The release of the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ in 2012, was one of the most anticpated vehicle releases in generations. A throw back to the old old Toyota “Sprinter” or AE86, the 86 promised a small RWD platform that was purely aimed at the enthusiast market. At the time of release, these vehicle were sold out via pre-sale for years in advance – and while the hype since rlease hasn’t lived up to the expectation, this vehicle has truly founds its place inthe Australian car modifcation scene with the “first time car modifying” market, P-platers, and younger generation.

The 86 / BRZ was jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru,and was released with a naturally aspirated, front engined, rear wheels drive configuration, and as previously mentioned, was inspired by the cult vehicle – the Toyota AE86. The 86’s low-weight design uses an aluminium hood, a fixed roof, and a trunk as opposed to a traditional “hatch back”. To improve driving dynamics, the boxer engine is mounted low in a front engine / rear drive layout, yielding a 53% – 47% front / rear weight distribution and low centre of mass height, catering to strong handling characteristivs and a RWD performance enthusiast market who was screaming for something else to play with.

Unfortunately (for some) it was releaed with the FA20 engine variant (known in Toyota world as the 4U-GSE), and was basically an NA variant of the engine found in the new WRX. In saying that, big HP was never the main goal with this platofrm, and whilst supercharger and turbocharger upgrades are now common place on this platform, the 86 / BRZ has really found its home in Australia with those testing the waters of the car modification scene in a way that they can express their indivduality and personality through a vehicle the government allows them to drive.

At ECC, we truly appreciate this fact, and understand that whilst this might not be the turbo import or v8 vehicles of our youths from which we grew up tinkering with, we realise that this is the kind of vehicle that our market needs. The one that will introduce more people to the world of vehicle modification and expression, and a market that we fully support. If you’re wanting to know what options are on the table for your 86 / BRZ, give the team at ECC a call today.