Staying true to the original front engine/rear-wheel-drive formula, Toyota has mounted a Subaru-developed D-4S 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine upfront. It then transmits all of its 200 horses and 205 Nm of torque to the rear wheels with the help of a limited-slip differential. There's also a choice of a short shift six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic version with F1-inspired paddle shifts. Though those numbers might sound minuscule by today's standards, do consider that it can zip from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds flat.
Weighing in at mere 1,200 kg, it's only under than 150 kg heavier than the AE86 - not bad considering this modern coupe comes with a lot more toys than the model before it. This, along with its short wheelbase, gives it the characteristically agile handling that made the original AE86 all so famous. And to maintain a near-perfect 53/47 weight ratio, the 2.0L four-cylinder boxer engine was mounted as far back possible. But unlike the old AE86, its younger brother comes with ABS and Vehicle Stability Control to keep you out of trouble.
The GT-86 lives up to the legend not only in terms of performance, but also in appearance. It's truly a sculpted masterpiece that's beautiful from every angle. And if you think it looks good from the outside, then you should take a look at the view behind the wheel. Staring straight at you is a huge silver tachometer that reads up to 7,500 rpm, with a red digital speedometer inside. The three-spoke steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake are wrapped in beautiful leather with red stitching, while the pedals are covered in aluminum for that extra sporty feel. Its twin bucket seats are then embellished with even more red accents and stitching to match the rest of the interior.
Though this coupe offers a 2+2 seating configuration, the +2 rear seats aren't actually big enough to fit adults. So you can pretty much forget about that night out of town with your best buddies. Instead, the GT-86 is perfect for dates or, better yet, going solo on track days or midnight runs.
TMP is brining the GT-86 in seven colors: Satin White Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, Orange Metallic, Lightning Red, Galaxy Blue Silica, Dark Gray Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica. Our initially reported 50 limited units fortunately proved to be inaccurate, as TMP was able to get their hands on 77 GT-86's this year. Available in three different variants, the basic 2.0L MT is priced at P1,550,000 and its AT version at P1,650,000, while the special Aero variant that comes with a wrap-around body kit, rear spoiler, and leather seats tops the chart at P1,875,000. But all of that no longer matters, because according to TMP, all the 77 units have already been spoken for.
Of course, TMP didn't brought us to the Subic International Airport just so that we can see the GT-86 in action at the hands of professional drifters Alex Perez and David Feliciano. On day two, they finally allowed us to personally experience this legend reincarnated. But we'll tell you how great Toyota's new sports coupe really is in our next story - Toyota 86: A tough act to follow.
