“2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition”
A New Model Sport Coupe Emerges
OVERVIEW
The 2013 model year marked the culmination of the joint forces of two Japanese auto manufacturers in the development of a formidable, yet affordable 2+2 sports coupe under the guise of two distinctive marques. The vehicles were the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ, which were nearly identical in terms of basic design and mechanical composition. The cars were designed around the core goal of achieving “Pure balance”, beginning with the strategic utilization of a flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and flat shape allows it to be mounted in a low, mid-ship position, resulting in a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio, along with a low center of gravity that is comparable to many exotic supercars. The Scion brand name met its demise several years ago and now simply carries the Toyota moniker. FR-S stood for – Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport). The FR-S drew from a long history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, best known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The model designation also disappeared, and what was the FR-S is now known as the Toyota 86. We’ll deal here with the new 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition – a special version that’s based on the Toyota 86 GT architecture.
WHAT IS HAKONE?
The 86 Hakone Edition gets its name from one of the great driving roads in the world, the Hakone Turnpike, a famous stretch of road is on the top of many bucket lists, which lies only two hours southwest of Tokyo and Toyota chose to pay tribute to this iconic spot.
The 86 Hakone Edition will feature exclusive Hakone green paint on the exterior that is complemented by a tan leather and black alcantara interior with, 17” twisted spoke bronze wheels and a black decklid spoiler.
The interior features several unique elements including tan and black Alcantara seats and a black sliding armrest with tan trim and black stitching along with an embroidered tan Toyota 86 logo on the passenger-side dashboard, while the steering wheel, parking brake cover and shift boot also all feature tan stitching. The door trim, knee pad and meter visor get black stitching. It will also feature a unique premium trunk carpet with an embossed 86 logo. Consumers purchasing an 86 Hakone Edition will receive a pair of tan key gloves and folio cover with a debossed 86 logo and black stitching.
HAKONE’S POWER SOURCE
Power is delivered to the rear-wheels through either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management. The power source is a 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve, flat horizontally-opposed “boxer” four-cylinder engine with D4-S (Direct and Sequential Port Injection) that cranks out 200 horses at 7,000 rpm, while developing 151 pound feet of torque in a range from 6,400-6,600 rpm in automatic transmission-equipped 86s or 205 hp and 156 lb.ft for models with the 6-speed manual gearbox. Premium fuel is required.
SLEEK AERO STYLING
In terms of its stunning exterior visual appeal, the Toyota 86 Hakone reflects its inner power – its aerodynamic profile was inspired by the iconic (and now extremely rare and highly collectible) Toyota 2000GT, with a low, sleek roofline that directs airflow cleanly and efficiently over the gracefully curved cabin. The stance is low and the face delivers a menacing competitive look with its sharp expressive lines and forms, such as the wide lower intake and angular headlight assembly that houses projector-beam headlamps. The front fenders protrude aggressively upward, and display the iconic “86” piston badge, highlighting the car’s AE86 DNA as well as its boxer engine. Moving to the rear, the fascia sits low and wide, with a diffuser panel that encases the sporty dual exhaust system. LEDs showcase the edgy taillamps along with center-mounted backup lights.
Weight is kept to a minimum by the implementation of an aluminum hood, a solid roof and by a trunk rather than a hatch design. The low weight is complemented by dynamically tuned suspension componentry consisting of MacPherson struts forward and a double wishbone setup aft. Positive steering feel is provided by Electronic Power Steering and the 86 rides on lightweight 17×7-inch alloy wheels. Ventilated disc brakes are standard at all four corners. Experienced performance driving enthusiasts will appreciate the Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control systems, which may be set in a combination of five configurations.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
The 86 Hakone Edition offers all the essential standard exterior amenities: LED projector-beam headlights; color-keyed power mirrors; chrome-tipped dual exhaust; front fender-mounted vortex generators; LED fog lamps; and an aerodynamic floor undercover, a steering wheel with integrated audio and Multi-Information Display controls. Other amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control; heated seats; anti-theft system; and cruise control. Other standard equipment includes Smart Key System on driver and passenger doors with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, panic and trunk release. The Toyota 86 is also equipped with a host of standard safety features including: six airbags, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability control, Brake Assist, ABS and Smart Stop Technology.
The interior features 2+2 seating with deeply bolstered, supportive and comfortable seats up front, with a rear seatback that folds flat for added versatility and functionality. A large, center-mounted tachometer is the focal point of the three gauge main cluster that also features a programmable shift indicator, allowing the driver to set rev limits in 100 -rpm limits beginning at 2,000 rpm. Speed is measured by both digital and analog gauges. The three-spoke steering wheel both tilts and telescopes and wears the new 86 model designation.
A soft skin dash cover delivers a flat horizon design with a raised centerline rib, which in combination with the pronounced front fender bulges aid in keeping the driver intuitively oriented with the car’s position. The 86 offers a connected multimedia audio system called BeSpoke™, powered by Pioneer’s Zypr™.
AS TESTED
My test 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone sport coupe came with the 6-speed automatic gearbox and wore the exclusive exterior finish of Hakone Green with a Black and Caramel interior. The base sticker was set at $30,590. which came to $31,545. after adding options and destination charge.
PERFORMANCE
Considering the price point of the 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone 2+2 sports coupe, and its performance credentials, it continues to be a winner, with its enhanced tuning and freshened appearance to match. It serves up an attractive and appealing design, with harmonious and well-balanced lines and contours, evoking a bold, athletic image even when parked.
Acceleration is most impressive, as are the precise handling characteristics. The ride quality is comfortable, bordering on extra firm for the sake of stability.
OUR FINAL TAKE
The 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone delivers fun in spades under normal driving conditions or on a racecourse. Add to that, Toyota’s warranty program structure along with their reputation for reliability and the 86 Hakone is a no-brainer for the diminutive 2+2 sports coupe set.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition
Base Price: $30,590.
Price as Tested: $31,545.
Engine Type and Size: FA20 – 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve naturally aspirated four-cylinder flat-opposed “Boxer” engine with dual variable valve timing and D-4S direct and sequential port fuel injection. Square Bore and Stroke of 86 mm.
Horsepower (bhp): 200 @ 7,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 151 @ 6,400 – rpm
Transmission: Six-speed close ratio manual or ECT-I TX6A-6-speed, electronically controlled automatic with intelligence, paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management.
Drive Train: Flat -opposed boxer mid-mount front engine / Rear-wheel drive with Torsen Limited-Slip Differential.
Suspension: Front – Sport-tuned Independent MacPherson strut with reverse positioned lower L- arm, inboard- mounted shocks and springs and 18 mm stabilizer bar.
Rear – Sport-tuned Double-Wishbone warhorse® Limited Slip Differential and 14 mm stabilizer bar.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs with ABS, EBD, BA, TRAC and VSC.
Tires: Michelin Primacy HP 215/45 R17 87W summer mounted on 10 -spoke Bronze painted alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 101.2 inches
Length Overall: 166.7 inches
Width: 69.9 inches
Height: 52.0 inches
Ground Clearance: 4.9 inches
Turning Circle: 36.1 ft.
Curb Weight: 2,841 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 24 mpg city / 32-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.27
0 – 60 mph: 6.2 seconds – estimated.
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