What's the news?
Toyota will show a version of the GT86, prepared for the track by Toyota Racing Developments (TRD), at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Called the TRD Griffon Project, this racing version of the sports coupé - which was launched earlier this year at the Tokyo Auto Salon - is appearing in the UK for the first time.
Exterior
Plenty of weight saving has taken place under the skin, although the outline of the GT86 remains largely unaltered. The bonnet, roof, doors and rear wings are made from carbon fibre. Additionally, carbon fibre reinforced plastic is used for the bumpers, rear diffuser and front wings, which are slightly wider than standard. All glass has been replaced with polycarbonate. TRD has fitted 18-inch wheels and Yokohama tyres.
Interior
The driver gets a Momo steering wheel to hold and a TRD bucket seat with Takata seatbelts. Additional water temperature and oil pressure gauges provide information about the car's mechanical health.
Mechanicals
Although the 2.0-litre 'boxer' engine retains the same specifications as the road-going GT86 it has been fitted with an oil cooler. Various other components have been strengthened while the Torsen differential has been replaced with a TRD mechanical limited-slip item. The gearing has been altered with a lower, 4.8:1 ratio for favour acceleration. Braking is provided by TRD monoblock brake callipers with race-spec pads and a coil over suspension set up is fitted to sharpen the handling.
Anything else?
No word on whether UK customers will have a chance to buy a track day GT86 but TRD does make a range of accessories including alloys, body accessories and an exhaust system.
John Lambert - 17 Jun 2013