2013 Toyota 86 GTS Zn6: A Coupe Review

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a car that really shook things up when it hit the scene: the 2013 Toyota 86 GTS Zn6 FI Coupe. If you're a car enthusiast, you've probably heard the buzz, and if you haven't, buckle up! This little sports coupe from Toyota brought a level of driving engagement that many felt was missing in modern cars. It’s all about that pure, unadulterated driving experience, guys. We're talking about a car that prioritizes feeling the road beneath you, the connection with the steering wheel, and the symphony of its engine – not just getting from point A to point B. This isn't your average grocery-getter; this is a machine built for smiles per mile, a true driver's car that harks back to a simpler, more analog era of automotive design, even though it packed modern tech.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance

Let's talk about what really makes the 2013 Toyota 86 GTS Zn6 FI Coupe tick: its Subaru-sourced Boxer engine. This 2.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-four is a gem. Why? Because it sits low in the chassis, giving the car an incredibly low center of gravity. This is crucial for handling, and trust me, you can feel it. The engine might not be a horsepower monster compared to some of its rivals, putting out around 200 horsepower, but that’s not the point with the 86. It's all about how that power is delivered and how it makes you feel. The engine has a nice, eager character, revving freely and producing a distinctive, albeit sometimes subtle, exhaust note that’s unique to the Boxer configuration.

For those who love to row their own gears, the 6-speed manual transmission is a dream. It’s slick, precise, and short-throw, making heel-and-toe downshifts a joy. For the automatics out there, the 6-speed auto isn't bad either, offering smooth shifts and a manual mode for a bit more control when you want it. The real magic, though, lies in the balance. The power is more than enough to have fun, especially on twisty roads, and the linear power delivery makes it easy to modulate throttle inputs, allowing for precise control when you're pushing the car. It’s a car that rewards smooth driving and encourages you to explore its limits responsibly. The torque curve is nicely spread, meaning you don’t have to be constantly redlining it to feel progress, which makes it a surprisingly tractable daily driver, too. So, while the numbers on paper might seem modest, the experience of driving the 86 is anything but.

Handling Prowess: A Symphony of Chassis and Suspension

Now, let's get to the part where the 2013 Toyota 86 GTS Zn6 FI Coupe truly shines: its handling. Toyota and Subaru really nailed the chassis dynamics on this car. The low center of gravity, thanks to that Boxer engine, is a massive contributor. But it’s more than just the engine placement. The suspension setup is firm enough to keep the car planted during spirited driving, but compliant enough for daily use. You feel connected to the road, understanding exactly what the tires are doing. The steering is sharp, direct, and communicative, feeding back road imperfections and grip levels directly to your fingertips.

This car is an absolute blast on a winding road. It’s incredibly nimble, changes direction with eagerness, and inspires confidence. The rear-wheel-drive layout means you can play around with a bit of oversteer if you’re feeling brave (and in a safe, controlled environment, of course!). The chassis is well-balanced, making it predictable and forgiving. Even if you push it a bit too hard, it tends to let go in a progressive and manageable way, making it a fantastic car for learning advanced driving techniques. The brakes are also up to the task, providing strong stopping power and good pedal feel, essential for when you’re really leaning on the car. It's this combination of a responsive chassis, direct steering, and a well-tuned suspension that makes the 86 GTS feel so alive. It's a car that doesn't just corner; it dances. You’ll find yourself looking for excuses to take the long way home, just to experience those sweeping turns again. The feedback through the steering wheel is phenomenal, letting you know precisely how much grip is available at any given moment. It’s this level of driver involvement that truly sets the 86 apart.

Design and Interior: Functionality Meets Sporty Aesthetics

When you look at the 2013 Toyota 86 GTS Zn6 FI Coupe, you see a design that’s both sporty and functional. It’s got that classic sports coupe silhouette – long hood, short deck, and a sleek profile. The front end is aggressive, with sharp lines and a large grille, hinting at the performance within. The side profile is clean, with a flowing roofline that tapers towards the rear. At the back, you get a subtle spoiler and dual exhaust tips, completing the sporty look. It’s not overly flamboyant, but it definitely turns heads. It strikes a good balance between being eye-catching and understated, which is a difficult feat for a sports car.

Inside, the focus is clearly on the driver. The dashboard is driver-oriented, with the tachometer front and center in the instrument cluster – a clear nod to its performance aspirations. The seats are supportive, offering good bolstering to keep you in place during spirited driving, yet comfortable enough for longer journeys. The materials used are decent for its class, focusing on durability and a sporty feel rather than outright luxury. Everything is within easy reach, and the controls are intuitive. While it's a coupe, the rear seats are present, though best suited for small children or occasional use. Think of them more as extended cargo space if needed. The boot space is also adequate for a weekend getaway, especially if you pack light. The GTS trim level typically adds some niceties like better interior trim, automatic climate control, and a more advanced infotainment system for its time. It’s a cabin that makes you feel like you're in a proper sports car, without sacrificing too much practicality for everyday life. The overall aesthetic is one of purposeful design, where every element serves a function, contributing to the engaging driving experience.

The GTS Trim: What Sets It Apart?

The GTS designation for the 2013 Toyota 86 GTS Zn6 FI Coupe signifies the top-tier model, bringing a host of features that enhance both its performance and creature comforts. If you're looking at an 86, the GTS trim is often the one to aim for, as it really elevates the driving and ownership experience. On the performance front, the GTS models usually come equipped with upgraded brakes – often larger discs and different calipers – which provide even more stopping power and better fade resistance, crucial when you're exploring the car's limits on track days or spirited drives. You'll also find a limited-slip differential (LSD) as standard on the GTS. This is a huge upgrade for a rear-wheel-drive car, as it helps distribute power more evenly between the rear wheels, improving traction out of corners and enhancing overall stability.

Beyond the performance enhancements, the GTS trim also typically includes more premium interior features. This could mean leather-accented sports seats with enhanced bolstering, dual-zone automatic climate control to keep both driver and passenger happy, and a more sophisticated infotainment system for its era, possibly with navigation. Exterior differences might include unique alloy wheel designs, fog lights, and sometimes distinctive badging. These additions make the GTS feel more special and more refined than its base model counterpart. It’s this combination of tangible performance upgrades and added luxury that makes the GTS the pick of the litter for many enthusiasts. Owning a GTS means you're getting a car that's not only fantastic to drive but also a bit more comfortable and feature-rich for your daily commute or longer road trips. It’s the complete package for those who want that pure sports car feel with a touch of everyday usability and refinement. The factory-fitted aero kit on some GTS models also adds a touch of aggressive styling that many owners appreciate.

The Verdict: Is the 2013 Toyota 86 GTS Zn6 FI Coupe Still Worth It?

So, after all this talk, is the 2013 Toyota 86 GTS Zn6 FI Coupe still a compelling choice in today's market? Absolutely, guys! For anyone who prioritizes driving feel and engagement over outright speed or luxury, the answer is a resounding yes. This car represents a dying breed – a pure, affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that’s as fun to drive on a daily basis as it is on a track day. Its balanced chassis, communicative steering, and eager Boxer engine create an intoxicating driving experience that’s hard to find elsewhere, especially at its price point.

It might not have the massive horsepower figures of some modern muscle cars or the technological wizardry of some luxury sports sedans, but what it lacks in those areas, it more than makes up for in raw driving pleasure. It's a car that teaches you how to drive, rewards smooth inputs, and always keeps a smile on your face. The aftermarket support for the 86 platform is also massive, meaning you can easily find parts and upgrades if you want to personalize it further or extract more performance. Maintenance is generally straightforward, leveraging proven Toyota and Subaru components. If you're looking for a sports car that's analogue, engaging, and relatively affordable to run and maintain, the 2013 Toyota 86 GTS Zn6 FI Coupe is definitely one to consider. It’s a modern classic that continues to offer immense driving joy, proving that sometimes, less is more when it comes to pure automotive fun. It’s a car that connects you to the road in a way that few others can, making every drive an event.