Toyota updates Euro-market GT86 suspension, appearance

Thu, 24 Apr 2014

While we were busy ogling the Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0 with its Yuzu yellow paint and a workover by Toyota Racing Development, and the Japanese Toyota 86 buyers were trying out their Playstation-compatible Sports Drive Logger telemetry system, the European 2015 Toyota GT86 got fitted with some new parts of its own. New on next year's model are stiffer mounts for the front suspension and rear shock absorbers, and new shocks in the back for better damping and less friction. Toyota says the result is sharper steering and less body roll.

Inside, the instrument panel and center console get decorated with a "carbon-fiber motif." There are new shades of pearl white and silver to dress up the outside, and the roof gets a shark-fin antenna for sharper looks and aero. It goes on sale this summer, and you can read everything we just told you in the press release below. We've reached out to Scion to see if we'll get the same upgrades on the FR-S this summer, too, company PR rep Nancy Hubbell telling us, "The European changes are among those being considered for the US model FR-S and we'll have final confirmation soon."

Toyota GT86 Model Year '15
The perfect dynamics - improved

• Even better handling and stability thanks to increased suspension rigidity and retuned shock absorbers
• Improved interior thanks to new instrument panel finish
• Introduction of a shark-fin type antenna for better aerodynamics and bolder look

Brussels, Belgium, 16 Apr 2014 - Since the launch of the GT86 in 2012, the engineering team has continued development to further improve the already universally acclaimed dynamics of the car.

Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada said: "There is no reason that development should stop, only because the vehicle has gone on sale. GT86 is all about driver involvement, and we are committed to keep enhancing this aspect of the car. The 2015 Model Year delivers the latest status of GT86's continuous evolution."

The foundation of the upgrade is a more rigid fixation of the front suspension and the rear shock absorbers.

The potential of this increased rigidity is fully exploited a rework of shock absorbers. They provide a more stable damping and improved friction control, delivering smoother and yet more communicative handling. Body-roll is further reduced, and the steering feel is even crisper than before.

The suspension upgrade is designed to make it easier again for the driver to read the road, giving him all the confidence he needs to control the car, when it's driven on the limit.

The '15 Model Year also benefits from a new carbon-fibre motif dashboard insert, for a more premium appearance.

On the exterior, a shark-fin antenna has been adopted to improve both looks and aerodynamics. A new pearl-white and a new silver paint finish complete the '15 Model Year update, which will be available throughout Europe from summer.

By Jonathon Ramsey