Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada said: "There is no reason that development should stop, only because the vehicle has gone on sale. GT86 is all about driver involvement, and we are committed to keep enhancing this aspect of the car. The 2015 Model Year delivers the latest status of GT86's continuous evolution."

The foundation of the upgrade is a more rigid fixation of the front suspension and the rear shock absorbers.

The potential of this increased rigidity is fully exploited a rework of shock absorbers. They provide a more stable damping and improved friction control, delivering smoother and yet more communicative handling. Body-roll is further reduced, and the steering feel is even crisper than before.

The suspension upgrade is designed to make it easier again for the driver to read the road, giving him all the confidence he needs to control the car, when it's driven on the limit.

The '15 Model Year also benefits from a new carbon-fibre motif dashboard insert, for a more premium appearance.

On the exterior, a shark-fin antenna has been adopted to improve both looks and aerodynamics. A new pearl-white and a new silver paint finish complete the '15 Model Year update, which will be available throughout Europe from summer.

The logger collects data passing through the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) and also positional data from its dedicated GPS, and formats the data for easy copying to USB memory. CAN data can include GPS data, accelerator pedal strokes, steering angles, brake operation signals, shift operation signals, engine speed and vehicle speed.

The first application compatible with the data is Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s racing game Gran Turismo 6^*3*4 (GT6), a PlayStation^®3^*3 (PS3) exclusive. On April 2, a PS3 firmware update (version 1.06) will enable the input of driving data recorded at certain racing circuits into GT6's GPS Visualizer to let users replay track runs and race against their own or their friends' data.

Furthermore, by using the GPS Data Visualizer in conjunction with GT6's GPS Data Logger, users will be able to compare their own driving data against those of professional drivers, enabling study and improvement of driving techniques by practicing in concert with model braking, acceleration techniques and racing lines.

Initially supported racing circuits are the Fuji Speedway International Racing Course, the Tsukuba Circuit 2000 Course, and the Suzuka Circuit International Racing Course, with additional circuits planned for the future.

^*1Limited release the GAZOO Racing 86/BRZ Race planned for April 2 through Toyota Technocraft Co., Ltd.

^*2Includes eight percent Japanese consumption tax excludes installation and other costs

^*3Registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

^*4Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc.

Toyota Spain provided two units of the Toyota GT86 for track-drives, allowing guests to experience real-life hot laps on the Ascari circuit.

Furthermore, the GT86s were equipped with prototype versions of the CAN-Gateway ECU, in development from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Denso Corporation (DENSO). This device collects and stores real-time vehicle data such as GPS position, speed, actuation of the accelerator and brake pedal, steering angle, selected gear and others. It can help software developers to create driving simulators and games, without the need to access and interpret the complicated vehicle CAN-protocol. The CAN-Gateway ECU will be commercialized on the Japanese market in the Spring of 2014.

Further development is underway to enable vehicle data from drivers on major circuits to be recorded onto USB flash drives for input into the racing game Gran Turismo^® 6. This data can then be used to review driving scenarios and compare them side-by-side with gaming data. Guests at the Gran Turismo^® launch could already test this functionality.

The event also marked the announcement of the Vision Gran Turismo^® project, under which various manufacturers have committed to develop vehicle concepts that GT6 owners will be able to put through their paces on their game console. Toyota revealed a sketch of the sports car that it is preparing for Vision Gran Turismo^®.

Founded in 1954, TRD (Toyota Racing Development) has been designing tuning parts for Toyota vehicles in Japan for over half a century. With the launch of the GT86, TRD aerodynamics- and performance-enhancing parts are now available throughout Europe for the first time.

A GT86 equipped with TRD Performance Line accessories will be on display, showcasing just some of the comprehensive range of exterior, interior and mechanical components available for the GT86. TRD parts are not grouped into packages, and are each available individually.

Exterior, Aero and Interior Parts

A range of aero parts is available in white and partial black, all black, or an unpainted, primer finish to allow painting in any colour. They include a front spoiler, side skirts, a rear trunk spoiler and a rear under spoiler. A stainless steel rear diffuser set effectively controls lift generated at high speed, and incorporates four fins to control air flow for improved straight line stability.

A heavy duty, metallic silver fuel filler cap features sporting, hexagon bolt detailing. A choice of two, TRD 18" aluminium wheels is available. Designed for use with the TRD Monoblock Brake Kit, the forged SF2 wheel combines light weight with high rigidity, and unsprung weight is reduced to improve vehicle manoeuvrability. The cast TF6 wheel is a further development of TRD's proven, popular and stylish 10-spoke TF4 design.

TRD interior parts available include a centre console-mounted push button start switch, and a new gear knob. Clad in real leather for improved grip, the knob is shorter than the standard part, and features a concave top for a more comfortable grip and improved heat dissipation.

Performance Enhancing Parts

The GT86 chassis may be enhanced with a Full-length Ride Adjustment Shock Absorber and Spring Suspension Set. Enabling the vehicle ride height to be changed, the set's 40-stage damping force adjustment mechanism offers settings to suit every driving environment. Their fully adjustable design preserves optimum conditions across the entire suspension stroke and spring length.

Tuned to the TRD Suspension Set, a Front and Rear Stabiliser Set optimises body roll, and a Front Strut Tower Bar with a carbon fibre shaft brings out the suspension's full performance by controlling flex in the upper section of the suspension tower.

Chassis performance may be further improved through a Member Brace Set. The set employs steel bracing plates to connect the rear suspension member, front lower arm, steering rack and body, minimising bodyshell movement to maximise the full potential of the suspension.

An industry first, the TRD Door Stabiliser uses a spacer with a built-in slider mechanism to automatically fill the gap in the door striker area. Reducing this gap to zero significantly improves the torsional rigidity of the bodyshell for improved steering response and suspension efficiency.

Braking efficiency may be enhanced through a front and rear Monoblock Brake Kit. The system uses 355 mm front and 345 mm rear rotors and red, 6-pot front and 4-pot rear Brembo monoblock callipers to offer aggressive, fade-free, racing pedigree stopping power.

Direct Brake Lines are integral to the Monoblock Brake Kit, but are available separately to enhance the performance of a standard GT86 brake system. Honed through Toyota's racing experience and highly reliable, their stainless steel braided hose construction prevents brake line deterioration or expansion due to heat, achieving a safer more direct braking feel under even the most extreme track conditions.

Sports-quality oil and air filters are available, and a new radiator cap features an increased valve opening pressure. This, in turn, increases the pressure inside the radiator, raising the boiling point to more effectively control air bubbles and improve the radiators cooling efficiency.

A High Response Muffler with four exhausts has been designed to match the TRD Rear Bumper Spoiler and stainless steel rear diffuser. It is tuned to give the exhaust note a satisfying, racing note appropriate to the TRD pedigree.

List of TRD parts to be made available in Europe:

Front Spoiler

Side Skirt

Rear Trunk Spoiler

Rear Bumper Spoiler

Muffler Garnish

High Response Muffler

Rear Diffuser

Monoblock Brake Kit

Direct Brake Line

Shock Absorber Set

Coil Spring Set

Stabiliser Set

Front Strut Tower Bar

Member Brace Set

Door Stabiliser

Radiator Cap

Oil Filter Cap

Sports Oil Filter

Sports Air Filter

Fuel Cap Cover

Shift Knob (for MT & AT)

TRD Badge

Push Start Switch

Alloy Wheel 18" forged

Front License Plate Bracket

Alloy Wheel 18" cast

Part 1: Design inspirations from Toyota's rich sports car heritage

The GT86 takes design cues from the acclaimed Toyota 2000GT sports car, first introduced in 1967. From the long bonnet design to the mid-section DLO (Daylight Opening) lines, and finishing off with the flowing designs around the rear bumper, Dezi Nagaya explains the intricate details on how the 2000GT inspired Toyota's new-age sports coupe.

YouTube link: http://bit.ly/zGu9IK

Part 2: Giving the GT86 an exterior visual presence

Dezi Nagaya describes how Toyota's new "Keen Look" and "Under Priority" design language gives the GT86 its visual presence. Another key to the design philosophy of the GT86 is the subtle hints towards the actual vehicle mechanics under the bonnet.

YouTube link: http://bit.ly/xWa8g5

Part 3: Driver-oriented interior styling

As a driver-oriented sports car, the interior offers a focussed and distraction-free driving experience. Our camera follows Dezi Nagaya inside the GT86 where he describes the "Neo Functionalism" design concept and details some subtle design cues such as the "T" shaped patterns in the dashboard.

YouTube link: http://bit.ly/xWzntC

Part 4: Creating an iconic "86" logo

The final part of the design story focuses on the new iconic "86" logo. The logo features two pistons, highlighting the boxer-engine powering the GT86. The "86" text is designed to reflect the four-wheel drift of the perfectly balanced GT86.

YouTube link: http://bit.ly/FW4l9v

All four instalments of the videos are now available on Toyota Europe's YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/ToyotaEurope) and Media Site (http://media.toyota.eu/).

Toyota's eagerly awaited, compact 2+2 sports car, the GT86, is an entirely driver-oriented vehicle. It gives form to the pure, intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous response to even the smallest throttle or steering inputs, for those who regard driving as a passion rather than a necessity.

Based on an entirely new platform, the GT86 has a low, highly aerodynamic bodyshell stretched tight over the engineering hard points, making it the world's most compact four-seat sports car design.

Throughout thousands of man-hours spent overcoming hundreds of development challenges, Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada and his Subaru counterpart, Toshio Masuda, fought tooth and nail for three key elements in the new sports car: a rear-wheel drive format, no turbocharging and ordinary tyres.

Shunning a heavy, large displacement powertrain for its performance, the GT86 returns to Toyota's sporting roots with the world's only combination of a compact, front-mounted, naturally aspirated, free-revving, horizontally opposed 'boxer' petrol engine and rear-wheel drive.

This unique powertrain format combines with light weight, low inertia and a low centre of gravity to realise the best possible power-to-weight ratio. These attributes give the GT86 lively, accessible performance, highly engaging, readily exploitable dynamic abilities with minimal electronic intrusion, and maximum driving pleasure.

Conceived to focus specifically on the purity of the classic sports car experience, designed by a passionate team of engineers, honed through competition and fine-tuned to satisfy the most discerning enthusiast, the GT86 inherits the spirit of former Toyota sports cars to reward drivers with pure driving involvement.

The GT86 engineering design incorporates elements that allow easy adjustment or customisation to suit user preferences. Making it as simple as possible by, for instance, minimising electronic control devices, allows customers to personalise the GT86 with relative ease.

Even higher performance tyres have been rejected in favour of the one overriding development goal of the GT86: fun.

The Number 86

Though paying homage to both the exhilarating drivability of the Corolla Levin AE86 and its unique relationship with owners, enthusiasts and tuning shops, the number 86 has played a further, significant role throughout the development of Toyota's new sports car.

Auspiciously, the vehicle's in-house development code was 086A. The boxer engine's square bore and stroke set-up of 86 mm x 86 mm proves ideal, remaining faithful to Toyota's long, 2.0 litre sports engine history. The legendary 3M engine of the 2000GT and the 1G-G engine of the Supra were both in-line six-cylinder configurations with a square bore and stroke of 75 mm. And the in-line, four-cylinder unit in the Celica and MR2 shares the GT86's square bore and stroke of 86 mm.

Even the inner diameter of the GT86's chrome-tipped exhaust measures exactly 86 mm…

A 50 Year Heritage of Front-Engined, Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Cars

Toyota has a 50 year history of creating exciting, driver-focused, front-engined rear-wheel drive sports cars that have proved as popular with the public as they have been successful in competition.

The new GT86 captures the best elements of three key models from that rich sporting heritage: the Toyota Sports 800, the Toyota 2000GT and the AE86.

Though the GT86 launches as the world's only front-mounted horizontally opposed engine and rear-wheel drive package, it cannot claim to be the first. That honour goes to Toyota's two-cylinder boxer engined Sports 800, which the company presented at the Tokyo Motorshow in 1962.

With its compact body and excellent fuel efficiency, the Sports 800 achieved great success in endurance races. The low centre of gravity of the boxer engine and front-engine, rear-drive powertrain format was considered ideal for a car providing maximum driving entertainment. For this reason, the GT86 has adopted this classic layout for the first time since the Toyota Sports 800.

The beautiful 2000GT -of which only 337 units were built- a 2.0 litre straight-six-powered coupe first displayed at the 1965 Tokyo Motorshow, helped establish the company's global reputation as a sports car manufacturer.

Even now, its styling appears sophisticated, cool and fresh. During the development of the GT86, a 2000GT was placed next to the clay model of new sports car being developed by the designers. Without receiving any specific instructions, the designers continued their work, occasionally looking at the 2000GT. As a result, their work infused the GT86 with the spirit of the 2000GT without imitating it.

From the AE86, the GT86 inherits not its hardware, but its spirit. The AE86 was not an extreme sports car. It was moderately priced, with a mass-produced engine and a compact, front engine, rear-wheel drive body.

Collaboration with Subaru

Following Toyota's alliance with Subaru in 2005, the two companies began discussing the joint creation of a symbol of this alliance. The idea of a true, entry-level sports car was discussed.

Ultimately, it was decided that, as Toyota was going to be involved in a joint development project with Subaru, nothing could be more natural than to create a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout with a horizontally opposed engine. It was universally agreed that this engineering format would give the new car tremendous impact.

The feasibility study of the GT86 project began in 2006, with Toyota playing the leading role in both the Product Planning and Design phases. Collaborating as 'Team 86', Toyota and Subaru shared responsibility for the Development programme.

Subaru played the leading role in Engineering Design, with Toyota technologies and know-how employed in vehicle fundamentals such as the engine, transmission and suspension. At the Evaluation stage, both Toyota and Subaru worked together on roads and race tracks around the world to refine the vehicle's performance and dynamic abilities.

Each company was independently responsible for the ultimate driving feel of their own derivative. A painstaking fine-tuning process by Toyota test drivers has created the uniquely agile response, precise control, confidence-inspiring stability and sheer driving entertainment for which the new Toyota sports car is already renowned.

Under this principle, the pleasure of driving and the aesthetic beauty of the car are considered as part of its functionality.

Informed by the key words honmono kan, which mean 'authentic' or 'genuine feel', functional shapes and forms are the driving force behind the design. Yet, by recalling the heritage of past Toyota front-engined rear-wheel drive machines, the styling is also intended to evoke the timeless appeal of the sports car.

For instance, the exterior lines and surfaces have been shaped not only for maximum visual appeal, but also to let the driver know where each corner of the vehicle is at all times, helping him place it accurately on the road or track.

This 'viewed from the inside out' approach was integral to the design process from the earliest stages. The bold front fenders are readily visible through the windscreen, and the rear fenders through the door mirrors. These prominent forms at all four corners of the low-lying body add a new dimension to the feeling of being at one with the car.

Evocative Design Combining Iconic Styling with Functional Beauty

4,240 mm long, 1,775 mm wide, only 1,285 mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm, the new GT86 is the world's most compact four-seater sports car.

It combines the technical constraints of the smallest possible packaging dimensions, a low centre of gravity and excellent aerodynamic performance with evocative, sweeping styling reminiscent of past Toyota sports cars.

A perfectly preserved 2000GT was placed beside the full-scale clay mock-up of the new vehicle whilst it was being sculpted. As a result, the spirit of Toyota's beautiful, 1967 sports car was subtly infused into the styling. Hints of this are evident throughout the GT86 bodywork, most notably in the absence of cut lines in the cockpit superstructure, the side window forms and the rear fender character line.

The classic cut lines of the 2000GT also inspired the designers to place a similar emphasis on the door openings of the GT86 bold line segmentation bringing out the symbolic characteristics of a two-door sports car.

The GT86's bold, simple yet iconic styling incorporates two key pillars of a new Toyota design language: Under Priority frontal design, which places the emphasis on an enlarged lower grille, focusing attention on the lower part of the car for a distinctive, more assertive appearance, and a Keen Look approach for clear, intelligent and expressive styling.

Keen means 'intelligent' and 'clear' in this context clear as in 'Vibrant Clarity', which means bright and clean. The Keen Look concept is not limited to sports cars, and is to be rolled out on many other Toyota models.

This new design language is enhanced by a combination of bold 'scorpion' styling to the lower grille, and the piercing glare of High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and LED daytime running lights, giving the GT86 an even more aggressive, sporting appearance.

The front of the GT86 incorporates advanced aerodynamics and cooling technologies. But the design doesn't flaunt excessive aerodynamic ingenuity, and the front and rear fenders retain the sensual contours of a sports car.

The GT86 design uses a unique concept called 'Aero Sandwiching'. The car is pushed by air from the top, bottom and both sides —effectively sandwiched by air from all directions, which stabilises it both vertically and horizontally. In this way the car is settled on the road without unnecessary downforce, which can have a negative impact on the drag coefficient and, hence, fuel consumption.

The dented contour on the 'pagoda' roof is an example of this system at work, and similar treatment has also been applied to the underbody, smoothing airflow and enhancing downforce. As a result, the GT86 has a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.27.

The sides of the roof were raised to allow extra headroom, enabling the overall roof height to be lowered further. The raised section on each side widens towards the rear. This form gives extra torsional stiffness to the structure, which is particularly useful on the GT86, the roof of which is fabricated in steel just 0.65 mm thick, to minimise weight.

Further aerodynamic details include a rear spoiler and the use of stabilising canard fins known as 'sakana' (meaning 'fish' in Japanese), which are integrated throughout the bodywork, including in the sides of the rear combination lamps. The location of sakana both on the sides and the underbody of the GT86 further contribute to lateral stability.

To the rear, the contrast between the compact cabin form and the trapezoidal, broad shouldered rear bodywork reinforces the GT86's wide rear track and firmly planted stance. The raised rear diffuser, incorporating twin chromed exhausts, expresses the excellent aerodynamics and lightweight agility of the new sports car.

The new Toyota incorporates numerous, carefully considered sporting details. They include a GT86-exclusive, T-mesh grille motif which is repeated in the triangular rear centre foglamp design, a rear spoiler, a connecting rod motif in the HID headlamps and at the tip of the twin exhausts, and the front wing-mounted '86' piston logo.

The '86' piston logo not only highlights the car's unique, front boxer engine rear-wheel drive powertrain format, but also represents the vehicle tyres sliding in a four-wheel drift, highlighting the perfect balance of the GT86 at the limits of the performance envelope.

Even the vehicle's unpainted resin exterior surfaces have come under scrutiny from the design team. A new grain pattern inspired by the appearance and texture of carbon fibre has been created for the GT86. To the front, this graining forms a V-shaped pattern focused on the centreline of the vehicle, expressing movement. To the rear, the same pattern is inverted, reinforcing the GT86's ground-hugging stance.

The GT86 is available in a choice of seven exterior colours the timeless elegance of Satin White Pearl, Dark Grey, Crystal Black Silica and Sterling Silver, and the more sporting character of Lightning Red, Galaxy Blue Silica and a Toyota-unique Metallic Fusion Orange.

The new sports car is fitted with Toyota's lightest 17" aluminium wheels, which feature machine-finished twin spokes offset with thin, dark accent spokes.

Ergonomic, Functional, Driver Focused Cockpit

On board the GT86, the entirely driver-focused cockpit re-evaluates the essence of sports car driving through the detailed examination of the ergonomics and functionality of every element with which the driver interacts, allowing the new Toyota sports car to be driven as if it were a natural extension of the driver's body.

The shape, layout and construction of each driving control element has been optimised to focus on functionality and usability the positioning and display organisation of the driver's instrument binnacle dials the grip and functional design of the steering wheel the intuitive layout and operability of all switchgear and the ideal shape, construction and material finish of the seats.

The horizontal dashboard design helps communicate the vehicle's roll posture to the driver, whilst its clearly symmetrical construction makes it easy for the driver to perceive the vehicle centre line during competition driving. To that end, a vehicle centreline mark is located on the front upper edge of the dashboard, and its reflected image can be seen on the windscreen.

Built around the large tachometer, the three dial instrument cluster has been designed with particular attention paid to display placement, markings and typeface, ensuring optimum, at-a-glance visibility and readability during sports driving. Hence, a digital speedometer has been located inside the tachometer, as well as a red shift light which illuminates to help drivers change gear at optimum engine revs.

Reflecting the GT86's sporting pedigree, the steering wheel has a diameter of just 365 mm, the smallest yet fitted to a Toyota. Its buckskin finish has been developed through exhaustive feedback from test drivers to offer enhanced steering performance and maximum grip under all cockpit conditions.

The steering wheel centre pad has a quality feel like hand-stitched, natural grain leather. In place of a metal badge, it is embossed with the '86' logo.

With the lowest driver hip-point of any Toyota production vehicle - just 400 mm - the GT86's driving position is 7 mm lower than that of a Porsche Cayman. The seat design has been refined to ergonomic perfection through Nurburgring circuit testing, and under race conditions, to ensure it remains comfortable over long periods behind the wheel.

The seatbacks and cushion cross sections are designed to provide optimum support under G-force acceleration from the front, back and sides. In addition, the shape of the front seat is designed not only for comfort, but also to prevent elbows from interfering with gearshift operation.

Two seat finishes are available, a combination of leather and Alcantara, and a newly designed, non-slip, suede-like fabric which combines durability and breathability with excellent holding characteristics.

The one-piece rear seatback can be folded flat, creating sufficient loadspace for four standard tyres and additional racing paraphernalia.

Over and above the low centre of gravity inherent in its design, a further advantage of the boxer engine installation is that its compact front-to-rear dimensions make the transmission far less intrusive in the cabin. As a result, the pedal box does not have to be squeezed to one side, and the pedal positions are perfect for skilled and sporting driving.

Soft knee pads built into the door trim and centre console sides provide support and help the driver maintain pedal control even during the lateral movement experienced in a particularly spirited drive.

The GT86 interior also features a frameless rear view mirror. This stylish, lightweight design maximises the driver's view astern without overly impeding the view forward through the windscreen.

The dedicated driving focus of the cockpit is further reinforced by a centre console-mounted engine start button, carbon effect trim, a sporting, all-black roof lining, red upholstery stitching, aviation-style switch and lightweight aluminium pedals.

Highlighted by contrasting seat back and side section materials, red accent stitching and silver ornamentation throughout, a choice of sporting, high quality, Black or Black and Red interior colour schemes is offered.

Both schemes incorporate GT86-unique, T-mesh pattern finishes to the instrument binnacle dials, climate control panel, door switch base and upholstery, and the connecting rod motif applied to the instrument dials, side air vents and gear level base.

Comfort, Convenience and Customisation Features

The new GT86 is equipped with a fully automatic air-conditioning system with independent left and right temperature control. Maintaining the GT86 ethos of weight saving throughout the vehicle, the unit is of a notably compact and lightweight design.

The new Toyota Touch audio system is available, equipped with AM/FM/CD 6 speakers, AUX and USB input connectivity. The six speakers comprise two 25 mm dashboard-mounted tweeters, two 160 mm front door speakers and two 65 mm rear quarter speakers.

All versions of the GT86 are fitted with two 12v accessory sockets, twin cup and bottle holders and green UV-cut glass to the side and rear windows. In addition, the new Toyota sports car is equipped with cruise control and a Smart Entry & Start System.

The GT86 has been designed to offer customers maximum potential for individual customisation, with an extensive range of exterior and interior accessories allowing owners to enjoy tuning and customising to suit their needs.

Assuming that some owners will participate in motor sport, the interior has been designed for the easy installation of a roll cage and, in the interests of weight saving, customers can forgo standard equipment such as the air-conditioning system and the audio unit.

The solution to these potentially disparate requirements lay in combining Subaru's newly-developed boxer engine with Toyota's latest direct fuel injection system to create the world's first horizontally opposed engine with D-4S (Direct injection 4-stroke gasoline engine) technology.

However, Tada's reluctance to incorporate turbocharging still presented a considerable engineering challenge, there being no naturally aspirated, direct fuel injection engine revving to 7,400 rpm in existence before the development of the GT86…

World's First Horizontally Opposed Engine with D-4S Technology

To Subaru's newly developed, horizontally opposed, 1,998 cc, four-cylinder boxer engine, Toyota has added its unique, next-generation D-4S technology for the first time.

With separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, D-4S performs both high-pressure direct injection into the cylinder and conventional intake port injection, or direct cylinder injection only, in accordance with engine speed. Hence, intake air and fuel are mixed evenly at all engine speed ranges, increasing throttle response, power and torque over a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

With a namesake 86 mm x 86 mm bore and stroke -a 'square' engine combining fuel economy with well balanced rotation, the GT86's engine block and 16 valve, DOHC cylinder heads have been newly developed to achieve both high engine speed and a high compression ratio of 12.5:1.

The piston mass has been minimised and its length optimised in the interests of engine speed. The crest shape has been optimised to facilitate direct injection and a high compression ratio. A crank pin with a 50 mm diameter has been adopted to increase rigidity at high engine speeds. And the connecting rod shape has also been optimised to help realise the high engine speeds required.

The GT86's boxer unit employs a front-mounted air intake layout to lower the engine position, with a low intake manifold to further lower the centre of gravity. In the interests of lowering the engine position as far as possible within the GT86, it was also decided to completely revise both the exhaust system and the oil pan design.

The vertical measurements of the exhaust system have been minimised to lower the engine position, and the middle pipe layout optimised to allow for the lowest possible vehicle height.

The system employs a dual pipe and muffler layout for optimum efficiency, with the manifold layout and the adoption of a large diameter pipe designed to reduce exhaust pressure losses. The system further features a front hexagonal cell catalyst and rear low pressure loss catalyst to enhance emissions performance.

Toyota engineers designed the oil pan to be as compact as a dry sump. The final design made it possible to lower the engine centre of gravity simply by making the oil pan thinner. A unique internal fin shape was also developed for the pan, allowing them to scoop up oil to promote thorough lubrication.

The new flat four revs freely to 7,400 rpm, at which point a gear shift prompt light flashes in the driver's instrument binnacle. Over-revving the engine introduces a well-judged, soft rev limiter rather than a sudden engine cut out.

Equalising the intake and exhaust timings has given the engine an extremely pleasant, smooth-revving sound. But Toyota engineers were concerned that various countries' strict noise regulations would make it difficult to increase the exhaust note volume as much as might be desirable for the driver to hear in a sports car.

In response, the engineers decided to bring the sound directly into the car the first time a system of this type has been used in a Toyota vehicle. When intake pulses hit the sound creator, a damper resonates at certain frequencies to optimise the intake sound. The optimised sound is then channelled directly into the cabin via a rubber hose. A stress-free, soft intake sound is produced under slow acceleration, while a true sports car intake sound is generated under full throttle acceleration.

6-speed Manual or Automatic Transmissions

Being the part of the car -along with the steering- most directly linked to the driver, a meticulous focus on the transmission has been fundamental to the successful development of the GT86. The flat-four engine may be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.

An unprecedented number of engineers from Toyota, Subaru and Aisin AI worked with a researcher specialising in gear shift feel to significantly upgrade an existing Toyota 6-speed manual transmission.

It was unanimously agreed at the outset that, in a car created for manual transmission purists, the gearbox should feature a short shift, 'flick of the wrist' lever travel. The final transmission required the creation of five separate prototypes and the use of some 85% of newly designed components.

It offers quick, precise shifting through closely stacked ratios via the highly engaging action of a tactile, short-throw lever. Triple cone synchromesh has been adopted for 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears, and a highly rigid-feeling, floating construction offers a smooth yet firm operation without unpleasant stiffness when the gears engage, not only when the vehicle is being driven, but also when parked.

A new, Toyota designed, 6-speed automatic transmission combines direct response and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles with the world's fastest torque-converter AT shifting speed of only 0.2 seconds.

It incorporates high response gear change control, supporting sporting driving in M (manual) range and Sport modes by prioritising responsiveness during upshifts for extremely fast gear changes. Adding sensory appeal to sporting driving, blipping downshift control automatically revs the engine on downshifts, matching engine speed to the mesh speed of the next gear for extremely smooth and rapid downshifts.

Even when driving in D (drive) range, the transmission allows for the temporary manual override of the gearbox via paddle shift control. The Sport mode offers faster shift response times and activates lock-up control from low speeds providing a more direct gear shift feeling. Snow mode automatically adjusts throttle response to control torque delivery characteristics on snow and other slippery surfaces, maximising vehicle grip and traction.

Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited slip differential with a final drive ratio of 4.1, optimising traction and grip under all driving conditions.

Fine-tuning of the GT86's suspension, brakes and steering has maximised the benefits of its minimal mass, supercar-rivalling lack of inertia and ultra-low centre of gravity, allowing drivers to fully exploit the purity of the new Toyota sports car's outstandingly nimble handling, dynamic agility and cornering poise.

The Nurburgring played a particularly important role in helping chief test driver Akihiro Osaka and his team test and tweak the vehicle. Osaka's approach was to alternate testing between the track itself and the surrounding country roads, thus realising both the durability necessary for endurance racing and the handling to full engage drivers during everyday use.

Comprehensive Weight Saving Measures

Weight saving was fundamental to the development of the GT86. Making it lightweight was synonymous with honmono kan making it authentic. Only a genuinely lightweight machine offers the intimacy and involvement of a car that can be driven as if it were an extension of the driver's body.

A car with a 2.0 litre engine of this class is normally about 1,300 kg, but Toyota was determined to make the GT86 weigh around 1,200 kg, guaranteeing an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

It was decided that the key to minimising weight was to maximise the use of specialised, exclusive parts, through a 'Common Parts Reduction Campaign'. For instance, the common fuel tank used initially was replaced with a model-specific design which has a particularly unusual shape in order to fit the space available.

Ultimately, this policy lead to a reduction in the usage of common parts in the GT86 to just 9%.

Establishing the correct body rigidity is also a delicate balance between performance and weight gain. Increasing strength in some areas but actually decreasing it in others to strike the right balance, the body engineers adopted high tensile sheet steel widely throughout the bodyshell to combine light weight with efficient impact absorption and optimum torsional stiffness.

980 MPa high tensile steel has been adopted for areas such as the roof side rails, front header and centre pillar reinforcement, and 1,500 MPa grade hot-pressed steel used for the roof centre reinforcement. The adoption of a 'pagoda' roof form gives extra torsional stiffness to the structure, whilst allowing it to be fabricated in steel just 0.65 mm thick, to minimise weight.

The bonnet is fabricated in sheet aluminium, and an innovative front wing design has enabled thinner sheet steel to be used in the construction process. In combination, these comprehensive weight saving measures have resulted in a vehicle weight of only 1,239 kg.

Ideal Weight Distribution

The flat-four format of the front-mounted boxer engine combines with the lowest driver hip-point of any Toyota production vehicle -just 400 mm- to give the GT86 an ultra-low centre of gravity of only 460 mm.

Both the powertrain and driving position have been set as low and as far as possible towards the centre of the vehicle to optimise balance, giving the GT86 an ideal, 53:47 weight distribution.

Toyota engineers established that, during spirited driving, a 53:47 front bias produced the ideal response to even subtle steering, throttle and brake inputs, allowing drivers to readily control dynamic weight distribution for the best possible vehicle behaviour.

Suspension Fine-Tuning

Incorporating a front performance rod and front and rear anti-roll bars, the front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension systems have been fine-tuned to react instantly to driver input, with a direct handling feel, sharp response and superb controllability.

A new MacPherson strut front suspension layout has been adopted, maximising the benefits of the low centre of gravity and low inertial properties inherent in the GT86's powertrain. Allied to stiffer mounting points, the system features a newly designed upper support, shock absorber, coil spring, stabiliser, knuckle, lower arm and cross member.

The L-shaped lower arm has been reverse positioned to allow the engine to be mounted as low and as close to centre of the vehicle as possible. The steering gearbox has been positioned behind the cross member. The cross member itself has been specially designed to fit within the limited space between the oil pan and the exhaust pipe. Further lowering the GT86's centre of gravity, the coil springs and strut mounts have been positioned as low as possible.

The GT86's 23 N/mm front spring rates allow for slight body roll on initial turn-in, creating the perfect relationship between steering feel and vehicle behaviour exhibited by a classic front-engined, rear-drive platform.

The rear, double wishbone suspension system offers the ideal combination of stability, grip and driver feedback. It also features stiffer mounting points, as well as a newly designed sub frame, shock absorber, coil spring, lower arm, stabiliser and trailing link.

The differential opening of the subframe has been made larger, reducing system weight. The cross sections of the differential opening have also been enlarged to maximise rigidity. The rigidity of the body and subframe attachment points has been enhanced, minimising weight increases whilst ensuring optimum grip and stability performance. The roll axis has been tuned to compliment the front suspension whilst still maintaining the high roll rigidity expected of a sports car.

Electric Power Steering

The GT86 is fitted with a column-coaxial electric power steering system, offering drivers a quick, direct and accurate steering feel. The wheel can be adjusted for rake through 15 mm and for reach through 20 mm. The particularly low, 16 degree column tilt angle is essential for compatibility with the GT86's ultra-low driver hip point.

The steering system was developed for high rigidity from the steering column to the gear box and has a particularly quick gear ratio - 13:1.

Braking and Stability Control Systems

Ventilated disc brakes to both front - 294 mm - and rear - 290 mm- wheels offer a different brake pedal feel to that of any other Toyota. Brake response to pedal input has been fine-tuned to provide precise modulation, assisting drivers in car control finesse by allowing for the smoothest possible dynamic weight transfer under braking.

The GT86 is equipped, as standard, with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC) and an advanced, three mode Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

The ABS and switchable VSC safety systems have been specifically tuned to combine dynamic stability at the limit of the vehicle's performance envelope with minimal electronic intrusion on the purity of the driving experience.

The new VSC system features an additional, next generation VSC SPORT mode. When selected via a transmission tunnel-mounted switch, VSC SPORT expands the permissible range of lateral acceleration and movement before the system intervenes, allowing the driver to explore the limits of vehicle dynamics without sacrificing stability.

Both TRC and VSC may also be fully disengaged by pushing and holding the VSC switch for more than three seconds.

Wheels and Tyres to Exploit Dynamic Potential

Paying tribute to the legendary Black Racing wheels of the AE86, The GT86's 17" alloy wheels feature a unique centre hub design. Toyota's traditional centre cap diameter is 60 mm, but this has been reduced to 49 mm, saving weight for no loss of rigidity, whilst making the spokes appear longer, and the wheels larger.

Toyota engineers determined that the dynamic potential of the GT86 should not rely on high-performance tyres, and the new sports car is equipped with identical 215/45 R17 tyres to those fitted to the Prius.

With very neutral, predictable properties, these tyres allow drivers to exploit the maximum potential of the chassis and suspension. Engineering the GT86 to handle well on Prius tyres also ensures that customers who upgrade to higher performance tyres will readily appreciate the net performance again.

Yaris Hybrid

The Yaris Hybrid will make its world premiere, bringing true innovation to the B-segment. This vehicle will bring Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology to a wider customer group, making it the most accessible full hybrid proposition in the European market. Combining a smooth and silent drive with superior urban agility and maximised interior roominess within a compact exterior size, it will feature the lowest emissions in the segment.

FT-Bh concept

Also making its world debut, the FT-Bh concept is an ultra-lightweight, full hybrid vehicle study, designed to achieve low emissions within an economically viable production framework. The techniques and thought processes demonstrated in the concept avoid the use of exotic and expensive materials or complex procedures, using only those already commonplace in the automotive industry.

GT 86

Making its European debut, Toyota's eagerly awaited GT 86 will be launched across Europe from this summer. Toyota's latest sports car model brings purity, excitement and driving engagement to customers at an affordable price.

TOYOTA NS4 and FCV-R concepts

The TOYOTA NS4 and FCV-R concepts will both make their European debuts. The TOYOTA NS4 is a next generation Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) responding to customer desire for added value in hybrid motoring with advanced design, refined sensory satisfaction and enhanced driving involvement. The FCV-R concept embodies TOYOTA's next step towards the mass-production of hydrogen powered vehicles, paving the way for the launch of a sedan-type Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) by 2015.

TOYOTA diji

Finally, also making its European debut at Geneva, the TOYOTA diji concept offers the ultimate in personalisation. The entire body, both exterior and interior, functions as a display area, with body colour and display content changeable as the driver desires. Messages and information can be displayed with the same ease as downloading an app. Moreover, the TOYOTA diji can form a link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure to offer a truly connected driving experience.

The Toyota press conference will be held on Tuesday, March 6 at 10:15 CET.

* Previously called Fun-Vii at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show