couple

Toyota’s finally, finally, finally given us some pictures of the GT 86 – its jazzy new coupe that’ll debut at this week’s Tokyo Motor. And how long have we been waiting? Since 2009. 2009.

And what’s with the new name, eh? Firstly, and for no obvious reason, Toyota’s ditched the F and hyphen. Secondly, they’ve added RULES. Europeans get the GT 86 (but we have to call it the eight six, not eighty six), in Japan it’ll be the 86 (as in eighty six and no GT prefix) and America gets the Scion FR-S.

So, what else is there to report? Beyond these heavily Photoshopped pictures, not a lot. We’ve spotted some slight styling and interior differentiation from the concept – there’s a big diffuser on its lower rump, and Toyota’s fitted a Very Small Steering wheel (365mm in diameter, which is the smallest it has ever fitted to a road car).

Since Toyota has drip-fed us information since the DAWN OF TIME, we know most other things – the rear-drive Gee Tee Eight Six has been built hand-in-hand with Subaru (its version is badged BRZ. Possibly pronounced Berrz. Or Bee Ruzz) and both get a Scoob-derived flat-four engine and six-speed manual ‘box with the option of a six-ratio automatic.

Power for the GT 86 sits at 197bhp (at 7,000rpm) and 151lb ft of torque, which, Toyota claims, gives it “brisk, engaging performance”, while the weight-distribution is near perfect at 53:47 front-to-rear.
Underneath, both the GT 86 and BRZ have limited-slip differentials and independent suspension all round, though the GT 86 is a little more drift-boy focused – its stability control allows some tail-wagging before it tells you off.

But does it still tickle your pickle? Or are you exhausted from the ENDLESS teasing?