Toyota has delivered a powerful reminder of its sports-car heritage with news that its popular 86 coupe has passed 20,000 sales in Australia.
The 86 milestone coincides with the release of a stunning new paint hue, Apollo Blue – available exclusively on GTS variants fitted with a performance kit that adds to the enjoyment of a true driver’s car
Cementing its place in Toyota history, the 86 is the first Toyota sports car to pass 20,000 sales since the Celica, which achieved the cumulative feat in 1975.
Average annual sales for 86 at more than 3,300 vehicles over its six-year life are higher than for Celica which averaged around 3,200 cars a year over its 35-year life.
The achievement is even more remarkable when compared with total sales for other legendary sports cars: the Supra reached 2,895 local sales while the MR2 totalled 3,451 cars.
Toyota Australia’s vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the 86 has helped rejuvenate the Toyota brand by attracting younger customers who may never previously have considered a Toyota.
“The sales success of the Toyota 86 has been impressive, and it is just the start of a new era of excitement within our company,” Mr Hanley said.
“Toyota’s designers and engineers are continuing to display their commitment to more desirable styling and greater driving enjoyment with cars like the latest Camry, the upcoming Corolla and next year’s RAV4.
“This passion is also evident in Toyota’s decision to resurrect the famous Supra name in a car that is under development and slated for launch soon.”
The optional performance kit, available on all 86 variants, comprises larger Brembo® performance brakes for supreme stopping power, specially tuned Sachs® performance dampers to boost handling stability and responsiveness, plus anthracite-coloured 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.
It is priced $2,200* on the GTS grade and $2,900* for the GT – taking into account the kit’s inclusion of bigger wheels than the standard GT 16-inch alloys.
GTS buyers can combine the performance pack with the new Apollo Blue colour plus a black leather-accented interior trim and a unique black finish for the wheels, exterior mirrors and rear spoiler – all for an option price of $2,950*.
The 86 is powered by a front-mounted, free-revving, horizontally opposed ‘boxer’ petrol engine and rear-wheel drive.
The unique powertrain is combined with a compact design, light weight and a low centre of gravity to provide lively, accessible performance and highly engaging dynamic abilities with minimal electronic intrusion.
Every Toyota 86 is equipped with seven airbags, premium three-spoke steering wheel and premium shift lever, auto-levelling LED headlamps, LED DRLs, limited-slip differential, air-conditioning, multi-information display, satellite navigation^^, reversing camera and hill-start assist control.
The Toyota 86 is covered by the capped-price servicing plan, Toyota Service Advantage, with up to four scheduled services at just $180 each^.
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