The Day we were given the GT 86
A couple of weeks back Paddy and I got a chance to shoot and play with the GT86, I have to admit, the car has grown on me in a massive way over the last couple of months, with the amount that are being modified in Japan and the USA, and getting a chance to see Freddy Asabo’s example at Japfest, the cars have a truck load of potential waiting to be unlocked.
In its completely standard form, its not the most amazing looking car in the world but, I have to admit its impressive that Toyota and Subaru have paid attention to the car world and decided to release this FR platform, something the Japanese car manufacturers have sort of put on the long finger. I’m not going to go into an in depth talk about the car, as many of you have seen and read most of the reviews on the internet by now.
The price tag is a little steep for Ireland and in fairness I cant see these cars flying out of the showrooms, but its an excellent platform for the future enthusiast. I honestly think this was the newest car that we ever sat in, and it turned an incredible amount of heads throughout the shooting period.
The inside was a like any new car, with plenty of 86 accents everywhere. This one looked like it came with a Halfords package, the standard wheels are absolutely disgusting and the bucket seats are a little funky, but with a drop, more enjoyable wheels and a set of brides the GT86 would be well on its way to being an awesome car.
The little mix and match branding will certainly drive Toyota or Subaru purists up the wall im sure, the engine has enough to let you know it exists but looking around you can get excited to see just how big the tunnel is, hinting an engine transplant? The arches have no inner lip which is awesome as there is no need to roll them so it seems Toyota though about the after market scene when this car was put together.
I did enjoy shooting this car, and was a little annoyed that the brochure in Toyota Ireland does not even hint that this car is based on the AE86. Not one element of the brochure which is incredibly unusual… Does the car live up to its name? In many ways it does, it has the spirit of the original car.. The car is stiff and it will be awfully amusing if the average hairdresser or midlife crisis buys this car, as it had a tendency to step out when you least expected and the ride comfort is not what you would expect. Its certainly not a Hyndai Coupe… and I’m finished writing nonsense to accompany the pictures! Check out Paddy’s proper write up over at Speedhunters…
http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/11/why-we-drive/
Enjoy!