Toyota has stopped selling its popular GT 86 as the Scion FR-S for the US markets. Instead, the brand has decided to rename the sports car as the 2017 Toyota 86 and upgraded the design, as well as suspension and powertrain bits. The new 2017 86 is currently being shown at the New York Motor Show.
While it may not look a whole lot different compared to the old one, the 2017 model looks refreshing with its larger center intake emphasising the low, wide stance of the car. The front-end also has re-configured LED headlamps and turn signals, and a revised bumper. The rear now sports LED tail lamps and a new bumper design. The alloy wheels, meanwhile, feature a twisted spoke design and 86 logos have been incorporated into a badge on the front fender, as well as inside the front headlamps.
As far as mechanical bits are concerned, Toyota has revised shock tuning and a spring rate change for the suspension setup for better agility. For cars with a manual gearbox, additional performance comes from a gear ratio change and a slight power increase to 205bhp from around 200bhp earlier.
To be sold as an entry-level rear wheel drive sports car, the refreshed and renamed Toyota 86 will go on sale later this year in the US.
