Think back to the last time you lusted after a brand new Toyota. Unless you're the kind who can afford a Lexus and you're hanging on every word Jeremy Clarkson utters, thus completely enamoured by the LFA, chances are, you can't think of a single new Toyota which can get your pulse racing. Here's where the Toyota GT86 and its cousins, the Scion FRS and the Subaru BRZ come in.

Source: Rahin Sadman Islam

Low, compact, and designed for one thing, which is being an entry level, RWD sports car, the GT86 has divided opinions since it came out in mid-2013. And now, we have a 2013 GT86 right here in Bangladesh.
It starts with a low, muted growl; the 2-liter boxer 4 cylinder engine borrowed from Subaru ticking over and inviting you to take the first Toyota sports car in over a decade and go out and play. Getting in, you're reminded how low the center of gravity on this car is. You sit so low in the factory provided red and black bucket seats, it literally feels like you're sitting on the ground. The gauges are smart, modern, sporty, and the dash mimics the curved tops of the legendary 2000 GT. It's a very nice place to be in, and the red stitching everywhere and modern creature comforts make this one car you want to sit in all day.

When Mehran MK Khan, otherwise popularly known in close circles as "Batman", wanted a proper sports car as a daily driver. Having owned a couple of Eclipses and a black Audi R8 when he was in California, his definition of "sports car" now revolves around RWD and flashy looks. The GT86 in black is as close as it gets to his personal definition of "Batmobile", which he says justifies the price he paid for it. The local tax structure has pushed the 2 liter car beyond the scope of many people, and has doomed its fate in Bangladesh, as most people would rather get an Evolution and enjoy better performance than get the GT86, which many claim is underpowered.

Red accents mean 'racecar'. Time to get some red pants.

As Mehran slips it into drive and pushes the accelerator down, there is a definite kick in the pants, the engine note rising to higher octaves and singing a sexier tune. Up until 6000 RPM, the car pulls effortlessly, and the relatively empty roads are treated to a shiny black blur flying past. The 200 bhp from the engine is more than enough for daily use in Dhaka, and as it is, Toyota and Subaru intended the car to be a blank canvas which the owners would improve upon after taking delivery. It does feel a tad bit underpowered when put in context with the looks (check out our piece on its design genealogy for more on that), but if you think its worth it, who are we to argue?

Source: Rahin Sadman Islam

Mehran loves it. He ordered the GT Limited edition, which features special touches both inside and out, like the shark fin radio antennae, red seat inserts, carbon fiber dashboard panels, and more. The stock 17-inch wheels have been criticized for being a little too zany, and most Dhakaites will think they're cheap Chinese wheels. To get rid of this, Mehran is putting on a set of genuine Enkei RPF-1 wheels on it to finish up the exterior.

Source: Rahin Sadman Islam

Whatever you think about the GT86, you have to appreciate the fact that Toyota is trying to get some of its mojo back. If the tax structure in Bangladesh was a little bit more flexible, we might have seen more of these beauties on the road, but as it is, owners of these in Dhaka will be lonely in their choice indeed.

For thou art thy father's son

The GT86 has some fantastic touches in its design, which hark back to legendary creations from Toyota in the past.
The name itself is a combination of Japan's first "proper" sports car, the Toyota 2000 GT, and the more recent halo car from the manufacturer, the 1986 AE86 Toyota Levin/Trueno.

Walk around the exterior and pay attention to the details. If you've spent years drooling over pictures of every panel and curve of the 2000GT, you'll spot subtle references to one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The rear quarter window is practically lifted from the 2000 GT and placed on the GT-86, the rear three-quarter panels mimicking the 2K shoulders and culminating in the rear lights. The rear light clusters are also very similar, the shape of the GT86 lights updated and modernized, but retaining the red-white combination of the inspiration. More 2000 GT inspired touches can be found on the interior, where the dash top curves are almost identical to that of the classic Toyota.

Where it all started

The 86 part of the name is mostly mechanical in its inspiration. The AE86 Levin and Trueno were the last entry level RWD sports cars offered by Toyota, who moved to FWD for its basic range and reserved the RWD drivetrains for the Supra and its large saloon cars (Crown, Mark 2, Chaser). Since the AE86 went out of production, a small RWD sports car has been sorely missed in the Toyota lineup. The GT-86 channels the AE86 into the 21st century.

The face of the car is all modern Toyota and Lexus, the headlights a faint mimicry of the LFA's, the tow tiered foglight housing reminiscent of the MKIV Supra (as well as the door mounted rear-view mirrors). It's a good looking car in person, and honestly, don't trust photos. In the metal, the GT-86 is an alluring seductress if you're a Toyota fanatic, and if you know what to look for, the details alone can make the car.

Interesting fact: the exhaust tips on the GT86 is exactly 86 millimeters in diameter. There are several such 86 references spread all over the car. 86 mania, much?