2019 Toyota 86 gains sporty TRD Special Edition, not much else

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The TRD model brings styling and performance tweaks — but no added power

We’re happy to bring you the news that Toyota will continue to sell the 86 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupé for another model year.

Going on sale in August 2018, the 2019 Toyota 86 carries on largely unchanged, with one significant exception: the addition of a new TRD Special Edition billed as North America’s highest performance 86 version.

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Sounds great, so let’s see what the new limited edition model brings to the table. For starters, it features some interesting new parts including Sachs dampers, 12.8-/12.4-in front/rear Brembo brakes, and exclusive 18 x 7.5-in alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires sized 215/40R18 85Y.

The new dampers are said to further sharpen the 86’s steering response and refine the car’s stability, while the extra-large four-piston front, two-piston rear Brembo brakes provide more stopping power. As for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires, they increase grip while “aiding steering reactiveness and boosting tactility.”

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Sadly, those are all the performance upgrades you get on the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition, as the powertrain remains the same. The 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed aluminum Boxer engine continues to make 205 hp at 7,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft (211 Nm) of torque at 6,400 rpm when linked to the standard six-speed manual transmission.

With the optional six-speed automatic, the engine delivers 200 hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) at 6,400 rpm.

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Styling-wise, the TRD Special Edition makes itself noticed thanks to the TRD body kit which includes a more aggressive front bumper, side sills, rear bumper with diffuser, and rear spoiler. Other updates consist of the exclusive Raven exterior paint, classic TRD tricolor graphics on the doors and front fenders, and standard TRD exhaust with brushed stainless steel tips.

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Inside, the limited edition model offers a new red and black-trimmed telescoping steering wheel, red and black sport bucket seats with side bolsters, Granlux suede-like material covering the instrument panel surround, red seat belts, and red stitching throughout. Obviously, the cabin reminds the owner of the car’s limited-run status via a TRD logo embroidered on passenger side instrument panel.

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Toyota will only make 1,418 units of the 86 TRD Special Edition, and each will be priced from $32,420.

Besides the limited edition model, the 2019 Toyota 86 lineup offers two grades (86 and 86 GT) that carry on largely unchanged. The only updates are a new Neptune exterior color and Red/Black interior color combination (for the GT).

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The standard 2019 Toyota 86 comes equipped as standard with LED projector-beam headlights, power mirrors, 17-inch wheels, 7-inch Display Audio infotainment system and sport bucket front seats, while the 86 GT adds stuff like LED fog lamps, heated mirrors, matte-black rear wing, an aerodynamic floor undercover, and dual-zone automatic climate control, among other things.

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READ MORE: Toyota 86 also gained a sporty GR Sport model in Japan recently