Morizo's High Praise!

The Toyota 86, a compact FR sports car from Toyota, was first shown as a prototype model at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011. The opening party for the 86, held on February 2nd at Makuhari Messe, began with remarks from Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda: "In the past decade or so, Toyota's sports cars have disappeared one after another from the market, and we have sincerely reflected on this as we proceeded with the development of the 86." However, Akio Toyoda, dressed in a Gazoo Racing team racing suit on this day, emphasized his position more as a "Morizo," a driver's name, than as president. He shared anecdotes of his own training, including driving the 86 on the test course at the Tahara plant and on ice in Hokkaido, stating, "The 86 has been finished into a car that is fun to drive even for me, a car with which you can have a conversation. The 86 will be an opportunity to learn about the joy of cars, and we want drivers who already enjoy cars to further nurture the 86."

A Car Designed with Community Formation and Sustainable Development in Mind

To support this, Toyota announced that they are preparing a race-spec car, not for public road use, to allow enjoyment of circuit driving as a weekend sport. They also revealed that by releasing information about the 86 to parts manufacturers before its launch, a wide range of maintenance, tuning, and dress-up parts will be available simultaneously with the release.


Additionally, "AREA 86," sports car shops with the concept of "a gathering place for adults," will be established at 283 Toyota dealerships nationwide. These shops will not only sell the 86 but also provide information on circuits and parts, and sell 86 merchandise such as apparel.



Following the party, a spectacular drift driving demonstration was also performed. The 86, positioned as a model aimed at increasing the number of car fans and fostering a mature community of enthusiasts, is priced with its potential as a customization base in mind. The "RC," the simplest equipment model, starts at 1.99 million yen with a 6-speed manual transmission only. The "G" model with air conditioning is 2.41 million yen for the 6-speed manual and 2.48 million yen for the 6-speed automatic. The "GT," equipped with a leather-wrapped shift lever, parking brake, and steering wheel, aluminum pedals, a tachometer with white numerals, a push-button engine starter, and keyless entry, is 2.79 million yen for the 6-speed manual and 2.87 million yen for the 6-speed automatic. The "GT Limited," which adds a rear spoiler, rear fog lamp, sports brake pads, and underfloor covers to the GT, is 2.97 million yen for the 6-speed manual and 3.05 million yen for the 6-speed automatic.