Chris Amon honoured by Toyota
Toyota has announced it will commemorate Kiwi motorsport great Chris Amon with a special edition of its 86 sports coupe. Amon, who passed away in August, was described as "…one of the most skilful and natural drivers ever to grace Formula One" by three-time champion Sir Jackie Stewart. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Amon's and Bruce McLaren's victory in a Ford GT40 at Le Mans. The Chris Amon Edition GT86 is powered by a two litre “boxer” engine that produces 152 kW and 212 Nm of torque. Standard equipment includes keyless entry and ignition, dual zone climate control air conditioning, a multi information display, privacy glass, a six speaker audio system, and satellite navigation with SUNA traffic channel which is not currently available on any other 86 variant. Safety features include seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, LED daytime running lights and headlights with automatic levelling and cruise control. Named after the classic AE86 Corolla coupe of the 1980s, Toyota says the GT86 Chris Amon Edition also evokes the spirit of the original Toyota sports model of the 1960s, the 2000 GT. Steve Boyce, Motorsport Manager for Toyota New Zealand, says that Amon was also the cornerstone of the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand. “His legacy and patronage, both to local and to international protégés, continues through the Chris Amon Edition GT86.” Chris Amon was a vehicle development and motorsport consultant to Toyota New Zealand for more than 30 years. The Chris Amon Edition GT86 is available now, at $55,990.
