Since we learned about Toyota engineers spending their time of a shooting brake derivative of the 86 as early as 2013, we have to admit the concept we see now doesn’t exactly come as a surprise. The one proviso being the Aussies didn’t tamper with the front-end too much, as Nicolas Hogios, Toyota’s Australian design chief explained.
Advertisement
Although the Shooting Brake was conceived by Toyota’s Australian design team, Tetsuya Tada – Toyota’s design chief – was so taken with what they’d designed he took it back to Japan where Toyota’s global sports vehicle division hand-built the auto on display, a fully functioning auto that’s been put through its paces on Toyota’s test track. Having already axed the convertible concept and more than likely a turbocharged version, it’d be a safe bet to say that this shooting brake will never see the production line.
Tada-san was apparently convinced to build a full-scale version after being shown a quarter-scale clay model during a visit to Australia in November 2014.
Created by Toyota’s Australian team, the concept was hand-built in Japan.
The design retains nearly all of the same bodywork as the 86 coupe, with just the rear quarter and roof seeing any substantial changes. “The concept auto is a fully functional, driveable vehicle that has been put through its paces on Toyota test tracks”.
“The nicely weighted and direct steering of the 86 ensures the vehicle retains the involving drive experience of the coupe with a slightly more neutral feel in tight corners on a driver’s favourite road”, Tada said.
It won’t be seeing production as Toyota only deemed it as a design study.
Now that Toyota has unveiled the 2017 mid-cycle revamp for the 86 (the GT part of the car’s name is gone), the timing seems just right for new body types.
Advertisement
“The silhouette is still sporty, taut and energetic, but it’s more practical as it allows the roof to be used to carry surfboards, bikes or storage pods for a weekend away while the larger opening of the new boot enables much easier loading”, Hogios said.
