The front engined, rear wheel drive GT 86 will cost from £24,995 on-the-road, and the competitive pricing reflects Toyota's desire to reconnect with a young enthusiast market.
With the demise of the MR2 and Celica models, the withdrawal of the works team from F1 and its focus on more efficient, evironmentally friendly models such as the Prius and its love of hybrid technology, the Japanese conglomerate has been seen to have moved away from building driver-orientated cars.
But that is all set to change, as Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda has made it his mission bring Toyota back to making cars that "made people happy".
Unveiled at last year's Tokyo motor show, the GT 86 is powered by a 2.0 litre flat four Boxer engine, co-developed with Subaru, which is releasing its own sports coupe, the BRZ, later this year. Power output has been measured at 197bhp, which is distributed to the rear wheels through a limited slip differential for best possible grip in all driving conditions. A six-speed manual or automatic transmission can be specified.
The lead-in price of the GT 86 equals that of a Renault Megane Renaultsport 250, putting it squarely in competition with the established hot hatch market, while also undercutting compatriot Nissan's rival sports coupe, the 370Z, by £5000. Further pricing and specification details will be announced nearer the time of launch.
Advance orders are being taken for the GT 86, with a number of UK customers already signed up to be among the first to take ownership of the car when it arrives here this summer.
Posted on 03.02.2012
