Bucket Seat: Toyota GR86

When building a great sports car, one of the fundamentals behind the design is to give the car perfect balance. Some would argue that power is all that matters but without balance, you're not going to be able to do those high speeds or do it comfortably. When Toyota first launched the 86 coupe, it was brought in as an affordable sports coupe for the purist, powered by a 2.0L Subaru sourced 4cylinder Boxer engine. It wasn't the fastest but with its design and low center of gravity, it proved to be quite a hit with many purely coming back to the fact that they managed to obtain a perfect balance and feel with the car. I got the opportunity to spend a week with the second generation 86 coupe which now dons the Gazoo Racing badge to see if they've managed to keep that balance and feel, along with a little bit more oomph from that new engine. 

DESIGN

The team at Subaru and Toyota again joined forces to produce a new look to the 86, while keeping the shape generally the same, the car has grown in length and width. The front styling is more distinctly Toyota with the rear very Subaru. The design is sleep with the front end having larger front headlamps with LED tech and day time running lights. The hood is more slanted and has a big gaping grille to allow for cooling to the engine bay. There is two angular air scoops with a black border that's directed at the front wheels for brake cooling with a matching air outlet behind the wheel arch, while these are functional, they add a very sporty look to the car. Certain angles when looking at the 86, it gives off Porsche Cayman vibes which isn't a bad thing if you ask me. The rear end is also very neatly designed with various height changes coming down from the back winds shield that tapers onto the boot lid, a nice little scoop style spoiler wraps around the curved edge with a solid black line that runs across the width and ties into the rear lights which have LED inserts for the indicators. The bottom diffusor is blacked out with twin round tailpipes on either end and like the previous generation 86, it features reflectors at the center. 18-inch 10-spoke blacked out rims adorned the GR86 which provides a great contrast to the bright red colour it is. The interior almost looks like a carbon copy of the old until you start inspecting it closely, you'll find that the design is actually better with a larger tub and great use of materials and textures adding to the sporty look. 

PERFORMANCE

The new GR86 is powered by a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated boxer engine from Subaru that generates 174kW and 250Nm of peak torque, all which is fused to a 6-speed manual short shifting gearbox that will have you grinning like Eskom just announced no load shedding over the long weekend. Look, I can't guarantee you the no load shedding part but this car will bring you tonnes of enjoyment. When I was talking about balance in the start of this review, getting behind the wheel of the GR86 will tell you all you need to know about it, it's effortless in steering which is perfect as your one hand will be on the gear knob and the other maneuvering the wheel around the bends. Yes! That is just how good this car is, I very rarely found myself having the need to be ten-to-two with it because of its sporty nature and high torque, when going at it around the twisty's this car just comes into its element. Toyota's catch phrase for it is "born to perform" and my word does it live up to it. The D4-S dual injection engine allows for more aggressive throttle performance which gives it a grunt of note. It's quick off the mark and picks up speed on the straight well, it's top end speed isn't the greatest but as I found when driving the car, straight roads isn't it's play ground, throw some bends in and it will be leaving the competition in it's dust. 

COMFORT

It's a sports car, so its not meant to be comfortable, it's low to the ground which means getting in and out can be tricky for someone like me but you know what, i didn't care one bit. The sport seats are nice though, snug fit with extra padding means you and the front passenger have a nice comfortable chair to be in, to make it more fancy, they threw in two setting seat warmers! The dash is well laid out, lots of plastic used, I presume for weight saving purposes, while it is good quality plastic, I feel that could have changed things up with the introduction of some suede here and there. There's a large touch screen infotainment display that has built-in mobile apps that is only accessible via USB, this is located in the large center storage compartment. There's dual zone climate control which is controlled by the three dials below the screen, these have built-in LCD's that display the temperature and fan speeds. The flick switch type controls below are for the other AC controls such as demister and aircon modes. The three pedals and finished off in machined steel with large holes to complete the racing car look. The GR badge is prominent on the bottom of the wheel with multi-function controls for radio and telephone. The instrument cluster is digital with the rev counter large and in center to give you that ultimate Adrenalin boost when revving this bad boy up. The rear seats, if I could call them that isn't design for human seating if I'm being honest, apart form the space being really limited, it's not really comfortable as the front seats. It's better used for additional storage should the boot not be big enough. The back rests do drop to extend the luggage hold. While the boot is shallow, with the seats dropped I did manage to get two sets of golf clubs in there. 

VERDICT

I love this car, while many may dub is as a baby Supra I think that is doing an injustice to it. The GR86 has its own character and appeal. The amount of fun this car can bring you as a motoring purist is unparamount. I think due to it being a fiesty little sports car with brilliant handling, it gives you the type of exciting driving that you don't need to being going extremely fast. The near perfect weight distribution is adds to the thrill of the balance, the design of the car is sculpted for speed and with the GR badge added to the mix, it's got heritage behind it. While Subaru opted not to bring in their version of the car to our shores, I can understand why, with the Toyota badge on it along with the Gazoo Racing backing, this model would be the clear winner in sales. I don't know what else to tell you about this car but I'll tell you this, the night before I was handing it back, I just got off my couch at 8pm and decided to take a 60km drive up the North coast in Durban, just to make sure I got one last good joy ride out of it. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.4L flat-four petrol boxer engine
Gear Box	6-speed manual
Torque	250Nm
Power	174W
0-100km/h	6.4 seconds
Price	R733,500*

*base price 

 

Bucket Seat: Toyota CH-R GR Sport

Toyota Motors Europe has revealed exciting additions to the acclaimed C-HR crossover for European markets. Launched in 2016 and positioned as a dynamic crossover combining extravagant looks with the handling prowess to match - yet delivering segment-best emissions performance - the first Toyota C-HR had a powerful impact on the C-SUV segment. In its first year, the C-HR sold 120,000 units in Europe, instantly achieving a 10% share of the segment. This success story has continued and today, equipped with a segment-unique choice of 1.8 litre, 122 hp or 2.0 litre, 184 hp hybrid powertrains, the CH-R is driven by more than 400,000 Europeans.

Inspired by Toyota's performance-focused GR models and the livery colours of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the new GR SPORT adds sharper exterior and interior styling to the C-HR's already striking appearance. The GR Sport rollout continues, following the Corolla Hatch, and further helps build the Gazoo Racing (GR) brand. GR Sport represents the 2nd tier in the GR-pyramid and encompasses bespoke visual and handling treatment. GR Sport models receive revised suspension tuning, bespoke alloy wheels and other GR-inspired trim.

The bespoke frontal treatment of the GR SPORT includes a Black emblem background and headlamp housings, a Piano Black finish to the centre bumper and fog lamp surrounds, a dark chrome grille and a new, more aggressively styled front spoiler. To the side, Piano Black door moulding inserts are complimented by a model-unique 19" alloy wheel design. And the rear features a Black emblem background, Piano Black reflector surrounds, a bespoke under-bumper trim garnish and the GR SPORT logo. The GR SPORT is available in a choice of nine exclusive bi-tone colour schemes, including a new, model-unique Dynamic Grey finish with a black roof.

On board, the GR SPORT features a new Cool Silver cabin finish and a choice of alcantara-trimmed leather or all-fabric seat upholstery, both enhanced by a GR-inspired Red and Grey stitching theme. Further bespoke elements include a perforated leather steering wheel rim, red stitching accents to both the wheel rim and the gear lever gaiter, model unique scuff plates, the GR SPORT logo, a GR stop/start button and a GR start-up animation in the driver's instrument binnacle TFT screen. The GR SPORT's comprehensive equipment specification also includes privacy glass, smart entry, LED high beam headlamps and auto-fold door mirrors, whilst the main options list includes power operation and heating to the front seats and an outstanding JBL audio system.

Model-bespoke tyres and suspension system and steering tuning have been designed to perceptibly improve the GR SPORT's dynamic behaviour whilst retaining the ride comfort levels of the rest of the C-HR model range. A premium tyre, the new 19" Continental Premium Contact 6 (225/45) increases front axle grip levels and cornering stiffness, resulting in improved yaw resistance and less understeer when subjected to the same G-force. The new tyre is lighter than the current 18" fitting yet offers the same rolling resistance and similar vehicle CO2 emissions. 

Bucket Seat: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport

In a bakkie obsessed nation, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers decided to take advantage of this segment by introducing enhanced performance variants to the market. While it still may be relatively new to South Africa, across the globe, especially in the US markets, this has been a much loved segment for over a decade now. Step in Toyota, fresh off celebrating their victory at this years Dakar with South African built Hilux models, it made sense for them to introduce their sporty variant of the Hilux to the country. The Hilux Gazoo Racing Sport first broke cover a few months ago, with Toyota SA later confirming that a limited number of models will be heading to our shores. While the engine still remained the same, there were mechanical upgrades done to the GR-Sport in the form up suspension upgrades, revised dampers and a change in wheels to make this a proper off-road menacing machine. 

DESIGN

While the overall design of the Hilux GR-Sport is pretty much the same as any other Hilux Double Cab, there are subtle changes to make you aware of this particular model. Those with a keen eye will notice that the Toyota sign on the front grille is spelled out and not just the emblem as on the other models, the bonnet on the GR-Sport is black, there are plenty of GR badges around the car as well as a bigger aluminium side step. The GR Sport also has graphic stickers on the side extending from the front door all way to the bin at the back. The wheels are different to other models as well, with it have blacked out 17" six spoke alloy wheels on all-terrain tyres which have a thicker profile, The car seems to be raised a bit more than normal, could be due to the revised front suspension, giving it that more sportier look. The wheel arches are blacked out and there are hints of carbon on the grille. Moving onto the inside, very much like a normal Hilux but colours and trims that make this one stand out a bit more. The dash made up of a combination of soft and hard touch leathers as well as high gloss finishes in black and red. There's red stitching to the seats and since this being a limited number production unit, a plate with the model number sits just below the gear selector. 

PERFORMANCE

While nothing much has changed under the hood, doesn't mean its not worth mentioning, the GR Sport comes with Toyota's bulletproof 2.8 GD-6 turbo diesel engine which features on popular Hilux models as well the Fortuner range. This engine produces 130kW and 450Nm of torque. While this particular GR Sport model did come with an automatic transmission, the car does have paddle shifts for manual mode. The automatic gearbox does produce 30Nm or torque more than the manual version, this is purely down to the smooth and easy self shifting box. On the road, the GR Sport feels and drives like a normal Hilux, it does feel a bit racy on take off but that could be down to the torque and gearbox. On the dirt, its loads of fun, with it sliding around corners and making dust. This is where you get a real good feel of that revised front suspension setup which consists of a monotube design and revised dampers in action. The GR Sport is a fully fledged 4x4 with all the bells and whistles, it even has a power mode which you can use to up the anti when driving. 

COMFORT

While this may be a bakkie and a performance one, it did feel a hell of a lot more luxurious than other bakkies I've been in. The quality of materials used in the interior are of a high standard, the same as what you'd find in the top of the range Fortuner. Leather dash, high gloss plastic finishes and soft touch leather coverings and steering make the cabin of the GR Sport a very comfortable place to be. The dials of the GR Sport are different to the other Hilux variants, more sportier and finished in white. The large screen infotainment system is easy to use and to sync with your device. The system is compatible with most mobile apps and recently Toyota SA launch an app of their own which is available in the app store of most devices. 

VERDICT

While the price might be a major talking point with the Toyota Hilux GR Sport, it still remains the second most expensive bakkie in the line-up. Also in terms of pricing in its segment, and the exclusivity of the bakkie with only 600 being made, you can see why it is priced that much. The product you getting from Toyota in general is always unquestionably good so this is none the different. Also in terms of the Gazoo Racing models, this is the first model being sold in South Africa, as we were not lucky enough to get any of the GRNM Yaris, but a few months later did get the new Supra. It's a bakkie for the enthusiasts or the thrill seeker, or maybe you just want a collectors edition bakkie, whomever it is, they sure are going to get a great product. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.8 Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	6 Speed Automatic
Torque	450Nm
Power	130kW
Consumption	8.5L/100km
Price	R 714 500

Pictures by @DBN_Spotter

Bucket Seat: Lexus RC-F Track Edition

It seems as if the guys up at Toyota Japan finally got the wake up call they needed when it comes to performance cars in their line up. For years we've been subjected to mundane family orientated or budget type cars from them, which don't get me wrong, is great but we were craving cars with more oomf from the Japanese manufacturer and in the past few years, we've witnessed the rise in their Gazoo Racing division which has a great knock on effect to their production line. We got a taste with what they were up to with their Yaris GRMN, a car which I've personally never driven but every single motoring journalist who did, had nothing but praise for the little hot hatch. Then a few weeks back, Toyota introduced their fifth generation Supra to the country, again, a car that I haven't driven yet but heard so many good things about from people locally and abroad. 

This week, the luxury division of Toyota, Lexus brought in their rival to the German performance coupes, the RC-F. While South Africa did get the RC when it was initially launched, Lexus felt that the RC-F wasn't suited to the local market at the time, and I would tend to agree with them but I'm glad they've decided to introduce it now. Along with the RC-F that was launched in Durban this week, they brought along the RC-F Track edition which see's no performance upgrades to it, but it has shed a lot of weight compared to the normal RC-F. 

While most German rivals are going the turbo route, Lexus oddly stuck with the normally aspirated V8 engine. Lexus Sales and Marketing Vice President, Glenn Crompton says, "These highly sophisticated, proudly unique, normally aspirated V8 powered coupes have never been better represented than after such comprehensive upgrades. Offering an aggressively priced RC-F and a more aggressively dynamic RC F Track edition is an ideal twin-strategy in this performance loving South Africa market". The engine pushes out a maximum power of 351kW and 530Nm of torque, does a 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and the track edition, 4.3 seconds. 

In terms of design, the RC still remains the best looking coupe on the market for me, with the F Design kit, it only enhances the looks of the car. The stacked tail pipes echo back to the IS-F and the multi-spoke rims are reminiscent of the LFA Nurburgring edition. The interior remains fairly the same, which is a slight disappoint to me as I liked the look on the UX cabin and the new RX models. The Sports seats are a nice touch and that digital instrument cluster is always a  show stopper. The Track Edition sheds a lot of weight, and has a carbon fibre bonnet and gets a carbon fibre rear wing for added down force. 

It's a welcomed move to have Lexus bring these two models into the SA market, and brings in much needed competition to the likes of BMW's  M4, Mercedes Benz C63 Coupe as well as Audi's RS5. Pricing for the RC-F starts at R1 318 300 for the standard and R2 098 200 for the Track Edition.