Toyota GT86

While playing at Dezzi Raceway, we were also introduced to the upgraded Toyota 86, that now goes under the name of GT86.

We didn’t get to drive the car, other than a brief spin around the skidpan, but the upgrades are mostly there for improved onroad and track dynamics.

You now get a Brembo performance brake package that consists of high-performance ventilated discs measuring 326mm at the front and 316mm at the rear. In conjunction with the larger brake discs, the brake callipers are bigger too, and their sweep area increases by 38% and 6% for the front and rear respectively.

You also get Sachs performance shocks and an all-coil suspension that consists of MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear, both with a stabiliser bar.

Visual changes comprise black treatment to the rear spoiler and side mirrors, whilst new black hued 17-inch alloy wheel complete the black-out theme.

Inside a newly fitted touchscreen infotainment system occupies the dashboard – complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Show Plus functionality.

In addition, on-board Satellite Navigation is included as standard. The system also offers Bluetooth telephony and USB interface – all accessible from the steering-mounted switchgear.

Perhaps, sadly, the model retains the same 2.0 litre D-4S naturally aspirated, Boxer engine delivering 147kW of power and 205Nm of torque. The close ratio six-speed gearbox and limited slip diff remains for fun in the twisty stuff. But imagine this car with the supercharged Yaris GRMN engine?

The line-up has been revised to consist of a single derivative based on the High Grade sixspeed manual specification package only. It comes in at R575 700, and this includes a four-year/ 60 000km service plan and threeyear /100 000km warranty.