The Donuts from Space project has been captured in a short film, released today on Toyota’s official UK YouTube channel and available to view below.

This was not simply a matter of driving a fast car in circles to smear “donuts” on the ground. It called for precision planning, for the driver, the camera crew and the team plotting the exact time at which the satellite would pass overhead to capture the image.

The challenge recruited the best man in the business for car control, Fredric Aasbø, a Formula Drift World Champion. He tackled the task at the wheel of his Icom Toyota Express Service 86-X, a unique competition version of the GT86 powered by a 3.4-litre turbocharged straight-six engine and tuned to produce up to 1150bhp.

“When I was told about the project I thought, ‘Is this for real?’ then it was, ‘Heck yeah, let’s do it!’” he said.

He executed the design on the 137m diameter steering pad at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire, working in inch-perfect synchronicity with two road-going GT86 cars.

“Drifting is controlling a car that is essentially out of control,” he explained, “but this was the first time I had used my car as a paintbrush. It was epic and the highlight of my year.”

The production team collaborated with the aeronautics and space giant Airbus to schedule a high resolution image of the completed 86 logo from one of its twin Pléaides satellites, circling in space, 800km above the earth. Experts at the National Geo Centre helped calculate the precise time at which the satellite and 86 logo would be in perfect alignment.

The only factor that could not be controlled was the weather, but after four months of planning the two-day shoot in August was completed in fine conditions, ensuring a pin-sharp image could be obtained.

To see in full how the short film was made watch the behind the scenes video below:

https://youtu.be/lh8eq1aEJNs

ENDS

Notes to editors: –

Full details of the road-going Toyota GT86 can be found on the Toyota media website here.

High resolution images of Fredric’s GT86 and behind the scenes images can be found here.

About Fredric Aasbø:Known for his flat-out style, champion driver Fredric Aasbø has achieved 100-plus podium finishes on three continents over the past decade of competition. He is the most winning driver in Formula Drift history.

Aasbø made his U.S. debut at a global drifting invitational in 2008 and turned heads as the winner of the 2010 Formula Drift Rookie of the Year title. Since then, he has charged through the drifting ranks around the world and is both a fan favourite and championship winner.

In 2017, he competes in the Formula Drift series in the brand new Rockstar Energy Drink/Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM, while also running a select season of events in Europe in the Icom Toyota Express Service 86-X, and drifting championship events in Asia.

Originally from Ski, Norway, Aasbø now splits his time between his native country and Southern California.

The GT86 conforms to the classic sports car template in being compact, lightweight, having a low centre of gravity and a front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration. The powertrain broke new ground, in adopting a high-revving 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed “boxer” four-cylinder engine, produced by Subaru and equipped with Toyota’s D-4S direct fuel injection.

The GT86 has proved its quality on road, track and rally stage. In fact, valuable data and feedback were gained from the car’s performance in the gruelling arena of the Nürburgring 24 Hours through TOYOTA Gazoo Racing activity in order to shape the changes and improvements now being introduced for the 2017 model – the first significant changes to the car.

In rallying, Toyota Motorsport’s development of the GT86 CS-R3 has brought the excitement of rear-wheel drive back to the sport in a car that is practical and affordable for grass-roots enthusiasts, yet homologated to compete at all levels up to the World Rally Championship.

2017 GT86

Under the skin there have been detailed adjustments to the suspension and damping, targeting improvements in handling, stability and ride comfort, and measures have been introduced to increase body rigidity.

One of the most significant developments in the 2017 GT86 from a driver’s point of view is a new Track mode, giving them the opportunity to enjoy performance driving with minimum intervention of electronic Vehicle Stability Control and traction control systems. The car’s new multi-information display gives them real-time access to power and torque curves, G-forces and a stopwatch to chart successive lap times.

The addition of the Track mode is one element in an extensive reappraisal of the GT86’s electronic control and handling systems, including the performance of the ABS and traction control. Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada considers that these revisions in fact deliver the most significant changes in the car’s handling potential, making good use of information gained from the coupe’s participation in motorsport.

In design terms, the new car is not a radical departure from the original, but rather matures its established styling, reinforcing the car’s low and wide sporting stance. The changes include new LED headlight units with integrated LED daytime running lights and turn indicators, a lower nose and a revised front bumper. At the rear there is a new full-width, wing-type spoiler. Every change – even the smallest detail – has contributed to better aerodynamic performance, under the instruction of Tetsuya Tada, the GT86’s inspirational Chief Engineer.

Customer feedback has also informed the revisions to the coupe, in particular in the cabin where new trim and upholstery materials take the sensory quality to a higher level and a new small-diameter steering wheel generates an even stronger connection between driver and car.

Together these changes combine in a car that stands as an even a stronger expression of the guiding principles that define the GT86 as an authentic, high-quality driver’s car.

“If it’s not fun to drive, it’s not a car” President Akio Toyoda

IMPROVED DRIVING DYNAMICS

• Suspension adjusted for improved

handling, stability, ride comfort and

turning performance

• New Track mode for sports driving with minimum Vehicle Stability Control and traction control intervention

• Strategic changes to achieve higher body rigidity and durability

• Design details to enhance aerodynamic performance, including new wing-type rear spoiler

Front suspension

The MacPherson strut front suspension benefits from pinpoint adjustments to deliver improved handling, stability and ride comfort and better steering feel.

Focusing on the performance of the coil springs, the spring rates have been optimised and the axis load control system has been engineered to reduce the difference in steering force on the left and right hand sides. The springs are also able to flex as well as compress, helping produce a smooth and easy-to-control steering feel.

The Showa shock absorbers have been revised, too, with the sliding surface of the guide bushing changed to provide better friction characteristics, contributing to the car’s improved handling and stability. Damping force has been reduced to gain an improvement in ride comfort.

Optional SACHS shock absorbers provide a further upgrade to response and stability, reducing roll for a flat and smooth ride.

Rear suspension

Changes in the rear double wishbone suspension target turning performance as well as gains in handling and stability, achieved through optimised coil spring rates and the same changes to the shocks as featured in the front suspension.

An increase in the diameter of the rear anti-roll bar contributes to better turning performance, together with a change in the distribution of longitudinal body roll.

Enhanced body rigidity

The rigidity of the GT86’s body is key to its rewarding handling and driveability, an area addressed by careful use of different high-tensile steels to achieve strength, torsional stiffness and light weight within the body shell. The hood is made from sheet aluminium and the wings from thinner sheet steel, helping minimise the coupe’s weight.

Small but telling measures have been taken to improve body rigidity and vehicle durability further in the 2017 GT86, including a thicker mounting bracket for the front suspension towers, a thicker reinforcement in the transmission crossmember and additional reinforcements in the rear wheel arches with additional weld points. The centre and front of the rear panel have also been made significantly thicker.

New Track mode

True to the concept that the GT86 should deliver the purest driving enjoyment, Toyota has adjusted the Vehicle Stability Control system to add a new “Track” mode in which the driver is given an even greater range of handling, braking and turning control for genuine and highly enjoyable sports driving.

The Track setting is activated using a switch on the centre console, illuminating an indicator lamp in the driver’s multi-information display. This turns the VSC and the car’s traction control (TRC) to minimum level, removing a layer of electronic intervention so the driver can apply their own car control skills for a more engaging experience at the wheel.

Adding Track mode gives the driver a choice of four VSC and TRC settings. In normal driving both systems operate, while TRC can be switched off to help when pulling away on rough surfaces. The GT86’s VSC Sport mode expands the permissible range of lateral acceleration and movement before the system intervenes, allowing the driver to explore the limits of the car’s dynamics without sacrificing stability.

The introduction of the Track mode is part of a detailed re-evaluation of the role electronic control systems can play in enhancing the GT86’s handling performance. Making direct use of data gathered from the car’s participation in motorsport events, such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours, fine adjustment have been made to systems including the ABS and traction control – changes that Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada thinks can help drivers fully exploit their skills and unlock the GT86’s full potential.

Aerodynamic performance

The GT86 retains the benefits of the “aero-sandwiching” concept, in which the pressure of air flow over, beneath and along the sides of the car serves to keep it vertically and horizontally stable, without generating unnecessary downforce and without increasing its 0.27 coefficient of drag. The contours of the “pagoda” roof play an important role in this, a treatment that is mirrored in the surfacing the car’s underbody.

Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada required that the GT86’s exterior design changes should have a positive effect on the vehicle’s handling and stability, down to the finest detail. In the front bumper a new blocking surface has been added below the front grille, with two distinctive “teeth” and the lower edge of the bumper has been angled to 45 degrees to help generate a better airflow. Similarly the lower of the rear diffuser has also been set at a 45-degree angle.

The new wing-type rear spoiler has a positive impact on both aerodynamic performance and stability. It extends the full width of the rear of the car and is fitted with end plates which work with the vertical mounts to help create a wraparound airflow. The flow of air over and under the wing generates a downforce effect to help keep the car stable at speed.

Powertrain

The GT86’s powertrain is unchanged, retaining its unique format of a high-revving, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, horizontally opposed “boxer” engine driving the rear wheels. Toyota added its D-4S direct fuel injection technology to the Subaru-sourced engine, securing increased throttle response, power and torque over a wide range of engine speeds.

Driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the 1,998cc 16-valve DOHC unit produces a maximum 200 DIN hp/147kW at 7,000rpm and 205Nm of torque between 6,400 and 6,600rpm. Nought to 100km/h acceleration can be achieved in 7.6 seconds with manual transmission, 8.2 seconds for the automatic.

EXTERIOR STYLING

• Exterior styling changes evoke a mature look that project agility and a low and wide vehicle stance

• New LED headlights with integrated turn indicators emphasise strong horizontal lines

• Lower-set nose with revised front bumper

• New 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheel design

• New rear light clusters with LED lamps

and lightguides

The fine detail changes made to the GT86’s exterior styling have not been introduced to create a different look; rather they serve to develop the car’s established appearance, adding maturity and eliciting an even stronger sporting look. Throughout the design programme, Toyota has remained faithful to the concept of combining contemporary lines with visual references to models from its illustrious sports car heritage, not least the 2000GT.

New frontal design

These goals achieve perfect harmony in a subtle but effective reworking of the frontal elements, notably with a wider, low-set grille, a pronounced lower lip to the front bumper with integrated fins and a lowering of the tip of the car’s nose. This refreshed head-on-view amplifies the car’s ground-hugging stance and agile performance.

Aerodynamic detailing extends to a subtle new nose fin and new LED fog lamp surrounds with a triple-strake design that is both aerodynamically efficient and striking in appearance. The headlight units have been restyled to create a stronger horizontal emphasis, with new bi-LED lamps for full and high beam. The turn indicators have been relocated from the far edges of the front bumper to within the headlamp clusters, arranged as a line of individual orange LEDs beneath an angled series of white daytime running light LEDs. The result is to generate a stronger horizontal axis across the front of the vehicle, emphasising its width and maturity of design.

Reasserting the coupe profile

The GT86 retains its distinctive coupe silhouette, complete with “pagoda” roof design, low centre of gravity and door apertures that evoke the look of the two-seater 2000GT, successfully applied to a compact 2+2 format. The vehicle retains its 4,240mm overall length, 1,320mm height (with shark fin antenna), 1,775mm width and 2,570mm wheelbase.

In profile view, the areas forward of the front wheels and aft of the rear wheels have been shaped to generate a stronger sense of sporting performance. The wing garnish has a new integrated fin that contributes to controlling body roll, true to Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada’s intention that all styling changes should serve a practical purpose in terms of improving the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance.

New 17-inch wheel design

A new 17-inch cast alloy wheel design has been produced for the GT86, featuring 10 ultra-slim spokes with a contrast bright and gun metal grey machine finish to provide an agile and strongly defined 3D appearance.

Stronger rear styling

New features at the rear of the GT86 follow the pattern of those at the front in generating a lower-stronger look, led by a wider and deeper black moulding and diffuser unit that creates a strong trapezoidal shape and extends low enough to conceal the exhaust silencer.

The new wing-type rear spoiler replaces the previous integrated component design, projecting a sportier look as well as contributing to the GT86’s improved aerodynamics.

The rear LED light clusters have been reworked, generating a stronger horizontal line and using lightguides to produce a distinctive lighting signature and featuring new LED turn indicators.

INTERIOR STYLING AND EQUIPMENT

• New small diameter multi-function

steering wheel

• New 4.2-inch colour TFT

multi-information display

• Latest iteration of Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia and navigation system with centre console 6.1-inch touchscreen

• Focus on higher levels of sensory quality

• New trim and upholstery materials

Changes made to the GT86’s cabin serve to emphasise the car’s genuine sporting quality while raising the functionality and the visual and tactile quality of the interior. The focus remains the business of driving, but in an environment that is even more appealing to the eye and touch.

Toyota’s smallest steering wheel

Particular attention has been paid to the size and shape of the steering wheel to provide the best grip and action for the driver. Retaining the sporty three-spoke design, Toyota has reduced the diameter by 3mm to just 362mm, making it the smallest it has yet featured on a Toyota production car. The wheel’s weight has also been reduced by 10 per cent.

The cross-section of the rim has been precision calculated so that when the driver holds the wheel, their arms are naturally angled slightly inwards, promoting a sportier feel.

More emphasis has been added to the look of the wheel with sculpted, metal-effect spokes and a prominent, silvered 86 logo on the centre boss. The new wheel also incorporates switches to adjust the new 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-function display and audio system

Multi-information display

The driver’s instrument display has been revised with a new triple-dial arrangement that includes a new 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information read-out, providing real-time data that can be called up and adjusted with ease using the new control switches on the steering wheel.

As well as familiar information such as fuel economy, journey details, coolant temperatures and cruising distance, the display can also present more performance driving-focused details, including a G-force monitor, power and torque curves, a stopwatch and lap times in sequence.

The multi-information display presents the 86 logo each time the car is started and also provides driver alerts, including door ajar and low coolant warnings.

The tachometer has been reoriented so that 7,000rpm – the engine speed at which peak power is delivered – now sits at the top of the dial.

Centre console with touchscreen display

A new 6.1-inch touchscreen display has been introduced in the centre console, providing quick and easy operation of the audio system – which now includes optional DAB digital reception.

The GT86 is available with the latest iteration of the Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia and satellite navigation system, also accessed via the touchscreen. It comes with a more intuitive user interface plus three years’ free map update and access to connected services, including live road traffic information, Google Search and Twitter.

Cabin trims and upholstery

The GT86 has a new, unified “all black” interior finish that not only adds to the sports car feel of the interior, but also reduces reflection of outside light so there is less distraction and a clear view for the driver. A new carbon-fibre mesh pattern trim has been added to the door switch panels and the ventilation control panel on the centre console. Buckskin pattern upholstery is available for the instrument binnacle hood, matching a new upholstery choice that combines leather with perforated Alcantara seat facings, available in all-black, or black with red leather detailing on the edge of the seatback and cushion bolsters. The latter option also introduces matching red trims on the door panel armrests. The GT86’s cloth upholstery has also been upgraded, providing better body-holding performance.

The multi-information display can also present more performance driving-focused details, including a G-force monitor, power and torque curves, a stopwatch and lap times in sequence.

INTERVIEW: CHIEF ENGINEER TETSUYA TADA

Tetsuya Tada, the Chief Engineer who led the development programme for the GT86, returned to the project to oversee the improvements and advances made with the 2017 model, ensuring the revised coupe benefits from strong continuity of thought and execution in its engineering and design.

Is the 2017 GT86 the work of the original “Team 86” that produced the original car, or were new people and thoughts brought into its development?

Tada: “Some of the same members were involved, but around half of the latest Team 86 were new. I’m still here, of course, I have a responsibility to teach the new generation of engineers.”

Your career with Toyota has concentrated primarily on chassis engineering, for which you have received great acclaim. In what areas of the new 2017 GT86 chassis can we witness your work?

Tada: “We’ve remade almost everything, but I think the biggest difference is probably in the area of electronics – chassis systems such as ABS and traction control. That is where the most significant change between the two versions can be seen.

Previously you have favoured mechanical engineering over electronics. What do you consider to be important about this change in focus?

Tada: “Many people think that electronic controls are not good for sport driving, but I don’t think that this is the case now, as control systems can actually enhance an expert driver’s skill. For example, the 2017 GT86 has a number of new electronic control modes for track driving. This logic system was developed from our motorsport activities, particularly the GT86’s participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.”

How difficult was it to improve a chassis that has been regarded by many as perfect?

Tada: “The most important element I wanted to improve was the car’s responsiveness – on and off acceleration, turning-in and turning-out, and the speed and naturalness of its reactions. This has been achieved partly by modifying the dampers and springs, but the main point of influence has been in the aerodynamics and how this affects the suspension. Every change, even the little ‘teeth’ rising from the lower grille, enhances the overall aerodynamics and has a dynamic purpose.

How will drivers experience the benefits of the additional bracing in the bodyshell?

Tada: “Of course a stiffer body structure makes for better handling, but most people will notice improved ride comfort as well. This is because the GT86’s more rigid body and new shock absorber system smooth out many of the small imperfections on the road surface.

What is your opinion of the changes made to the cabin?

Tada: “It is very nice, it is easy to get comfortable and it offers a great driving position with a steering wheel that has been slightly reshaped made even smaller than before.”

Fredric AASBØ AND THE TOYOTA 86-X

• Unique Toyota 86-X drift car, developed from the road-going GT86 by world

drifting champion Fredric Aasbø

• Powered by 3.4-litre turbo engine

producing more than 1,000hp and almost 1,600Nm of torque

• Aasbø, a long-term partner to Toyota

Motor Europe, demonstrates the car’s

drifting capabilities as part of the 2017 GT86 media launch programme

Drift champion Fredric Aasbø is the creator and driver of the unique Toyota Express Service 86-X, a development of the GT86 that ranks as one of the world’s most successful professional-level drift cars.

The one-off machine is powered by a Toyota straight-six 3.4-litre turbo engine producing 1,172 DIN hp and can wear its way through a set of high-grip semi-slick tyres in less than 40 seconds of high-intensity drift action.

Fredric, from Norway, has been a Toyota driver for almost a decade, progressing from national and regional championships to claim the 2010 Rookie of the Year title in the USA. He went on to claim wins in Abu Dhabi and the UK before reaching the pinnacle of the sport in 2015 by winning the Formula Drift World Championship with his Los Angeles-based Papadakis Racing team.

The 86-X is one of four pro-level Toyota drift cars used by Fredric and his team, whose international competition appearances have established them as global ambassadors for the brand. As a long-term partner to Toyota Motor Europe, Fredric is excited to be demonstrating what modern drift cars are capable of as part of the media launch programme for the new 2017 GT86 at Rovaniemi in northern Finland.

Toyota Express Service 86-X technical specifications

Engine: Toyota 2JZ-GTE in-line 6-cylinder turbocharged 3.4-litre VVT-i

Horsepower: 1,172hp at 5,700rpm

Torque: 1,594Nm at 4,100rpm

Weight: 1,280kg

Drivetrain: Toyota NASCAR G-Force dog box

Chassis: Wisefab drift geometry

Suspension: RS-R coilover conversion

Safety: FIA roll cage, Takata Racing seats and harnesses

Exterior: Rocket Bunny wide body kit

Wheels/tyres summer: Motegi Racing 18x10/17x9 with 275/40-18 Nexen N’Fera SUR4 Semi Slicks

Wheels/tyres winter: Bassett 15x8 with WRC spec studded tires

REAR-WHEEL DRIVE RALLYING WITH THE GT86 CS-R3

• GT86 CS-R3 introduces rear-wheel drive performance to rallying’s R3 category

• Competition model further amplifies the GT86’s fun-to-drive quality

• Developed by Toyota Motorsport Gmbh

• Designed as an affordable competition car for grass roots enthusiasts, but eligible for competition at all levels up to the World Rally Championship

The GT86’s thoroughbred performance credentials are witnessed in the CS-R3 rally car, engineered by Toyota Motorsport (TMG). Providing the excitement of rear-wheel drive rallying at an affordable price for grass-roots enthusiasts, it was developed as a “clean sheet” project. The result is a machine homologated to R3 specifications – hitherto a class exclusively featuring front-wheel drive cars – for national and international competition, right up to World Rally Championship level.

TMG introduced a six-speed sequential, oil-cooled Drenth gearbox and a limited slip rear differential with fully adjustable ratios, allowing drivers to draw maximum return from the coupe’s taut and balanced chassis.

The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated “boxer” engine – another rare feature for an R3 class competitor – is tuned by TMG to rev to 8,000rpm and produce a maximum 232 DIN hp, performance that is supported by a special HJS racing exhaust and manifold. Improved engine heat management and an increase in coolant volume help ensure the car can perform to its full potential in all environmental conditions.

The strengthened, three-way Reiger suspension system is adjustable so that ideal settings can be made to suit driving on all kinds of terrain – from asphalt to gravel, snow and ice. Camber and track width are also adjustable and different anti-roll bar settings can be specified. TMG has also developed the electric steering system so that performance can be tailored to suit different rally stage surfaces.

The steel monocoque body is reinforced to deliver extra stiffness and in accordance with FIA sporting regulations, a safety cage is fitted, optimised for weight without compromising safety performance. The CS-R3 runs on special OZ rims – 17-inch for Tarmac and 15-inch for gravel.

The CS-R3 has enjoyed its first full season of competition during 2016, including the first of three years of the HJS R3 Trophy competition, hosted within the framework of the German Rally Championship.

Specifications

*on standard grade

Improved driving dynamics – tuned for improved handling, stability and ride comfort

Chief Engineer, Tetsuya Tada’s mission has been to strengthen the qualities that define the GT86 as an exceptional driver’s car. He declared “we overhauled everything,” his team drawing directly on technical feedback gained from the GT86’s performance in track racing, including the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

The focus is on achieving even better stability, responsiveness and road comfort through increased body rigidity, revised suspension components and improved aerodynamics. The rear body has been rendered more rigid with additional spot welding around the rear pillar and the thickness of number of rear panel and bracket components has been increased.

A more stable and comfortable ride has been achieved by adopting new suspension springs and retuned Showa shock absorbers. Optional Sachs shock absorbers will be available for customers seeking a more performance-focused drive.

Detailed aerodynamic revisions include a new, lower nose, revised front and rear bumpers and the addition of strategic fins to the front and sides of the vehicle to secure a smoother airflow.

The coupe retains its unique combination of a compact, front-mounted, naturally aspirated 200 DIN hp horizontally opposed “boxer” engine with rear-wheel drive, with six-speed manual or ECT automatic transmission. 

Exterior styling – powerful appearance with improved aerodynamics

The fine detail changes to the GT86’s exterior styling improve its aerodynamic performance and add emphasis to its road presence, with no dilution of the coupe’s taut, classic lines. These goals achieve perfect harmony in a subtle but effective reworking of the frontal elements, notably with a wider, low-set grille and a pronounced lower lip to the front bumper with integrated fins. The refreshed head-on-view amplifies the car’s ground-hugging stance and agile performance.

Aerodynamic detailing extends to a subtle new nose fin and new fog lamp surrounds with a triple-strake design that is both aerodynamically efficient and striking in appearance. The headlight units have been restyled to create a stronger horizontal emphasis, with new bi-LED lamps for full and high beam. The turn indicators have been relocated within the headlamp clusters, arranged as a line of individual orange LEDs beneath an angled series of white daytime running light LEDs.

To the side, the garnishes high on the front wings also gain new aerodynamic fins. The range of wheels available for the 2017 model introduces a new 17-inch slim-spoke alloy design in a machined and dark grey finish.

New features at the rear of the GT86 follow the pattern of those at the front in generating a lower-stronger look, led by a wider and deeper black moulding and diffuser unit that creates a strong trapezoidal shape and extends low enough to conceal the exhaust silencer. The rear spoiler has been redesigned for improved aerodynamics and the rear LED light clusters have been reworked, generating a stronger horizontal line and using lightguides to produce a distinctive lighting signature and featuring new LED turn indicators. 

Interior styling

New features and finishes in the cabin reassert the GT86’s fundamental character as an authentic driver’s car, while also raising the overall visual and tactile quality, creating a greater sensual appeal.

A new three-spoke steering wheel has been fitted, its 362 mm diameter making it the smal-lest yet fitted to a production Toyota, with a cross-section precision-calculated to offer the best possible grip and feel. It features a prominent silvered 86 logo on the boss, shaved metal-effect trim on the spokes and additional switchgear to operate a new audio system and 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display.

The multi-information display has been introduced in the revised triple-dial driver’s instrument binnacle, with an information menu that includes fuel economy, cruising distance and more performance-focused data such as a G-force monitor, power and torque curves and a stopwatch. The tachometer has been adjusted so that 7,000 rpm – the speed for peak power delivery – sits at the top of the dial. The GT86’s status as a driver’s car is also acknowledged in a new, switchable TRACK mode that lets the driver select the degree of electronic stability and traction control intervention they prefer, including a “fully off” setting.

The instrument panel itself has a new one-piece textured black finish that reduces glare and reflection, and a new carbon fibre mesh pattern trim has been added to the door switch panels and the ventilation control panel on the centre console. Buckskin pattern upholstery is available for the instrument binnacle hood, matching a new upholstery choice that combines leather with perforated Alcantara seat facings, available in all-black, or black with red leather. The GT86’s cloth upholstery has also been upgraded, providing better body-holding performance.

The centre console features a new 6.1 inch display for the audio system, which now offers DAB reception. An upgraded Toyota Touch 2 with Go navigation system comes complete with a more intuitive user interface and three years’ map updates and access to connected services, including live road traffic information, Google Search and Twitter.

The interior sensory quality has been greatly improved: a new Leather-Alcantara seat option with suede wrapped instrument panel is available. The same material adds a new, soft feel to the door trim. Drivers will also enjoy new seating material with silver stitching and a sporty steering wheel with integrated audio controls and an 86 logo on the centre hub. 

The already legendary dynamics of the GT86 have further been improved upon. A new suspension set-up with revised shock tuning and a changed spring rate make the car easier to control and more agile than ever, delivering an even more entertaining drive. 

Since its launch the GT86 has given shape to several Toyota motorsport activities. Toyota Motorsports GmbH (TMG) has developed two motorsport-specific variants: the GT86 CS-R3, a rear wheel drive rally car, and the GT86 CS-Cup, developed specifically for competing at the renowned Nürburgring Nordschleife.