The 2017 Toyota 86 is one of the “newest” inclusions to the brand’s selection of vehicles. Therefore, you presumably don’t know a whole lot about the vehicle and it’s capabilities and features. That’s why we’re here to help.
We’ve provided several notable fun facts below, which should provide some further insight into the 2017 Toyota 86. When you’re finished exploring everything that the vehicle has to offer, you’ll understand why this sports car might actually be your ideal target…
Fun Fact #1: The 86 is an Incredible Racer
Toyota is welcoming the Scion FR-S into their array of vehicles offerings, but this addition predictably required a name change. Well, considering all of the positive mechanical revisions that took place under the hood, the brand decided to adopt the “86” brand name, leading to the 2017 Toyota 86.
“When we announced the transition of the Scion models to Toyota we hadn’t planned on changing the names of our cars, but by popular demand, for our sports car, we decided to adopt the global name of 86,” said the Vice President of Toyota Division Group, Bill Fay (via a press release). “Enthusiasts have a strong association with the front-engine, rear-drive heritage of the ‘hachi-roku’ and the dynamic performance it offers.”
While many of the major changes came via mechanical revisions, engineers also altered the vehicle’s exterior to help emphasize the sportiness and athleticism of the vehicle. The inclusion of a bigger center intake leads to a “low, wide stance,” while the addition of LED front headlamps and a new bumper will certainly make the vehicle a bit more intimidating. Predictably, drivers will also be gawking at the accompanying alloy wheels, which are truly the cherry on top.
By adding brand-new shocks and springs, drivers will also notice improved performance and drivability. These inclusions will also play a significant role in boosting power, as drivers can expect 205 horsepower and 156 pounds-feet of torque on the manual transmission offering. The vehicle is marketed as a sports car, and drivers can certainly anticipate that athleticism thanks to these performance specs.
When you consider these capabilities, it shouldn’t be all that surprising that the Toyota 86 is an accomplished racer. In fact, racers Ken Gushi and Ryan Tuerck will be piloting the vehicle as they look to look to secure their second straight Manufacturers’ Championship.
Fun Fact #2: Technology Emphasizes Sportiness
If you want to impress your fellow drivers as you’re zooming on the highway in your new Toyota 86, then you’ll surely want to be jamming out to the latest tunes. Well, that’s especially easy thanks to the brand’s seven-inch touchscreen display. Drivers will have access to a number of different amenities, like satellite radio stations. Thanks to the easy iPhone compatibility, drivers will truly be able to appreciate all of their favorite music via the eight-speaker Pioneer sound system.
Those amenities influence more than entertainment, as the unit also includes an extensive navigation system that will help guide you to any destination. Additional applications allow drivers to find their preferred restaurants and hotels, or they could alternatively monitor weather reports. There’s even a phonebook that holds up to 2,500 contacts, and drivers can make hands-free calls via the Bluetooth capabilities.
Fun Fact #3: Drivers Can Expect Even More from the Toyota 860
Similar to many other sports cars, Toyota also includes a special edition version of their Toyota 86. Predictably, the exclusive vehicle is aptly named the Toyota 860 Special Edition. Engineers added a number of special features and amenities to their sports car, like the eye-catching Supernova Orange paint and accompanying black body stripes.
There are a number of additional features that help boost the sportiness of your potential purchase. The rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels are as intimidating as they are athletic, while the innovative heated outside mirrors will prove to be as convenient as they are effective. Meanwhile, the interior also underwent several revisions, as engineers included amenities like heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a useful parking brake lever.
To top it off, the brand also added the Smart key technology. This includes push-button start and touch-activated door unlock, providing maximum convenience and security. Meanwhile, the dual-zone automatic climate control system assures maximum comfort for each of the occupants.
“The 86 is recognized by enthusiasts for its impressive driving performance and its value-oriented price tag,” said John Myers, Toyota’s national manager for vehicle marketing and communications. “The 860 Special Edition will amplify these core elements with an added dose of premium styling mixed with performance technology.”
Fun Fact #4: The Power is Supplemented by Safety
With all of the power and sporty capabilities, drivers will need to rely on safety features to keep them secure. Fortunately, the 2017 Toyota 86 includes a number of amenities that will assure each occupant’s safety.
The accompanying STAR Safety System includes a number of features that should help drivers avoid accidents altogether. Safety offerings include:
- Anti-lock Brake System
- Electronic Brake Distribution
- Traction Control
- Brake Assist
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Smart Stop Technology
Of course, if a driver does find themselves in an accident, they can surely rely on the vehicle’s construction to enhance safety. For instance, the airbag system (which includes driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear passenger side curtain airbags) will provide maximum cushion during a collision.
The 2017 Toyota 86 might be a new inclusion to the brand, but that doesn’t mean that customers should be ignorant when they head into any applicable dealership. Thanks to our fun facts above, you’ll understand that the sports car includes a powerful engine, a number of safety capabilities, innovative technology, and even an exclusive performance package. You’re unlikely to find this versatility from rival vehicles.
If it wasn’t evident before, it should be rather obvious now: the 2017 Toyota 86 is the ideal target for any type of driver.