In recent months all of the Toyota sports car talk has been focusing on the upcoming Toyota Supra, a car that will surely reignite some passion when it eventually goes on sale. In the meantime, Toyota still makes a great driver's car called the 86, and for 2019 the car is getting a limited edition TRD model with some interesting performance and cosmetic upgrades.
While the car won't have any additional horsepower when compared to the normal 86 models, it does get some substantial upgrades to the suspension and brakes that should further improve on the car's handling-focused, driver-focused capability.
Some of the biggest upgrades on the TRD Special Edition are a set of new SACHS dampers to tighten up the handling, and a Brembo brake setup with four-piston calipers up front. It will also get new 18-inch wheels with higher performance tires than the standard 86 models.
As for the exterior, all TRD Special Edition 86s will be painted in Raven Black with special TRD stripes and badging using the iconic red, orange and yellow colors that recall all of Toyota's racing accomplishments over the years. There's also a full TRD body kit and exhaust system.
The car also gets some unique appointments in the interior, including a red and black steering wheel, red and black bucket seats and unique upholstery over the instrument cluster.
We still aren't quite sure what's to become of the 86, particularly after the Supra arrives in showrooms, but it's nice to see that Toyota hasn't forgotten about the good old 86. This TRD Special Edition should be the best-performing stock example ever sold in the US.
If you'd like to get one, we suggest acting quick because just 1,418 TRD Special Editions will be built. It will sticker for $32,420 and be available in August along with the rest of the 2019 Toyota 86 lineup.