Toyota GT86 driving report

[Zafiro]

Thanks for the reviews, Just_me. What about the new A-Class A 250 sport package? Isn't that an interesting option for you.

Actually Im going to VIP invitation tonight to go see the new A-class

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Actually Im going to VIP invitation tonight to go see the new A-class

Well, then you can get a first and personal impression of the car. By the way, VIP invitation...!! Good for you Have fun!

 

[Mr. M]

I drove the 86 for about three hours and unfortunately I don't feel the same behind the wheel like Andreas.

Maybe because I didn't turn off traction control to savour a bit of the sideways action, but the car felt rather 7/10 to me. Yes it's a good drivers' car, but is it truly special? I have to say it still misses the mark.

The engine needs to be revved, but it didn't feel very willing, especially approaching redline when the engine starts to vibrate unpleasantly. The steering is sublime - I love it, but it always turned a keener front end before the power could catch up to work the rear nicely. It is not a car you can easily bring sideways at your command... What it has however is a lot of balance, almost dancing on the tip of oversteer but never really reaching that point. That's a nice feeling, but like I said to me it still feels quite 7/10, not a particularly special car.

Sitting position is perfect too.

Oh, and talking about price. I think for the price you are paying, it doesn't feel special enough. Not when you can get truly top rate FWD cars like the 250 Megane RS. And when you put your FWD prejudices aside, I genuinely feel the Megane is more fun on every level. Now that's a 9/10 car.

 

[Zafiro]

I don't feel the same behind the wheel like Andreas..

The first one was just perfect. But the other car I drove something was missing with this engine. The car didnt want to reev as quick and I didnt feel any power in the acceleration between 5000-7500 rpm like the last one.
Could it be that Toyota/Subaru have some kind of engine problems?

Sidenote: My buddy who used to own AE86 did enjoy the new GT86.

 

[Cashmere]

James and Andreas: The examples you drove, what was the mileage on the engines? Had they surpassed the break-in period?

 

[Mr. M]

James and Andreas: The examples you drove, what was the mileage on the engines? Had they surpassed the break-in period?

Yes, the car was already 2,000km old. But it must have been thrashed hard as a press car.

I doubt the harshness at the top end has anything to do with the run-in though. I believe it's just how it is because it feels fine until the last 1000rpm or so to redline.

 

[Zafiro]

I dont know about the two I drove but one of them is demo car. First one I drove defintely felt quicker.
But I wouldn't buy this car based on the engine, its the whole driving experience thats great.

 

[martinbo]

I noticed none of this harshness/vibration at the top end of the rev range.