Toyota 86 Shooting Brake - Is it Worth to Enter Production

MANILA: Our very own Toyota 86, the high-end energy packed performance kid of Toyota, now has a sibling to play with. A sibling that carries the same DNA as it used to but withholds a completely distinct facial expression. That means, now there is an 86 for a family person, who was long waiting for a car that could take care of both, him and his family needs. But it's here where all the disappointment falls as this new sibling though is better than a dummy but not as good as living, fully-breathing car.

Confused? Well, we too were a bit confused on hearing this, before we found out the following facts about the car in question.

• To start with, Toyota 86 has a new concept under its name. Thus, clearing all the doubt clouds is an 86 shooting brake concept in the house.
• Unlike most concepts, this one is fully functional, and as good as a practical and under-production car.
• If you are wondering, in whose mind this noble thought first emerged, then just for your information it was Toyota Australia design team that first came up with the idea.
• After designing comes molding, this very concept is fully hand-build. From its smallest nut to its biggest part all are manufactured by Toyota's Japanese global car division.
• Ever heard of the name Tetsuya Tada, well we doubt you have, he is the man behind Toyota 86, the car you presently see standing in the showrooms. In short, he is the Chief Designer of 86 and thus has a big contribution in its Shooting Brake concept too.

That's all on the doubt clearing front, now let's see how different (good/bad) is this new Toyota 86 Shooting Brake concept from its present, on-going performance version.

• One major change can be hinted from its very name, i.e Shooting Brake. Thus making it fall is a completely different segment of cars.
• It's an 86 with a boot lid, thus hinting towards a better luggage space.
• Talking about its driveability, according to Toyota, it offers better handling around tight corners.
• On the design language front, the car looks similar to its in-production sibling from the front end. Side profile though is stuffed with additions like longer roof line, prominent wheel arches and more.
• Rear end in addition to Toyota 86 trademarks like a signature taillight, dual exhaust pipe and integrated diffuser gets a large rear quarter window that now eases reverse parking.

Lastly, taking to its availability, as mentioned earlier Toyota 86 Shooting Brake is a concept, thus putting a question mark on its production phase. Also, from the pieces of information grabbed from Toyota PR, it seems that Toyota is in no mood to introduce a Shooting Brake 86 for its consumers anytime soon. It claims the stated concept was more of a fun project for the designers and engineers. Thus, hinting on a reincarnated version of Scion FR-S only on availability.

Also Read: All New Toyota 86 is Here, As Expected Looks Similar to Subaru BR-Z

Image Courtesy: Hati Rock