The defining aspect of the new Toyota 86 is it’s simplicity. This is a car that’s praised more for what it doesn’t have than what it does have. There is no complex AWD system, no turbochargers, fewer pounds, and few driver aids. It may sound strange then to hear that Toyota is considering taking the 86 in a very high tech direction. Speaking to Top Gear, chief engineer Tetsuya Tada mentioned that he has an 86 prototype outfitted with a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) similar to the one on Toyota’s TS030 Le Mans car. The idea he said, would be to give the 86 a much-requested power increase in both a unique and responsive fashion.
Obviously it would take some time before KERS could be fitted in a cost-effective manner, but it’s a very interesting idea. What do you think about a KERS-equipped 86 or FR-S?
-Mike
Source: Top Gear