Slight power increase for new Toyota 86

The Toyota 86 injected a vial of sportiness into the Toyota brand and we certainly look at the Japanese outfit with more excitment than we did five year ago. Toyota’s catchphrase waku-doki (adrenaline rush) wouldn’t be around were it not for this car

And as with all things motoring, a new model is on the horizon and if these early indications are anything to go by, the new Toyota 86 will continue where the old one left off.

Next week, at the New York Auto Show, Toyota will reveal its 2017 model 86.

Concerning the engine, those convinced that the new model would feature turbo charged power should stop reading now. Toyota will continue with the 86’s naturally aspirated 2,0-litre engine. Power outputs have been slightly increased (155 kW/210 N.m), and should help shave off those hundredths of a second so as not be the last home in every drag race.

In addition to the slightly more powerful engine, the manual gearbox has been revised and now benefits new ratios for a performance-orientated drive.

Visually the new Toyota 86 gets new bumpers for a wider, more aggressive posture. The lights have also been changed, and so too the design of the alloy wheels. Inside, the new 86 will feature a softer choice of materials and plastics for a more premium and upmarket feel. Expect some fancy stitching to adorn the seats and steering wheel.

It remains to be seen whether Toyota can market the new 86 as an affordable, fun car as it did with the current model, or if the changes and improvements will see the price skyrocket to over R400 000 – which as the Subaru BRZ compellingly proved, is a step too far.

The New York Auto Show commences on 23 March 2016 and the Toyota 86 should reach our shores later this year or early 2017.