► Toyota GT86 gets much needed powerhike
► Cosworth offers supercharger upgrade
► Power increased to 290bhp and 243lb ft
‘The chassis could definitely handle more power’ – surely one of motoring writing’s greatest clichés. Current leading receiver of this backhanded compliment has got to be the Toyota GT86. More than any other contemporary it is at once utterly beguiling and immensely frustrating: blessed with a rear-wheel-drive chassis of fantastic charisma; hamstrung by an engine that’s gutless as a Filet-O-Fish.
Enter Cosworth. While strapping on a supercharger isn’t the most innovative approach to increasing the stock 197bhp, open the bonnet and the quality of the install is obvious. The custom inlet and intercooler set-up looks right at home, and with a full exhaust upgrade, multi-map ECU and bespoke low temperature radiator you get 290bhp.
Since this still arrives all the way around the dial at 7000rpm, the Cosworth continues to reward you for wringing it out. Difference is the top-end fireworks don’t just come in with a bigger bang, they’re now the culmination of a proper show. Engineered to feel as OEM as possible, there’s no sudden surge of torque on the way to the new 243lb ft peak, but with the standard car’s 151lb ft brushed aside at a little over 1500rpm, the performance hike is… dramatic.
0-62mph feels as fast as the estimated sub-5.0sec (down from 7.6), but because you no longer have to bounce off the limiter it’s a much more grown up experience. Counterpoint to this newfound maturity is dual-purposing the cruise-control stalk to swap between the four engine maps – a touch worthy of 007. Map one makes the engine safe for 95ron, map four activates all the toys, including launch control and ever-so-amusing flat-shift function. Everything is well within the tolerances of the original components, though the supercharger and cooling kit are apparently good for 400bhp if you fancy getting your hands dirtier.
Before fitting you’re looking at nearly £5k for the engine overhaul, nearly £4k for the (slightly boomy) exhaust, and you’ll be wanting the (mega) £2100 Cosworth/AP Racing brakes. Which require bigger wheels. A convincing conversion, but sadly a misguided set of aftermarket suspension from another supplier means this car doesn’t quite nail its full potential.
Toyota GT86 Cosworth Stage 2: cost and spec
Price: £4794 (s/charger kit) + £3768 (full exhaust) + fitting + donor car
Engine: 1998cc 16v boxer 4-cyl with Cosworth supercharger and exhaust, 290bhp @ 7000rpm, 243lb ft @ 5000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 5.0sec 0-62mph, 150mph, 26-28mpg (est)
Weight: 1300kg
On Sale: Now
Verdict: Worth nearly every one of the many pennies it costs
Rating: ****