With only a few weeks left before the largest motor show on the African continent opens, Toyota has announced that it will show a concept version of its highly anticipated future technology sports coupe at the Johannesburg Motor Show.
“Toyota has made clear its intentions to inject a fresh dose of excitement into the world’s favourite automotive brand. The FT-86 G Sport is a concept version of one of the products of these intentions and fans can expect more, both at the
and in the near future,” says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors and a Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).
The FT-86 G Sport concept has already landed in South Africa and is being prepared at Toyota Sales and Marketing Offices in Sandton, Gauteng. Shown with a G Sport conversion, the FT-86 was designed to be a true driver’s car. As such the vehicle will be offered with rear wheel drive and an extremely low curb weight. Mated to a free revving Boxer engine, the FT-86 G Sport promises true driving enjoyment and an exceptional power to weight ratio.
“The FT-86 G Sport concept vehicle will be one of the many attractions on our display stand in Hall 6,” says Dr Van Zyl. “With our largest ever presence at the Johannesburg Motor Show, this exciting concept will share the floor with several other concepts and yet unreleased new Toyota vehicles – making our display a must see at the show.”
Toyota has confirmed that it will produce the FT-86 in both left and right hand drive configuration, making it possible for South Africa to also introduce the vehicle in South Africa.
The final production vehicle, which will simply be known as 86, in recognition of the legendary “Hachi roku” or AE86 Corolla, and final performance figures has not yet been made public, but a near production version was on show at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, signalling that the release of the production version is immanent.
The Johannesburg Motor Show will be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 6 – 16 October, with the show opening to the public from 8 October. Entrance costs R80 for adults, R20 for children aged between 6 and 12 and entrance is free for children under that age.