2019 Toyota 86 GT: Pros And Cons
The big news for the 2019 Toyota 86 is the arrival of the TRD Special Edition model. Limited to 1,418 units, the 86 TRD Special Edition boasts a number of race-ready features, including Sachs dampers, big Brembo brakes with meaty 12.8-inch front and 12.4-inch rear rotors (1.2 inches and 1.0 inch larger than the standard units), and 18-inch wheels with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (lesser models ride on 17-inch wheels wrapped in less sticky Michelin rubber).
Toyobaru Twins:
If the TRD Special Edition is the 86 you’re looking to read up on, then click elsewhere, because instead of sending us the latest and greatest variant of its rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, Toyota delivered us a run-of-the-mill 86 GT. Positioned above the $27,225 base model, the $29,355 GT adds comfort and convenience items such as a 4.2-inch gauge cluster display screen, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a proximity key with push-button start. Opting for the GT also nets a rear wing and an underbody panel, both of which lower the coefficient of drag for the 86 from 0.29 to 0.27. Although the 86 is far from perfect, there’s still a lot to like about this little Toyota.
Pros
The 86’s predictable and communicative chassis is arguably this two-door sports coupe’s most redeeming quality. Factor in quick and tactile steering, fluid throttle responses, and forgiving Michelin Prima...
