Toyota to release ‘back to basics’ GT 86 for JDM tuners

Toyota is releasing a back-to-basics version of its GT 86 in April, specifically for the Japanese aftermarket tuning scene.

The RC version is intended to be a blank canvas for customers to modify and customize according to their preferences. So wing mirrors, door handles and front and rear bumpers are unpainted, and front foglamps, tailgate lamp, intake manifold cover, stereo and speakers are all removed. Its steering wheel and gear shifter are similarly downgraded, with synthetic, rather than leather, trim.

Meanwhile alloy wheels are replaced by black steels, meaning that instead of the top-spec GT Limited's 17-inch 215/45 tires (the same fitted to the Prius), the customer will be supplied with even daintier 16-inch steel wheels with 205/55 rubber.

The theory is that tuners replace these items as a matter of course and so fitting expensive items is pointless. (We'd be tempted to keep the steelies, however!)

With all the cuts, the price is ¥1.9m, down from ¥3m, while weight is also reduced from 1,230kg to 1,190kg.

With customization such a hot topic within the industry, it's interesting to see a different take on the subject. While Mini and Citroën (with its DS3) offer factory-built individualization, Toyota has decided to open up to the vast aftermarket. It remains to be seen if this philosophy will spread to Europe or the US, where the car will be sold under the Scion brand.

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By Rufus Thompson