CHE is putting the finishing touches on a turbo setup ATM :)
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Hardly standard but a good read/watch - http://www.zerotohundred.com/2012/au...the-toyota-86/
I'm late to the party I know, but finally managed to organise a test drive at lunchtime today. I drove a manual blue BRZ (#090 for those of you playing at home) without either of the option packs.
For everyone saying it's slow, their SS would flog it etc - you're right and at the same time you don't get it. There is not the same amount of straight line, push-in-the-back, smile on your face shove as you get in an SS. This wasn't a surprise and nor was it a problem. The BRZ is adequately fast for people who aren't into drag racing. Maybe it's not for you if you're used to pointing your car at a hill and not needing to change gears, but for those of us who enjoy a good manual box it's no problem at all (and it is good - light effort, short throw, no trouble finding gears). Having said that, it could comfortably handle more power; Dale should be able to sell his turbo kits by the truckload and as long as it wasn't laggy, it would make the car just about perfect.
But oh, the way it turns. The way it turns, ladies and gentlemen. I have not driven anything quite like this. The steering is the right weight, points beautifully, and has instant response. I kept overdoing the amount of steering input needed - I'd put in enough to start the process of changing lanes, and bam, lane change done. This is what I've been looking for in a steering setup. I didn't push too hard but there seemed to be no issues with bodyroll and the ride, while harder than say my SS, was not uncomfortable. It was nowhere near as bad as the C6 Corvette I drove once, which seemed to be a classic case of American "make it stiff and handling will follow".
Everything about the driving experience said that someone had really thought about what makes a good driver's car and was focused on delivering it. The seat/wheel/pedals/gearshift relationship is spot on. The pedal spacing was just right for blipping the throttle on downshifts. The seats give a decent level of support (but I'm very glad that I've lost some kilos recently as it would be tight otherwise). Visibility is good, all the minor controls came to hand pretty well and even the engine note is decent, with a nice boxer note through the midrange. My only complaint there is that it does sound a bit strained up top, but I'm sure there will be an exhaust setup along soon if there isn't one already that will deal with this).
Unusually for me, I couldn't tell you much about things like the quality of the interior other than it seemed fine - how nice the plastics and carpet are really seemed to be totally irrelevant because you enjoy the drive so much, whereas when bored in some econobox I tend to start noticing things like hard plastic door trims. For the price, and for the enjoyment factor, I didn't care enough to look closely.
To sum up, I've been an SS guy for years now and I totally get this car. And I want one. For what I would use it for - commuting with the odd mountain road drive for fun - I doubt that I'd need more power, and I'd appreciate the other qualities more.
Sounds like a Toyota version of a MX5, in a new Celica body.
I can certainly appreciate the turn in, almost Go Kart esk, and you have to be careful not to turn in too early, wind some steering off.
Similarly the gearbox and clutch in the MX5 is superb and perfectly aligned as well as the need to have more power.
Looking forward to testing the 86, only if you've got enough time at lunchtime to line up, it seems they are very popular. I've seen a couple on the road now and they are starting to grow on me.
These cars do seem to be popular at the moment.
In the last couple of weeks two have arrived in the streets surrounding my place on the Central Coast.
A darkish blue one and a white one, both owned by women on their P’s.
The blue one already has the Southern Cross on the right side of the rear window and a sticker of a girl and a dog on the left side.
I had a good look over it and liked what I saw but I can’t for the life of me see what most people will get out of them.
Not many will end up at track days and most won’t ever be pushed to their limits on a winding road, so what else is left to do with them?
An under powered shopping trolley!
Heaven help you if you have heavy groceries or a fat passenger, you’ll need to get the whip out.
I think in 12 months when the fanfare wanes, you’ll be able to snap them up second hand for a good price.
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i saw one on the westgate this morning - looks good!
I would say your probably right on, if you buy (or just get to drive) one, if you are used to a lazy 6 litre V8 and you drive that V8 fairly easy and like the torquey feel, I am sure you'd be dissapointed in any 2 litre atmo 4 cyl. If you drive them with some revs up they should go well. I haven't driven an 86, but I have a new Fiesta which is no ball of fire - less than 90 Kw and 150Nm of trorque, but if you keep the revs above 3000 it goes quite well, and roadtests always seem to rate the Fiesta as best of all the light cars from a handing perspective. A Polo GTi or Fabia RS might score best overall, but Fiesta seems to be the best handling of all. From driving the Fiesta, I can see where you would be coming from with the handling/ chuckability statement, and realistically you cannot use the performance capabilities of a Holden V8 anywhere near the capital cities, certainly not around Sydney.
Unless you are on the internet, then all you need is a login, and you know all.....quoting flappy paddles and how many torques with gay abandon....
Oh yeah mine rocked up too, at least on the wharf anyway :lol:
http://www.ls1turbo.com.au/pics/86spotted1.jpg
Fugly little thing isnt it?
According to Shannon's the 86 and BRZ will become collectable's in future years that may increase in value,this will depend on their track credentials as drift and production racing class use
Glass's analyst estimates they will have a 60% resale value after 3 years
Also Toyota says that after September's production run there will be no spare wheel,only a repair kit due to the spare taking up boot space
Subaru will supPly a spare but be prepared to wait 9 months for a BRZ
OT but are you limited to Toyota vehicles or just Toyota Fleet Lease? You can lease anything through TFL. I have a Cruze diesel and another guy has a Volvo (spit) and Golf.
Been told Toyota only, reps get Camry or crew cab 2wd hilux. My level has higher choices which opens up prado/kluger/4x4 hilux, although if I change to 'total cost' I have free choice however it's a novated lease.
I am not 100% on particulars as yet. the last agreement with custom fleet was for fords only, this is a different lease company so we may not be locked to a single make
I am just going to leave this here : http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09...th-440whp.html
has it been covered that these are made by Hyundi ?
heading home today saw my 1st BRZ with MRT Tuning signwriting all over it,signage saying it is a test car,skinny wheels but sounded nice,seemed to go o.k. shame the traffic was so heavy
Also I have been on the japanese auction house website looking for car to import and thought I would see if there were any "86's"on there
Found 21 for auction,some are brand new with zero klm's,wonder if there is something the locals there know that we don't,priced from Y2,620,00 to Y3,480,000 FOB,gave up trying to convert to Oz $
Pity the import taxes/duty would be a killer
Ive had the thing for weeks and beaten it senseless
http://m.ak.fbcdn.net/a3.sphotos.ak/...93281693_n.jpg
Currently its back at Toyota with a VCT actuator issue - they can fix it, since they sponsor the car :)
Been doing some testing with it on the dyno, you can get them to go ok......
It's probably no big deal - IIRC the Australian price is not that different from the JDM price on these anyway. It's a rare example of the Aussie customer NOT getting screwed on imported car prices!
i quite like the look of the Veloster
So Martin, what are your plans for the 86? If Turbo (which I'm assuming) where are you thinking of mounting it?
No turbo, NA for this one :)
No, no one 86 is more than enough :)
great looking little car i say...but thats about it as far as enthusiasm for it as a serious means of satisfying any type of motoring enthusiasm gos.
Like I've said to others who don't get this car....go drive one.