classic among enthusiasts (and drift racers) for its excellent handling and affordable price, the Corolla GT (AE86) coupe was a rear-wheel drive with a fuel injected 4 cylinder twin-cam engine, born in a time of front engine, front wheel drive cars. Also known as the Corolla Levin and Corolla Trueno, the AE86 reference refers to the chassis code – and is a big inspiration to today’s GT86.
During its production life, and beyond, it was a popular choice for motorsport, especially rallying and circuit racing. It won the British Touring Car Championship in 86 and 87, and was popular among the Japanese “hashiriya” (street racers) who would race them through mountain passes where the corners suited it best thanks to its low kerb weight, balance and powerful engine – its limited slip differential made it a favourite among the drift crowd.
A welcome return to the Toyota sporting heritage and homage to so the AE86 and 2000GT, the GT86 is born. A front-engine, rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated sports coupe with low centre of gravity and near-perfect power to weight ratio. The real deal.
A limited edition is launched featuring design and performance features developed by Toyota Racing Development.
