$23,500 GT 86 RC model revealed

What weighs 40kg less, and costs potentially $14,500 fewer than a standard Toyota GT 86?

The GT 86 in RC form does, and is the latest development in the exciting story that is, GT 86 and BRZ.

However, aspirational Australians shouldn't get too excited. The RC is intended to be a JDM-only model aimed at those wanting to modify their GT 86 straight off the showroom floor.

The RC is tipped to retail for 1,990,000 Yen, which roughly equates to $23,500 AUD, and will join regular GT 86 models in Japanese Toyota showrooms in April.

The RC model comes with unpainted front and rear bumpers, door handles and rear view mirrors, along with bare 16" steel wheels and 205/55 tyres as opposed to 17" alloys and 215/45 tyres.

Crucially, the RC spec lacks other models' Torsen LSD.

Also missing are front auxiliary lamps, plastic engine cover, and boot lamp.

The interior is devoid of aircon, stereo, cupholders, dash fascia garnish and leather coverings for steering wheel and gear shifter.

These omissions are not aimed at saving weight for a Colin Chapman-esque performance improvement (though the 40kg reduction would help), but demonstrate Toyota's understanding of its target market.

If this sort of flexibility is available from launch, just imagine the performance potential once Toyota applies some effort to a stripped out track special, with mechanical massaging to compliment the potential weight savings!