Toyota officials initially said they would keep the names of Scion models even after the youth-focused brand went away, so we expected to see the Toyota iA, Toyota iM, and Toyota FR-S in showrooms this fall. But Toyota took the opportunity to refresh its rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, renaming the Scion FR-S as the 2017 Toyota 86.

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That name matches up with the fact that the Toyota is known as the 86, GT86, or FT86 in other markets worldwide; nerds will like to note that 86 is also the bore and stroke of the car's 2.0-liter flat-four engine, in millimeters.

Speaking of the engine, it receives its first serious upgrade since the Toyota/Scion coupe launched. On manual-transmission models, the engine now makes 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, up from 200 hp and 151 lb-ft. Toyota says the extra power came from revising the intake system, and reducing pumping losses within the engine. The manual transmission's final-drive ratio has also been shortened for snappier acceleration. (Opt for the automatic transmission, however, and you get the old power ratings. ) As of now, it's too early to tell whether the 86's Subaru BRZ counterpart will receive similar updates.

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Toyota has also changed the suspension spring rates and damper tuning for the 2017 86; the company says the changes result in "enhanced control and agile performance."

To signal all this newness to the world, the 2017 Toyota 86 receives a new look, starting with a restyled front fascia with a new grille opening, as well as new head- and taillights, and a new rear bumper. The alloy wheels have been redesigned, and there are new "86" badges on each fender. Inside, the steering wheel finally adopts controls for the sound system -- though purists appreciated the simplicity of the old button-free three-spoke wheel -- and there are new materials for the door panels and seats.

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The updates should help juice sales of the 2017 Toyota 86. As is the case with many sports cars, even ones as affordable as the FR-S/86, sales have fallen every year since the car was launched. In 2015, the FR-S finished the year with 10,507 U.S. sales, down more than 25 percent compared to 2014.

The 2017 Toyota 86 reaches dealerships this fall.