Another year, another update to the Toyota 86, often one that runs in parallel with its twin, the Subaru BRZ. For 2019, Toyota has unveiled this, the TRD Special Edition, which introduces quite a number of changes over the latest showroom model, both exterior and mechanical.
It was previously rumoured that the Japanese automaker was prepping an upgraded version of their rear-drive coupe. Obviously, those proved to be true. However, being a special edition, there will only be a provisionally finite and limited number of these cars made.
Specifically, there will only be 1,418 examples of the Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition produced. There doesn’t seem to be any correlation between that number and some other significant arrangement of digits, so it could just be an entirely random figure. It also seems to only be reserved for sale in North America for $32,420.
First things first, let’s just get it out of the way. No, the are no changes made to the 86’s naturally aspirated flat-four 2.0-litre. Like the standard car, it produces as much as 152kW if mated to a manual transmission, while torque peaks at 212Nm at 6,400rpm. If you were honestly expecting a power bump….well, that’s adorable.
On to the changes that do exist and matter, all of which concern the car’s suspension and brakes. We now have SACHS dampers, uprated Brembo brakes, and a set of exclusive 17-inch twisted spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. There’s also a TRD exhaust with brushed stainless steel exits, but there isn’t any mention of it impacting performance.
Speaking of which, the TRD Special Edition has been given a unique exterior treatment that comprises of a body painted in an exclusive metallic black called Raven and accented with a TRD tricolour graphic a TRD body kit which replaces the stock front bumper, side sills, rear bumper, rear diffuser, and spoiler.
Toyota have also lavished some attention on making the 86’s interior more premium, giving the cabin touch points a covering of a suede-like material called Granlux, including the door panel and dashboard. The standard 7-inch touchscreen can be upgraded to include in-built satellite navigation and an 8-speaker Pioneer stereo.
All these additions do not offset the meaningful additions to the car’s dynamics, now aided by those new dampers and brakes. The 86 promises to be as fun and ‘pure’ as ever, something Toyota North America keenly wishes to emphasise - however wacky and lame - as this is how the press release starts out:
“If USDA Certified Organic had a sportscar category, the 2019 86 TRD Special Edition would be its benchmark.”
For more on Toyota cars, check out our Showroom.
