Toyota Overhauls First-Gen Model’s Engine And Suspension As Part Of Refresh Service For 86

Since its debut in 2012, the 2023 Toyota 86, originally known as the Scion FR-S in North America, has developed a devoted following. The lightweight 86 won accolades from both fans and reviewers for its compact rear-wheel drive configuration, naturally aspirated engine, and emphasis on driving engagement over power figures.

Toyota has given the 86 a thorough midlife refresh for the 2023 model year as it enters its second generation. The “86 Refresh” is an update to the automobile that intends to improve the driving experience by making changes to the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and aesthetics.

2023 Toyota 86 All-New 2.4L Engine Boosts Power Considerably

The major mechanical modification for the 86 Refresh replaces the 2.0L engine with a brand-new, naturally aspirated 2.4L flat-4 boxer engine.. This results in significant power increases from 205 horsepower to 228 horsepower and torque increases from 156 lb-ft to 184 lb-ft.

Toyota concentrated on enhancing combustion efficiency throughout the engine to maximize the higher displacement’s potential for output. Important elements include:

• Increased cylinder bores from 86mm to 94mm
• For a total displacement of 2.4L, the stroke increased from 86mm to 94mm.
• For optimal fuel delivery, direct injection works in conjunction with multi-hole port injectors.
• Straighter intake apertures that have been redesigned to increase airflow
• Increased intake and exhaust valve sizes and updated camshaft profiles
• A higher compression ratio of 13.0:1 than the previous 12.5:1
• Low-inertia valves and valve springs for a precise response at high rpm
• A free-flowing exhaust manifold with fewer constraints on the catalytic converter

Improved acceleration is the goal of this increase in power and torque across the whole rpm range. It is noteworthy that peak torque occurs 300 rpm earlier, at 3700 rpm. The engine’s captivating high-revving character is preserved because the redline stays at a lofty 7400 rpm.

Expect a modest decrease in fuel efficiency; for the manual, expect 21/31 mpg and for the automatic, 20/30 mpg. This is balanced by a larger gasoline tank, extending the time between fill-ups.

2023 Toyota 86Transmission Options Include 6-Speed Manual and Auto

The Toyota 86 has always given customers the option of a fast 6-speed automatic or a smooth 6-speed manual transmission. Both transmissions have undergone improvements for the 86 Refresh with the goal of producing quicker, smoother gearchanges.

The carbon synchronizers in the manual have been modified to withstand the additional torque produced by the 2.4L engine. The gear ratios remain the same, but a speedier 4.3 final drive ratio aids in acceleration out of turns. To facilitate heel-and-toe downshifting, the pedals have been rearranged.

Programming improvements allow for quicker gearchanges in Sport mode for the automatic. When accelerating, downshift rev-matching offers flawlessly smooth downshifts. Manual gear control is possible with paddle shifters.

The automatic has two modes: Normal emphasizes fuel economy, while Sport keeps the rpm higher for the best response. When driving aggressively, the transmission computer holds lower gears as it adjusts to your driving style.

Revised Suspension Improves Ride and Handling

While there is a minor improvement in ride comfort, the 86’s agile handling and road grip are the main goals of the suspension upgrades. Among the modifications are:

• The shock absorbers have new valve openings and calibrations to increase body control and bump absorption.
• Lower, firmer coil springs reduce body roll and unsprung weight.
• Firmer front/rear anti-roll bars maintain the chassis’ flatness when making sharp turns.
• Redesigned front strut mounts boost stiffness for accurate turn-in.
• Wheel bearings and rear hubs made of lighter aluminum have less unsprung mass.
• Smooth airflow from aerodynamic underbody panels lowers lift and drag

Toyota engineers worked to maintain the vehicle’s fun-to-drive agility while enhancing high-speed stability and limit controllability. A lot of testing was done both on the track and on actual roads.

2023 Toyota 86 Electric Power Steering Upgrades Sharpen Handling

Toyota revised the electric power steering system in the 86 to give it a more natural feel. Among the modifications are:

• New, more sturdy column shafts for a perfect on-center feel
• Updated ECU programming allows for a more gradual increase in weighting off-center.
• A faster gear ratio of 13:1 enhances turn-in response
• Sturdy mounting points with great strength decrease the steering wheel’s vibrations

These modifications give the 86 engaging steering that is energetic and communicative. When cornering sharply, effort automatically increases, boosting confidence. The compact 370mm steering wheel makes maneuverability even better.

Interior and Exterior Styling Matched to Performance

On the 86 Refresh, Toyota changes the look in a subdued manner. The elegant, tiny sports vehicle profile embraces contemporary Toyota design cues while preserving the profile.

The front hexagonal grille’s new mesh insert permits more airflow for cooling the engine. The standard LED headlights are housed in sharper bumper cutouts. Smoked taillights get unique LED signatures at the back. The rear diffuser’s blacked-out design emphasizes the 86’s hunched, sporty stance.

The new 18-inch aluminum wheels come in dark gray or black, and red paint coats the brake calipers. A larger 7-inch digital display inside keeps the driver informed, and higher versions come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both compatible with the infotainment system.

Toyota concentrated on improving the driver’s cockpit’s functioning. Better grip is provided by a thicker steering wheel rim, and the ergonomics are enhanced with larger paddle shifters. Particularly when severe downshifting is being done, the new shift knob is simpler to use.

Low and close-fitting seating maintains the driver’s connection to the vehicle. During high-g maneuvers, bolstering keeps passengers firmly in place.

cutting-edge Safety Technology Now Standard

The brand’s latest active safety technologies, Toyota Safety Sense, are standard on every 2023 Toyota 86 model. This comprises:

• A pre-collision system that detects pedestrians
• Adaptive cruise control at full speed
• A steering assist feature and lane departure warning
• Headlights with automatic high beams
• Help with road signs

Hill start assist and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert are further features that come as standard across the whole model line. Toyota hopes to expand on the 86’s reputation for dependability, quality, and high resale value with these extensive modifications.

Release Date and Pricing

April 2023 sees the arrival of the 2023 Toyota 86 Refresh in US dealerships. Only slight price increases over the previous model are visible, indicating the ongoing focus on affordability and value.

The starting MSRP for the 86 base model with a 6-speed manual transmission is $28,825 plus destination charges. The cost of the 6-speed automatic increases by $800.

The 86 Limited, priced at $31,325 and the top-of-the-line 86 Premium, at $33,650, will be the two higher trims available. The modifications add a Harmon Kardon audio system, proximity entry, dual zone climate control, and other conveniences..

The 2023 Toyota 86 still offers more standard features than competitors like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru BRZ, and Volkswagen GTI while remaining reasonably priced.

Driving Impressions and Verdict

Early testing and assessments indicate that the 2023 Toyota 86 Refresh succeeds in adding on the compelling driving qualities of the outgoing generation. Stronger acceleration at all speeds makes the power boost obvious.

The ride quality notices a little improvement, while the handling feels more controlled and accurate. The cabin changes are important since they subtly enhance comfort and functionality. The exterior stylistic evolutions preserve the 86’s individuality and history.

The 86 stands out as a passionate oddity in a market that is moving away from lightweight, naturally aspirated sports cars. The 86 Refresh’s enhancements should increase the car’s appeal to customers seeking a personal, interactive driving experience.

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