Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT 86
* From superminis to sports cars
* The cars UK buyers should keep an eye on
Sorry, but I refuse to split these two sports coups, whose development has been a joint effort between Subaru (most of the mechanicals) and Toyota (most of the cash, I suspect).
Their production forms arrived at (long) last in Tokyo, Toyotas 86 (itll be GT 86 in the UK) clothed in an eye-catching bronze paint job that had the faintest hint of 1980s retro about it.
With a relatively modest 197bhp, ultra-low weight distribution and rear-wheel drive, both cars are designed for an entertaining drive, rather than Porsche Cayman-rivalling performance.
For me, Subarus version had a slight edge, with a cleaner, less fussy design (some thought it plain, mind), a choice of colours - Subarus old rally Impreza blue and a pearlescent white - and an endurance racing version that looked sensational. In the long run, the companys tuning division STi will also give the BRZ a power advantage, too.
Either way, I cant wait to try them both. Its terrific to see Japanese manufacturers striving to make cars designed for driving pleasure, alongside those renowned for durability and practicality.
