Toyota’s FT-86 G Sports Concept has arrived in South Africa, unveiled today at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.
Based on the FT-86 concept unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show late last year, this modified, turbo-charged show-piece was developed to help promote Toyota’s new G Sports styling kits, exclusive to the Japanese market.
The FT-86 was designed to be a true driver’s car. As such the vehicle will be offered with rear wheel drive and a low curb weight. Mated to a free-revving, Subaru-sourced Boxer engine, that is expected to produce around 147 kW, the FT-86 G Sport promises true driving enjoyment and an exceptional power to weight ratio.
“Toyota has made clear its intentions to inject a fresh dose of excitement into the world’s favourite automotive brand. The FT-86 G Sport is a concept version of one of the products of these intentions and fans can expect more, both at the Johannesburg Motor Show and in the near future,” says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors and a Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).
The final production vehicle, which will simply be known as 86, in recognition of the legendary “Hachi roku” or AE86 Corolla, and final performance figures have not yet been made public, but a near production version was on show at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, signalling that the release of the production version is imminent. Toyota has confirmed that it will produce the FT-86 in both left and right hand drive configuration, and that the car will be coming to South Africa shortly after its international launch sometime next year.
