You Won’t Find This Ultra-Exclusive “Solar Flare” Toyota 86 In US Showrooms

U.S. sports car enthusiasts won’t find this ultra-exclusive “Solar Flare” Toyota 86 in showrooms. Where can it be found?

New Zealand is the only place you will be able to get this limited-edition “Chris Amon Edition” 2018 Toyota 86. And Toyota is only producing 10 of the bright orange, limited-edition vehicles for the New Zealand market. Who is Chris Amon?

Chris Amon passed away last year and was a vehicle development and motorsport consultant to Toyota New Zealand for more than 30 years. He once criticized the 1980 Corolla on national television before becoming a valued Toyota employee. Amon was involved in local assembly until the late 1990s, and played a key role in Toyota’s international vehicle testing program. The Formula One star was also the cornerstone of the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand.

The 10 examples of the 2018 Toyota 86 “Chris Amon Edition” come in one exterior color, a bright orange called “Solar Flare.” It also gets the same Performance Package that is available on the US-spec 2018 Subaru BRZ.

It includes Brembo calipers and larger rotors on both front and rear brakes for better stopping power. The package also includes SACHS Performance shock absorbers on all four corners for improved ride and cornering stability. Also included in the package are unique 10 spoke, 17-in x 7.5-in black aluminum alloy wheels, and a metallic black finish on the door mirrors and rear spoiler.

Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Product, Spencer Morris says, “Chris enjoyed driving the 86 and we think he would approve of these changes to make it even better.” We would think there would be ten sports car enthusiasts in New Zealand who will buy the new “Chris Amon Edition” 2018 Toyota 86. It's built exclusively for the NZ market.

Photo credit: Toyota NZ