2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition unveiled with no power bump

When the Mazda MX-5 gets a power bump recently, the world (or at least us, car enthusiasts) have been waiting for the same news for its spiritual rival, the Toyota 86. Just like the roadster, the 86 could use more oomph. But it seems like Toyota isn’t going to do that just yet with the 2019 model.

Instead, the Toyota 86 gets a limited-run TRD Special Edition that gets more on a lot of things except power. The 1,418 units of the TRD Special Edition gets SACHS dampers to enhance the 86’s steering response and vehicle stability. 12.8-/12.4-in. front/rear Brembo brakes were also added for extra bite in halting, while 18 x 7.5-in. alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires come exclusive for the variant.

Aesthetically, the TRD Special Edition is available in a single color called Raven Black. Of course, as a TRD, it gets special body kits such as front bumper, side sills, rear bumper, spoiler, and diffuser that shows off the TRD stainless steel exhaust tips.

Aside from those, what sets the TRD Special Edition apart from the normie 2019 86 is the tri-color funky decals that start from the front fender down the side mirrors up to the door handles.

Inside, the TRD Special Edition has a host of visual updates. Red trims are apparent on the steering wheel, sport bucket seats, door panels, dashboard, and contrasting stitches. A suede-like material called Granlux clad the interior, while a TRD logo with the tricolor accent is embroidered on the passenger-side dashboard.

While the myriad of performance and aesthetic goodies are enough to celebrate the 2019 86 TRD Special Edition, its 2.0L flat-four engine remains unchanged together with its output ratings – still at 205 hp and 212 Nm of torque.

The new 86 also comes in two other trims, the standard 86 and the 86 GT. The standard trim gets LED headlamps, chrome-tipped exhaust, 17-inch alloy wheels, while the GT gets boosted with LED fog lights, aerodynamic floor undercover, heated mirrors, and a matte-black rear wing with color-matching end plates.

The 2019 86, together with the limited TRD Special Edition, will go on sale in the United States in August. We still have to hear from Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) if we’ll get this version here, but who knows. Maybe next year, maybe not. Let’s just hope it does.