Toyota Australia announced that it will unveil an updated version of the country’s bestselling sports car – the Toyota 86 – at this year’s New York International Auto Show running from 25 March to 3 April.
The car maker, which will also debut its revised seven-seat Kluger SUV at the event, said the updated Toyota 86 features a revised exterior and interior design, as well as improvements to its suspension and powertrain.
“Re-configured LED headlamps incorporate new indicators, sitting above redesigned fog lamp bezels and a revised bumper. At the rear, there are sports LED tail lamps and a new bumper. The alloy wheel design has been refreshed, and the 86 logo has shifted to a stand-alone badge on the front fender, as well as inside the front headlamps,” Toyota said in a press release.
“On the inside, the high-grade GTS features a new, soft-feel ‘Grandlux’ material (reprising the 86 logo) on the instrument panel surround and door trims. GTS drivers will also enjoy new seating material with silver stitching, as well as a steering wheel with integrated audio controls.”
In regard to the changes to the suspension and the powertrain, Toyota stated the following:
“Under the skin, a revised suspension tune focuses on shock absorber and spring rates, while on manual variants additional performance comes from a gear ratio change as well as increases to torque (+9Nm) and peak power (+4kW), with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) helping prevent the car from rolling back on steep hills.”
Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing said the Toyota 86 has captured the imagination of Australia car enthusiasts since launching in mid-2012.
“With sales in excess of 16,000** units in Australia to date, the 86 has been a phenomenal success,” Mr Cramb said.
“A pure focus on dynamic response and driver engagement has struck a chord with its growing fan base, and this 86 update is sure to add further fuel to that fire.”
According to the company, the revised Toyota 86 will go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year.
