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2017 Toyota GT86 Gets Track Mode

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2017 Toyota GT86

Photo: © Toyota UK

If you live in North America, you’ve known it as the Scion FR-S up until this year—but in Europe, the Toyota 86 has always had a similar name: the Toyota GT86. And like the Scion FR-S, it’s been getting an upgrade—more upgrades than we’ve been getting in the States, in fact.

We already know that the 2017 Toyota 86 is getting a stiffer body structure, new Brembo brakes, and a redesigned nose, among other things. However, the European version is also getting something the American 86 is not: a “Track” mode.

The mode allows the driver to adjust the level of stability and traction control in the car, including a “fully off” option. Anyone with a decent bit of experience at the track knows this is a good thing; while stability and traction control can help novice drivers keep it on the black stuff, they tend to hinder rather than help experienced drivers chasing lap times (or extra thrill, if they’re aiming to drift à la Takumi ).

To enhance the trackday experience even further, the 2017 Toyota GT86 will also come with a reoriented tachometer and new 4.2-inh TFT multi-info display, which—in addition to the usual fuel economy and distance covered—shows power and torque curves as well as a stopwatch and a G-force monitor.

Under the hood, however, nothing will have changed. The GT86 will still be powered by the same 2.0-liter boxer engine that makes 197 horsepower, which can be paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. At least the American version has that over the European model: ours is getting about seven extra horsepower!