Toyota New Zealand has announced a new model to the 86 line-up, adding a car that we all wanted them to have in the first place: the 86 RC, or “Race Competition” – a stripped-out entry-level model, ripe for customisation or conversion into a racing car!
Toyota says the 86 RC “gives Kiwi sports car fans the chance to create their own statement with a brand new Toyota 86 that arrives box-fresh and ready for customisation, at an incredibly low entry price.”
Exactly what that price is is yet to be revealed, but given that there is no audio system installed, the front and rear bumpers are unpainted and it is only available with a manual transmission, sneaking in under the $40k mark is a possibility. Oh Dear God, we hope…
The RC concept presents an entirely unique concept in New Zealand; a stripped out “blank canvas” the customer can fettle, tune, paint and accessorise in any way they desire.
According to Toyota the 86 RC has already been met with massive enthusiasm in Japan and New Zealand fans get their turn early next year.
“Cars are hugely personal things, so this is an amazing opportunity for 86 sports car fans to take this head-turning coupe and customise it to suit their individual style,” says Toyota New Zealand General Manager of Product Planning, Neeraj Lala.
“The 86 RC is all about creating your own personal brand on wheels. Young fans can now buy a brand new car, and express who they are.
“The RC is an 86 through and through, but we know performance specialists and stylists are also keen to get their hands on it in order to see what they can achieve with it.”
Rather coincidentally, the announcement of a stripped out model happens to coincide with the news that Toyota is officially “considering” a one-make race series for the 86 in New Zealand.
The company has built a prototype version of the racing car – named the TR 86 – and says the series would “build on the passion and enthusiasm for the ever-popular single-seater category the Toyota Racing Series, this new TR 86 would become a limited edition star with its own championship.”
“Toyota New Zealand has long been a passionate supporter of motorsport in this country and the TRS championship continues to be a leading category that attracts a high quality grid of talented young racers from across the globe,” says Toyota Racing’s Barrie Thomlinson.
“The new TR 86 racer would add another dimension to TRS by offering an opportunity for racing enthusiasts from a diverse range of backgrounds, some new to the sport and others who are looking to step up from other categories, to enter into a manufacturer backed, professional environment, driving what promises to be an extremely exciting race package,” he said.
Built and developed in New Zealand using race components, the TR 86 will be the ultimate turn-key track car that will be strictly controlled and governed to ensure all competitors compete on equal terms in equal equipment. The car features an FIA-compliant homologated roll cage, race-tuned suspension, performance exhaust system, ECU map upgrade, racing brake package and an 18-inch wheel and tyre package; while the cockpit features include customised race seats, steering wheel and 6-point seatbelts.
The TR 86 car will be on display during the TRS championship season and prospective racers will be canvassed to confirm the level of interest, with the series planned to debut later in 2013.
From what we understand the series is well past the “considering” stage and it all hinges on the outcome of discussions with Motorsport New Zealand. Here’s hoping MSNZ does something proactive and forward-looking for a change and gives the series the green light…
