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Toyota Ireland Launch GT86

Toyota’s eagerly anticipated return to its sporting heritage has been marked with the launch of the compact 2+2 sports car, the GT86. The car has been described as an entirely driver-orientated vehicle, and is designed for those who consider driving a passion rather than necessity. The GT86, which is described as the world’s most compact four-seater sports car, will be available in Ireland from June at €39,895 for both the manual and automatic versions.

Toyota has a 50 year history of creating exciting, rear-wheel drive sports cars that have proved as popular with the public as they have been successful in competition. The new GT86 captures and builds upon the best elements of three key models from that rich sporting heritage: the Toyota Sports 800, the Toyota 2000GT and the AE86.

The GT86's aesthetic design was aimed at sport car fanatics -- its bold front wings are readily visible through the windscreen, and the rear wings through the door mirrors. These prominent forms at all four corners of the low-lying, highly aerodynamic body add a new dimension to the feeling of being at one with the car. The GT86 was designed with a ‘viewed from the inside out’ approach which proved integral to the design process from the early stages of its creation.

The GT86 model has a rear-wheel drive format, no turbocharging and ordinary tyres, making it an affordable and accessible car for driving enthusiasts. The model is the world’s only combination of compact front-mounted, naturally aspirated, free-revving, horizontally opposed ‘boxer’ petrol engine and rear-wheel drive, which gives maximum driving pleasure for those who get behind the wheel.

David Shannon, Managing Director, Toyota Ireland said, “The GT86 was designed to be very much a ‘driver’s car’ and we’re confident that even the most demanding car enthusiast will be impressed by the driving experience it offers. Toyota has an undeniably strong heritage in the creation of world class sports cars and the GT86 truly represents an exciting new chapter in this legacy.”