Does the Cb have what it takes to fill the void left by the lack of a turbo or convertible version of the GT86?

This special-edition GT86 appears to be a Japan-only model, so don’t get your hopes up of seeing a Scion FR-S-based Cb any time soon. Look for this new model to debut in Japan in April 2015.

The GT86, along with its two brothers, the BRZ and FR-S, hit the production line in 2012 as a joint venture between two of Japan’s best automakers: Toyota and Subaru. Since their debuts there have been cries and screams for a convertible or turbocharged model, but Subaru holds the cards on the production side of this partnership, and it’s reluctant to change anything. However, Toyota does have some freedom with the GT86, and it used that to create a special model dubbed the Style Cb based on the existing sports car.

Exterior

According to the press release, the front end is inspired by Zagato, but I say it looks like a mixture of the older Celica and the 2000GT.

Based on the standard GT86, the 86 Style Cb takes the backside of the GT and combines it with a completely unfamiliar front end. According to the press release, the front end is inspired by Zagato, but I say it looks like a mixture of the older Celica and the 2000GT. Gone is the sharp GT86 nose and in comes a sloped nose that features a rounded set of headlights.

In case you didn’t notice, this car is not completely out of the blue, as it is actually based on the Cb Concept that Gazoo racing showed off at the 2014 Tokyo Auto Saloon.

I honestly don’t like this look too much. In fact, I think it is quite hideous, as the mixture of new and old just doesn’t work well. Of course, I have also never been a huge fan of the GT86.

Interior

The interior also gets a light overhaul when turning the GT86 into the Style Cb. Included in the change is a beige and Demitasse Brown, two-tone color scheme. Alternatively, buyers can get a single-tone cabin in silver, red, or black.

Surrounding the audio system is a woodgrain panel, while leather graces the steering wheel, which also carries a “Cb” emblem.

Drivetrain

Under the hood of the Style Cb lies the same 2.0-liter, boxer-four engine that powers the base GT86. Here in the U.S., this engine puts out 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, and will take the car to 60 mph in around seven seconds. There is no mention of tweaks to this engine for the Style Cb, so I expect these numbers to remain.

Delivering the power to the rear axle is either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed auto.

Prices

Getting into the Style Cb will run ¥4,180,582 ($35,285 as of 2/16/2015) for the one with the manual transmission. Opting for the auto transmission jacks the price up to ¥4,263,055 ($35,981 as of 2/16/2015). While I am certain this will be a limited-edition model, there is no mention of how many examples Toyota will build.

Competition

Finding a competitor for the GT86 – particularly a limited model like the Cb — is not too easy, as there are no longer tons of four-cylinder sports cars roaming the streets these days. The only true competitor has to be the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, despite no longer offering the turbo four-cylinder. It now comes standard with a 3.8-liter V-6 that throws down 348 ponies and 295 pound-feet of twist.

The power routes through a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional eight-speed auto. With the manual transmission, the Genesis is significantly quicker than the GT86, with a 5.3-second sprint to 60 mph.

In its base format, the Genesis check in at $26,750.

The 370Z is another sports car that overpowers the GT86, thanks to its 3.7-liter V-6 that pounds out 332 horses and 270 pound-feet of torque. The engine mates to a six-speed manual as standard, but a seven-speed auto is available as an option.

Highway speed comes in 5.3 seconds with the manual transmission, and the base price starts at $29,990.

Conclusion

I am not one to hide my dislike for the GT86 and the FR-S, and many call me silly for wearing that on my sleeve. It’s not that I hate the concept of them, I just hate that Toyota and Subaru have done little to tap their full potential. This is particularly true with the horrific slushbox of an automatic transmission that needs a serious update, not to mention the lack of a turbo or a drop-top. I must say, however, that I do give Toyota a smidgen of credit for finally stepping outside of its comfort zone and doing something wild with the GT86. Now, can we please get a turbo model?

Love it It’s nice to see Toyota finally do something different with the GT86 “Unique” I guess is a good word for it I dig the 2000GT-like headlights

Leave it Still that same old 2.0-liter engine Very expensive Looks like a rushed-to-production kit car



Source: carnichiwa