Toyota Australia has launched a global first with its new “Shooting Brake” concept version of the 86 sports car.
The protype was unveiled in Sydney by Toyota 86 global chief engineer Tetsuya Tada.
Toyota Australia's product design team designed and developed the model in Japan under the direction of the global sports car division.
Toyota Australia divisional manager national marketing Brad Cramb said that the model has been coined the “shooting brake” as its design offers four-seat sports car with enhanced rear head room and luggage space.
"The Toyota 86 lends itself perfectly to a concept that expands its appeal with added versatility while retaining its sleek and sporty coupe styling and sharp, responsive driving character.”
Tada-san said that he offered support for the project when shown a one-quarter scale clay model during a visit to Australia in November 2014.
"I was totally surprised - and I liked it so much I arranged for my expert takumi prototype craftsmen to hand-build the Shooting Brake concept based on the Australian design.
"The concept car is a fully functional, driveable vehicle that has been put through its paces on Toyota test tracks.
"The nicely weighted and direct steering of the 86 ensures the car retains the involving drive experience of the coupe with a slightly more neutral feel in tight corners on a driver's favourite road."
Tada-san said that the support for the concept was to gauge the reaction of the project with no set plans for production.
"While we never say never, and I would love this concept to become a production reality, it is very much a concept that demonstrates the passion within Toyota for cars that are fun to drive."