Toyota GT86 Blackline Edition is nothing more than window dressing

Toyota Australia announces new 2016 GT86 Blackline Edition sports coupe. Will it be anything special?

Don’t look for this special-edition 2016 Toyota GT86 Blackline Edition to be anything other than window dressing on a standard Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S. Release of this special-edition 2016 Toyota GT86 coincides with an announcement that the Toyota 86 Racing Series is due to hit local racetracks next May. What will set it apart?

We’ve seen these Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ special edition sport coupes before. This one from Toyota and TRD is just another standard model with an exterior body kit and interior trim pieces. It gets its name from the twin black stripes on the roof and hood, along with the model's "white liquid" exterior paint color.

The added items come from Toyota's engineering and motorsport partner TRD including front spoiler, side skirts, three-piece rear spoiler, rear lower bumper and fender garnishes. Inside, the new package includes red on the seats, steering wheel, gearshift knob, handbrake lever and door grips.

The special edition coupe is based on Australia’s high-line 86 GTS and, only 450 of the Blackline Edition cars will be shipped down under. There will be 250 manuals priced from $37,990 (Australian) and 200 automatics priced from $40,490 not including destination.

Like the special edition Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 shipped to the U.S., the 2016 Toyota GT86 Blackline Edition is nothing more than window dressing. Performance fans around the globe are still waiting for a turbocharged engine and serious suspension upgrades.

Media source: Toyota Australia