Toyota plans new lightweight, track-focused GT86

Toyota looks set to introduce a lightweight, track-focused special edition of its GT86 sports car next year.

This prototype model, spotted performance testing at the Nürburgring, features what looks to be a carbonfibre bonnet with dual air intakes, as well as a new roof and boot lid which holds a large rear spoiler. New air ducts can also be seen on the bonnet, likely to aid cooling to the GT86's 2.0-litre flat-four engine. The current car has a kerb weight of 1275kg in manual form.

These aerodynamic upgrades aren't likely to make much difference to the car's performance, meaning its 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds and 140mph top speed are likely to remain unchanged. N upgrades to the car's engine are expected, either, meaning the same 197bhp and 151lb ft outputs will be offered, as well as the same options of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota will likely tune the car's suspension and dynamics for sharper handling on the track.

Some reports have cited Toyota engineer Tetsuya Tada as saying a facelifted version of the GT86 could make use of a larger, more powerful boxer engine in the future, which could come with an improved intake system and performance exhaust setup, as well as a modified final drive ratio. 

The GT86 has recently been updated for the 2015 model year, and now comes with more rigid front suspension and new rear shock absorbers, which are claimed to provide better handling. The interior has also been upgraded, and now features carbonfibre trim. 

Beyond next year, Toyota will start work on a new sports car developed in conjunction with BMW. Planned as a two-seater, the project will sire a Z4 replacement for BMW, and a successor to the Supra for Toyota. That car has already been hinted at with the FT-1 concept car seen at the Detroit motor show earlier this year.

Toyota could well introduce this lightweight model as a limited-run special edition, with a price tag of well above the current top-spec GT86's £33,110 to match.

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