autoevolution
 

Toyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game Tuning

The Toyota GT 86 is still a great way to start a conversation with a young car guy. Despite so many years passing since its debut, it's still the only car of its kind and where you stand says a lot about you.
Toyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game Tuning 15 photos
Photo: Rowen International
Toyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game TuningToyota GT 86 by Rowen Debuts in Japan, Looks Like Video Game Tuning
Sure, it's down on power. But as Motor Trend proved a few months ago, the Miata and 86 can come out on top against a crazy powerhouse like the Hellcat. Tried and tested time and time again, it survived aging quite well and even got a mid-life facelift recently.

And it's onto that facelift that Rowen sprinkled its magic onto. Their body kit is undoubtedly the most intricately designed one we've ever seen. However, Kuhl racing has something a bit more cohesive.

Maybe it's just me; maybe I haven't played enough video games, as this clearly looks like it belongs to the Need for Speed franchise. When your primary objective is to stand out, adding more aero elements is usually the way to go.

Starting at the front, we see that the bumper sticks out much further, allowing room for twin intakes in the middle and plenty of LED accents scattered around. The chin spoiler is painted gloss black, contrasting with the White Wolf's color. A vented hood is not needed for a 200 horsepower engine, but it looks like a supercar and reminds us of Rowen's 488 GTB project.

The fenders are new and much wider than before. Side skirts are also supercar-like elements, while the wheels are the simplest 5-spoke design you can imagine.

The magic at the back consists of a carbon-trimmed air diffuser that's joined by a completely new bumper with extra vents. Rowen makes some of the best exhaust systems in Japan, and this project is no exception. The carbon fiber wing is excellent but not as imposing as the one from Toyota's TRD.

From what we understand, you can get some of the parts as part of a $3,500 kit, but none of the exotic goodies like the hood and carbon trim will be included. Rowen's most expensive exhaust, Heat Blue Titanium, costs about $3,000 extra.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories