patrick_y
[PuristSPro Moderator]
28689
A perfect concept, but with a few flaws...
When the Toyota 86 debuted, I applauded Toyota for bringing this to market. This is exactly what the industry needed.
Then I drove one, a stock one, for nearly 1000 miles, 1500 kilometers, and I couldn't sing its praises anymore. Drove it in heavy Los Angeles traffic, in the city, on windy roads with WanteringPurist and other sports car fans, on a road trip, and so on.
Conceptually, the car was excellent. But its execution did have a few flaws. Perhaps, I got an unlucky one that slipped past quality control. The Limited Slip Differential clunked on any sharp turns, and clunked heavily in a U-turn. The acceleration needed careful and precise planning on the highway. The car didn't qualify as a momentum car because the car's handling couldn't keep a turn at speed. The Hyundai Genesis two door coupe drove like a better sorted car.
In the end, it brought exposure to a niche that was underserved. It sold reasonably well, but apparently the small number that was sold is such a small percentage of the entire product portfolio that Toyota doesn't care. It's also targeting a market that won't pay for the product; it's too expensive for the people asking for the product (it's kind of like the people who clamor for Ferrari to make more manual stick shifts; those clamor-ers aren't buyers), and for the people who can afford the product they go for something a little bit bigger, like the heavier Lexus IS and RC, the Infiniti Q60 coupe (which wins on looks alone), and the German coupes.
A BMW 2011 or 2012 -year 328i coupe with the 3.0 liter naturally aspirated engine is my choice in this segment. Great steering, good brakes, fantastic handling, and I'll take it in automatic or the comfort-oriented manual. Just gotta watch out for that electric water pump on that generation of 28i engine as they fail randomly and cause the entire engine to overheat. Did I mention it also doesn't have a coolant temperature gauge? Talk about flaws!
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Unsung Genius - Tada-san's funbox last laugh
Yes it’s childish. I guess some of us never grow up. Constantly looking for every opportunity to have her sideways. T o tease out her tail and keep her balanced there on the cliff edge of orgasm. Or tweak her helm to step out learily and catch like nervou...
Yet to spend some serious time with this one :)
But your ode to it is quite promising!
ahh the hachi-roku....I was toying with the idea of getting this car (used) or the new rolex day date.
whichever it is, the car will be a manual one of course. Lets see....Have to test drive them and decide between the 86 or the BRZ.
A perfect concept, but with a few flaws...
When the Toyota 86 debuted, I applauded Toyota for bringing this to market. This is exactly what the industry needed. Then I drove one, a stock one, for nearly 1000 miles, 1500 kilometers, and I couldn't sing its praises anymore. Drove it in heavy Los Ang...
Interesting insight
Not sure what bias ratio was chosen but this torsen is 'tight' in full lock turns. Also the rear brakes activate to control the 'slipping' wheel if needed when this happens on looser surfaces. This can feel clunky but is normal. Not sure what tyres you ha...
I definitely had one with the bad tires...
I had one with touring tires, Michelins if I recall correctly. I was rather surprised that the tires had such limited grip. My normal car has Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires; so that's my baseline. But the Toyota 86 is definitely a great concept and we n...
"limited grip"
Hi Patrick, If your baseline is Mich Pilot SS then I understand. 8-) That is a whopping amount of stick. I'm less fussed about that, the thing I am always looking for is progression. The Primacys just don't seem to have that in the damp and cold UK especi...
E39 BMW?
540 V8 BMW? I personally really enjoyed the way the E39 generation of BMW 5er vehicles drove. They were a great balance of comfort and sportiness, and a bit more on the sporty side. I had an E60 BMW 545i, a vehicle that was another good balance of comfort...
Funny the cars we are talking about in the same thread as GT86.....
2-10x the price and 1.5 - 3.5x the power..... Patrick, I guess it all depends on what you're looking for. You're lucky to have the problem. At these levels I think it is hairsplitting differences as to whatever floats your boat. I am very driven by the dr...
Good to know about the McLaren...
I'll have to pay attention to that. It's a flat crank V8 built by Ricardo, it shouldn't sound too bad. There's also a Sport Exhaust optional extra. I recall the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, it had an amazing sound and amazing looks. Unfortunately not much ...
"Flat crank V8....." "...shouldn't sound bad"
Well it may have been designed, engineered and developed by the unsung Ricardo, but the customer, MCL, still chose the sound. Don't let the Huracan's so called blindspot put you off. Spread the mirrors wider than usual.
