Toyota Adopts a Time-honored Strategy for the 86 - Bring on the Special Edition!

With so much online page space taken up by the RAV4, Corolla, Camry, Tacoma and other practical, high-volume Toyota products, it’s often easy to forget that the staid and sensible automaker sells an entry-level, rear-drive sports car.

February marked a significant milestone for the Toyota 86 (née Scion FR-S), sibling to the Subaru BRZ, in that it was the first month since 2013 that didn’t see a year-over-year sales decline. That year was also the high water mark for sales.

No doubt aware of the rebranded coupe’s lagging fortunes, Toyota has adopted a time-honored method of drawing eyes back to its 86. Offer a slightly enhanced version, raise the price, and cap production numbers.

Enter the 2017 Toyota 86 860 Special Edition, which should reach customers by the end of March.

Aglow in Supernova Orange paint bisected by black racing stripes, the new variant carries the 860 moniker for a reason. And yes, you’ve probably already (correctly) guessed why. Toyota plans to sell 860 examples of the orange coupe, and another 860 decked out in Halo White.

Unlike its sister model, the 86 has only been offered in a single trim level. Until now. Basically, the newfound equipment brings the 86 860 Special Edition into the territory occupied by the BRZ Limited. No, there’s no extra horsepower, so 205 hp (in manual transmission guise) is all you’ll get to ferry around the new kit.

That radiant orange finds its way into the interior, where it can be found everywhere in the form of stitching. Joining the new threadwork are such niceties as a push-button ignition, dual zone automatic climate control, heated seats, and a new multi-function display in the gauge cluster that displays performance data. Outside, a black rear spoiler joins black chrome 17-inch wheels to dial up the contrast on this Japanese pumpkin.

Naturally, a small, numbered plaque will inform all occupants that the buyer isn’t faking this special edition.

All of this gear means a sticker price that tops a stock 86 by just under $3,000. Including delivery, a Special Edition will cost you $30,040. Add $720 to that if you’re eager to receive an automatic transmission and five fewer horses under the hood.

[Images: Toyota Motor Corporation]