Toyota GT86 driving report

[Zafiro]

I drove a black GT86 today. Two words – F…….. amazing. The car is everything cars are about – driving.

It’s not beautiful car but it’s looks good. You sit low and close to the ground. I just love that and gives you lots of road feel.
Push the start button and the car starts with a loud and dark sound. You barely need to touch the gaspedal and the engine reacts and sounds. I love it.
The steering feel is top notch. Very accurate and precise and react immediately to your reactions.
The handling Is super. I drove a road with some nice corners and the car stays flat, you don’t even have to brake. You just drive and steer.

The engine. I don’t feel this car lacks power, below 4000 rpm the car accelerate acceptable, even with the wrong gear.
4800-7500 rpm, the car just fly. And the engine sound is there and refine the experience even more. Although its not needed, imagine if the car had 300 horsepower, the experience would be ‘Alien’.

The driving experience is mindblowing and I’ve driven many new cars and none can match this driving experience. Someone said this car is overrated. Talk about being clueless, this car is everything a car is all about. I simply can’t describe the driving experience with words, it has to be experienced. The car deserve all the postive feedback it gotten around the world, the car is that great.

Something I want to be better. Well, I prefer a thicker steering wheel. Also, when you brake from high speeds I want the car to stop quicker. Other than this two things, the car is just perfect, particularly if driving is your priority. I didn’t want to go back to my car dealer, that’s how much I loved the car.

 

[Levi68]

Thanks for the review.

So I see you also agree with me, the car doesn't really "lack" power. I guess most are spoiled by the turbocharged diesel engines. Of course 300 PS would be heavens, it would instantly turn the car into a Cayman Killer. HKS is developing two supercharger kits, one bolt-on kit making ~250 PS, and one kit with upgraded internals making ~300 PS.

Do you think to buy it? Or you are getting the Scirocco?

 

[Zafiro]

Do you think to buy it? Or you are getting the Scirocco?

Its between GT86, Scirroco R and Astra OPC but I want to drive the Astra first.

 

[Levi68]

Its between GT86, Scirroco R and Astra OPC but I want to drive the Astra first.

I think you'll end up with the same doubts as me. I didn't test drive the ZX6, but all the reviews make it clear, the car is not overhyped and it is the drivers car. I see what cars you are aiming at, I have a similar list, but to buy them new. I would like the 1 Series, but then the only considerable version for me, due to its "uglyness" is the M135i, but that is 40K. Too much for me. The Scirocco R is at 35K, but the deal breaker is the lack of 4Motion that the Golf R has, and it starts getting old, the Golf VII is out in less than a month, the Scirocco didn't get facelift yet. The GT86 is perfect but feels IMO to "cheap". Not that I expect Mercedes interior, but still something more for a DD. That is why I'm not buying anything ATM, I wish a radical version of the GT86/BRZ. In any case I"ll have other expenses in the next years so I don't know. For you it may be different if you also consider second hand cars.

Whatever, try testdrive the OPC. It was benchmarked against the MRS and has loads of torque.

 

[Zafiro]

Its between a blue and a grey GT86 for me. By the end of August I'll be driving automatic version of GT86.

 

[Levi68]

Its between a blue and a grey GT86 for me. By the end of August I'll be driving automatic version of GT86.

Very nice. I though I'd be the first to own one on GCF, but looks like it won't.

 

[Zafiro]

Very nice. I though I'd be the first to own one on GCF, but looks like it won't.

Well, I'm currently unemployed so I won't be getting a new car so soon. There are still hope for you

 

[Levi68]

Well, I'm currently unemployed so I won't be getting a new car so soon. There are still hope for you

As I said, I have other expenses the next years. It won't be easy for me to study, work and train. I wish you all the best to find a new employment.

 

[Gianclaudio]

No one wants the Renaultsport Megane

 

[mini_cooper4]

Thanks for the review Just_me!
I have to go check the dealership soon...

 

[Cashmere]

By the end of August I'll be driving automatic version of GT86.

Did you test the manual or auto? I am quite surprised by your desire to get an automatic.

 

[DeDe]

No one wants the Renaultsport Megane

Actually I do.

 

[Zafiro]

No one wants the Renaultsport Megane

Resale Value is awful in Sweden. Big turn down to me.

 

[Zafiro]

Did you test the manual or auto? I am quite surprised by your desire to get an automatic.

The car I drove is manual gearbox but by the end of August I'll try the automatic version.
No, I dont desire automatic gearbox, if I get a GT86 it must be manual gearbox, its the only true option for a car like this.

 

[martinbo]

I'm really glad you liked it Andreas. It is an amazing driving experience for the money.

 

[Sayyaaf]

Andree: lovely review bro. The good thing about this car is that it will "for sure" have tons of tuning options once you get bored. And it will still be bullet proof, being a toyota. And hey: it shares some LFA dna too, like window controls for example

Ok that was a bit over, I apologize

 

[Gianclaudio]

Resale Value is awful in Sweden. Big turn down to me.

And what about buying one second hand?

 

[Zafiro]

And what about buying one second hand?

Megane RS is great car but there are other cars that got my attention.

 

[330CIZHP]

Great review. Finally a Toyota that really is all about driving. "Ultimate driving machine", shall we say??

 

[K-A]

I would so get this car as a toy on the side type thing, if it wasn't so extraordinarily small for our U.S roads. Me and my safety paranoias just get in the way of what would be a driving enjoyment contrast from the type that my E-Class gives me, being that a this car gets dwarfed by Ford Focus or even a 911.