Toyota GT86

 You would think this car is just a typical import straight from Japan, but that isn't doing any justice toward the people who meticulously made this vehicle into what it is: a car with a front mounted engine that is naturally aspirated and a rear wheel drive. This is what Toyota envisioned for their customers when they had this car in mind. With collaboration with Subaru, this car finally came into life and brought sleek back into the import scene.

How it all started:
The concept started in 2008, with Toyota and Subaru jointly coming together. The car was formed from an earlier Toyota Concept Vehicle : the FT-HS, a sports hybrid. If you know Subaru, all of their vehicles come in one drivetrain: all wheel drive. This would cause the project to take a huge halt until Toyota showed them a prototype later that year, which put all differences aside and caused the project to continue forward. The first official prototype came out in 2009.

Inspiration:
For the past few years, Toyota produced cars focused mainly on saving gas (examples: Prius, Camry Hybrid). With this car coming out, it would put Toyota back on the map in terms of sport vehicles. The car itself was inspired by a few of their own creations: the Toyota Supra (MK IV) and the Toyota Corolla GTS Levin and Trueno versions (their car code being the AE86, thus the 86 number in the name). Eighty-Six in Japanese means "Hatchiroku", thus this car being the new Hatchiroku.

Specs:
All the specs that come in the Toyota GT86 Model. The main difference in the Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS models are merely just a badge and difference in spring ratios.

The Focus:
Most cars nowadays focus on the luxuries and comfort in it. There's that comfort for everyone idea, or accessibility, but that just seems so... boring. It not only gave Toyota a resurgence in their sporting heritage, it also gave a focus on the driver; making this car a driver-focused one. It still has the comforts you would expect from a Toyota vehicle and the reliability they hang their hats on. However, this car brings back what a car should be, an enjoyable drive on the road, tempting the driver to slam his foot down on the pedal and turn a corner at a high speed. Sure, that's dangerous, but that's the fun a car should provide.

Pricing:
This car attracted so many just due to price alone. This car, being only $25255 in a manual model and $26355 in an automatic one. An affordable, durable sports car. This however, is the prices focused  the American version: the Scion FRS.

Models:
The GT86 model is in Japan and Europe.
The Scion FRS (Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, Sport) Model is in North America.
The Subaru BRZ (Boxer engine, Rear Wheel Drive, and Z) Model is in both.

My opinion:
The car is a beautifully engineered machine. At this time of my life, I want a car that's cool to drive and reasonable MPG (miles per gallon) with 30 MPG in the manual model and 35 MPG in the automatic. I'd still prefer the manual one though, that paddle shift idea (an electronic manual provided in the automatic model)  is a load of bologna. I do not want to look like a Granny holding the wheel with two hands because of those paddle shifters. Sure, a BMW M3 sounds just as cool, but I'm a reasonable person, so the Toyota takes the cake on this one. This car exemplifies what I want, plus it's an import, so that makes me seriously happy. Perfect pricing, great look, sports car? The Toyota GT86 should be that example.