RE: Facelifted Toyota GT86 for New York

RE: Facelifted Toyota GT86 for New York

Thursday 24th March
2017 Toyota GT86 - New York 2016
Fresh show pics of the MY17 '86 update and it looks good!

It won't have escaped your attention that PH is a big fan of the Toyota GT86. As cars become ever more complicated, a sports coupe that returns driving to the basics is hugely appealing. Now, just as 'our' Primo long-termer has departed, Toyota has shown a facelift at the New York show.

More power and new ratios for US, not for UK - boo!

Perhaps most significant are the "more powerful styling elements" externally, including replacement rear lights (hurrah!), a larger front intake with new bumper, LED headlights and new wheels. An improvement? Over to you...

Inside the GT86 - though there are no pictures yet - you'll find a new steering wheel with audio controls added and plentiful Alcantara. It's used in the upholstery and the door cards, with an Alcantara wrapped instrument panel option too. Toyota has also said a cloth upholstery with contrast silver stitching option will be available. It doesn't sound like the 86 will suddenly be transformed into a TT rival for interior ambience, but more Alcantara is always good news.

The changes underneath are similarly mild. The MY17 GT86 receives new damper tuning and spring rates, said to offer "easier control and increased agility." The engine and gearbox are carried over unchanged, so power addicts will still need to get their fix from the aftermarket. Cars for the US will make another 5hp and 5lb ft (to 205hp and 156lb ft), but emissions regs prevent those changes from making it to UK cars.

That's all the news available on the GT86 for now, these pics apparently coming from a dark corner of Toyota's show stand. The updated car will go on sale later this year; full spec details and prices as soon as we have them!