Toyota GT 86 (ZN6)
The Toyota GT 86 (ZN6) — a first-generation rear-wheel drive sports coupe produced from 2012 to 2021. Co-developed with Subaru, its 2.0L FA20 boxer engine (200 hp) and pure driving philosophy set the benchmark for modern affordable sports cars. The second-generation GR 86 has its own separate page.
Overview
The Toyota GT 86 arrived in 2012 on the ZN6 platform, jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru. The car was also sold as the Subaru BRZ (by Subaru) and as the Scion FR-S (in the US market, 2012–2016). The GT 86's core design principles were simplicity, lightness, and handling perfection — no turbocharger, no excess power, but a direct connection between driver and machine. Its 2.0-litre FA20 flat-four boxer engine produced 200 hp, but the key advantage lay not in engine power, but in the car's light weight (1,200 kg) and near-perfect weight distribution.
The GT 86's technical layout was remarkable: the engine was positioned as low as possible, lowering the centre of gravity and sharpening handling responses. With a lockable rear differential, an optional manual gearbox, and a lightweight body shell, the GT 86 was a driver's machine primed for controlled oversteer. The car's driving pleasure was valued above its outright performance — it gained enormous popularity in the drift community.
In Azerbaijan, the Toyota GT 86 is available primarily through Japanese parallel import channels. The car is popular among young drivers, drift enthusiasts, and sports car aficionados. Parts are more accessible than most sports models thanks to the FA20 engine being shared with the Subaru BRZ. Note that the second-generation GR 86 (from 2021 onwards) has its own dedicated page at /makes/toyota/gr86.
GT 86 in Pictures
Exterior design, cabin layout, and real-world use reference images. Broken links gracefully fall back to text tiles.
Key Specifications
- Engine: FA20 2.0L Flat-Four Boxer (shared with Subaru) — 200 hp / 205 Nm
- 0–100 km/h: ~7.6 sec (manual) / ~7.9 sec (automatic)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (optional)
- Fuel consumption: 8.0–9.5 L/100km
- Body style: 2+2 coupe (rear seats present but limited)
- Weight: ~1,200 kg (manual) / ~1,220 kg (automatic)
- Front/rear weight distribution: 53/47
- Tyre size: 215/45 R17 (standard)
Variant Comparison
| Variant | Engine | Power | Transmission | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT 86 Base | 2.0L FA20 Boxer I4 | 200 hp | 6-speed manual | ~16,000 |
| GT 86 AT | 2.0L FA20 Boxer I4 | 200 hp | 6-speed automatic | ~17,000 |
| GT 86 GTS | 2.0L FA20 Boxer I4 | 200 hp | 6-speed manual | ~19,000 |
| GT 86 TRD (track special) | 2.0L FA20 Boxer I4 | 200 hp | 6-speed manual | ~24,000 |
Competitor Snapshot
Competitor choice in Azerbaijan should account not only for headline specs, but for service ecosystem, parts availability, and ownership confidence over your actual routes.
| Model | Core Strength | Main Compromise (Local Context) |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru BRZ (ZC6) | Mechanically identical (shared platform), slightly different suspension tuning | Essentially the same car; choice comes down to badge preference and availability in AZ |
| Mazda MX-5 ND | Lighter weight, open-top roadster, even purer handling dynamics | Two seats only, no rear seats; convertible less practical in Azerbaijani winters |
| Hyundai Genesis Coupe (BK) | More power options (2.0T / 3.8 V6), more aggressive styling | Heavier, less pure handling; lower resale value and brand loyalty vs Toyota in AZ |
| Honda Civic Type R (FK2/FK8) | Front-wheel drive hot hatch with turbocharged power, daily usability | Front-wheel drive limits oversteer potential; more expensive; different driving philosophy |
Toyota GT 86 — Repair & Service in Azerbaijan
Toyota's service infrastructure in Azerbaijan is more comprehensive than any rival in this segment. Several authorised Toyota dealers in Baku, numerous independent specialists, and wide local parts availability for major models are all accessible. GT 86 maintenance costs are significantly lower compared to German rivals.
- FA20: Full synthetic oil change every 7,500–10,000 km — reduce to 5,000 km interval for spirited driving
- Air filter: Replacement every 30,000 km; performance filter may be considered
- Brake system: Sporty driving style accelerates pad wear — inspection every 20,000–30,000 km
- Rear differential oil: Replacement every 40,000 km is recommended
- Tyre rotation: Given oversteer potential, tyre rotation every 10,000–15,000 km is recommended
- Engine cooling system: Coolant replacement every 80,000 km; thermostat inspection
Ownership Cost Estimator (Azerbaijan)
Adjust these values for your driving profile. All figures are estimates for planning purposes only.
- Estimated annual fuel consumption: 1020 L
- Estimated annual fuel cost: $714
- Total annual ownership estimate: $2814
- Average monthly ownership estimate: $235
- The FA20 boxer engine is shared with the Subaru BRZ, making parts more accessible in Azerbaijan than most sports models
- The GT 86's oversteer-prone handling demands caution in cold, wet conditions — particular care is needed on Azerbaijan's mountain roads
- The car's standard tyres are selected for handling feel rather than high-performance grip — tyre wear accelerates after drift sessions
- When buying a used GT 86, check engine fuel and oil consumption — the FA20 can consume oil under high loads
- The GT 86's residual values are stable — growing collector interest is strengthening long-term value retention
Used GT 86 Buying Checklist
Inspect each point thoroughly before committing to a purchase. Request service records, VIN validation, and any recall completion documentation.
- FA20 oil consumption check — compare engine oil level before and after test drive
- Underbody inspection — look for damage evidence from driver oversteer or aggressive manoeuvres
- Full brake system inspection — assess pad thickness for drivers with spirited driving habits
- Steering system check — correct front alignment is critical for the sports car driving experience
- Tyre condition — check whether rear tyres show even wear; uneven wear indicates a friction problem
- Cabin condition — assess wear patterns on driver seat leather/fabric
- OBD2 diagnostic scan across all systems for fault codes — particularly the VVT-i system
GT 86 FAQ — Azerbaijan Buyers
Should I buy the Toyota GT 86 or the GR 86?
This is the first-generation GT 86 (2012–2021) page. The GR 86 (from 2021, second generation) arrives with a more powerful 2.4L FA24 engine (234 hp) and has its own page at /makes/toyota/gr86. Choose the GT 86 if budget is a constraint, the GR 86 if you want maximum performance.
Is the Toyota GT 86 suitable as a drift car?
The GT 86 is a favourite in the drift community — its low weight, oversteer-prone layout, strong steering feel, and lockable rear differential make it an ideal drift platform. However, the standard FA20 engine's limited power means engine modifications are often made for high-performance drift use.
Are GT 86 spare parts available in Azerbaijan?
Since the FA20 engine is shared with the Subaru BRZ, core mechanical parts are accessible in a wider market. Brake components, suspension parts, and tyre fitments are available locally. For engine parts, the official Toyota service is recommended.
Toyota GT 86 ?
The first-generation Toyota GT 86 is a sports car that puts driving enjoyment front and centre, without hiding behind technology. Its low weight, perfect weight distribution, and oversteer capability make it the finest tool in the driving school. Used examples available in Azerbaijan offer strong value.
BakuWheels uses cookies to improve your experience, analyse site traffic, and personalise content. By clicking Accept All, you consent to our use of cookies. Learn more in our Cookie Policy.