A Look at the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition for Students Completing Car Mechanic Training
When it comes to relatively affordable cars that are pure fun to drive, the Toyota 86 has carved out a pretty substantial reputation for itself. Among more than a few motorheads, this fun little car is a beloved treasure. That’s not to say that the Toyota 86 leaves no room for improvement. In fact, many have been begging for added power for years.
As a result, it’s no wonder that the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition has been eagerly anticipated. Does it meet expectations? Surpass them? Or ruin what was once a good thing? Here’s what aspiring auto mechanics need to know.
What Stays the Same with the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition
Given that the 86 offers a decidedly unimpressive 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, many students at mechanic training schools have been eagerly anticipating an upgrade for the TRD Special Edition. However, for now this is not to be. The 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition still comes with the same paltry hp and torque. It’ll also only be available as a 6-speed manual. This at least means buyers won’t have to debate whether springing for an automatic is worth a slight decrease in performance (since the automatic comes with an even more shameful 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque).
What the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition Comes With
Fortunately, that’s not to say that the TRD Special Edition is a dud. In fact, many have said that they don’t want the car’s speed to change—since it’s part of what makes it such a pleasure to drive. In addition, the TRD Special Edition certainly isn’t sore on the eyes. Coming complete with a few retro badges that pull on the heartstrings of auto enthusiasts, the 86 TRD Special Edition looks fantastic.
Even without a new engine, there are still plenty of hardware changes for students in car mechanic training to get excited about. These include Sachs dampers , four-pot Brembo calipers, and several other changes. 18-inch wheels are also a new feature on the TDR Special Edition, along with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. These tires are a step above the tires found on the 86, and offer added grip on roads.
Here’s a quick clip showing what it all looks like together:
What Pros With Car Mechanic Training Think of the TDR Special Edition
There’s a lot of great stuff to be said about the TDR Special Edition. It looks great, it’s pretty exclusive (given that only 1,418 will be available in the US, with a few others designated for Canada), and it has a few extra bells and whistles. However, is it all good?
For the most part, yes. However, the added grippiness that comes with the TDR Special Edition’s Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires is something many have mixed feelings about. Some say that the added grip takes away from the fun the 86 is known for. However, many are also quick to point out that the difference isn’t so bad that it’s a deal-breaker.
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