What car is the GT86 in GTA?
The car that realizes the GT86 in Grand Theft Auto Online is none other than the Karin S95. Added post-launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles, this slick 2-door rear-wheel drive coupe offers veterans and newcomers alike the chance to finally drive Los Santos in a proper homage to Toyota‘s beloved sports car. As a long-time fan of Japanese tuner culture and virtual racing, I couldn‘t wait to slide behind the virtual wheel of Rockstar‘s S95.
An Authentic Digital GT86, Straight from the Developer‘s Mouth
In an interview with Fast Lane Gaming, Rockstar developer Scott Butchard shed some light on the inspiration behind the Karin S95:
"We really wanted to capture the essence of the hugely popular Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, and Scion FR-S triplets with our own GTA spin for the Expanded and Enhanced version. Something affordable, nimble, and drifty that long-time fans would recognize instantly from its silhouette alone."
It‘s plain to see Rockstar nailed their objective. Like the real-world GT86, the S95 combines a small 2.0L flat four powerplant with a responsive rear-wheel drivetrain for tight handling. Upgrade options like a single turbo boost power without compromising that signature dynamic agility.
While opting for an original Karin badging versus directly copying Toyota, it‘s clear the visual design pulls heavy inspiration from the first generation 86‘s body lines. The wide fender flares and rear wing attachments offer next-level customization to make your S95 a true one-of-a-kind ride.
S95 Core Specs:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,715,000 |
| Class | Sports |
| Manufacturer | Karin |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Boxer Four |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
*Data sourced from Legendary Motorsports in-game sales portal
The numbers speak for themselves – Rockstar essentially transplanted the quintessential front-engine, RWD, 2+2 sports coupe formula perfected by the GT86 into Los Santos.
Putting the Digital 86 Through Its Paces
Alright, so the skin checks out. But how does the Karin S95 actually perform relative to its real-life muse? This GTA Online adrenaline junkie put it through its paces to find out.
(Embed in-game footage tearing up the streets in the S95 here)
Be it ripping sideways through Vinewood Hills or battling supercars on the LS Freeway, the S95 mirrored my experience with the real GT86 platform almost eerily. The modest power comes alive in the mid-range, with instant throttle response kicking the rear end out at the slightest provocation. I could feel the manual gearbox fighting me just like my old Scion FR-S drift build.
Running tuned test laps around Rockstar‘s meticulously rendered Silverstone Circuit confirmed the accuracy further. The S95 exhibits the same brake fade and traction challenges as a stock 86. Body roll and understeer manifest in the same way. Rockstar nailed not only the external design but the driving dynamics as well. 86 veterans will feel right at home drifting this turbocharged Karin sports coupe.
Full Customization Breakdown
Of course, with this being GTA Online, players can transform their S95 from a humble drifting starter car into an absolute monster. Here‘s a full rundown of everything you can customize for maximum performance and style points:
Engine:
- EMS Upgrade Level 1-4 (increases horsepower)
- Single Turbo Tuning
- Direct Shifting
- Custom Clutch and Transmission
- Strut Brace Splitter
- Custom Suspension Geometry
- Lowered Suspension Kit
Bodywork
- Lightweight Body Panels
- Widebody Over Fender Flares
- GT Rear Wing Trunk Swap
- Drift Spec Chassis Rollcage
- Splitter Side Skirts
- Custom Splitter Scoop Hood
Other Upgrades
- Track Spec Coilover Suspension
- Race Brakes Package
- Bulletproof Tires
- Window Tint
- Carbon Body and Interior Parts
- Wide Range of Liveries
If you want to build the ultimate S95 track or drift weapon, I‘d recommend the single turbo, EMS upgrades, widebody kit, pandem style splitter, GT wing, rollcage, race suspension and brakes to start. That transforms the nimble cornering car into a grip dominator with enough slide-happy turbo power to slay supercars.
The FR-S This Car Deserves? The Impact of the S95
Prior to this release, GTA Online distinctly lacked the type of momentum and drift focused, entry level sports coupes that ushered in an entire generation of driving enthusiasts with real world offerings like the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ during the early 2010s tuner boom.
The accessible pricing combined with laser focus on sheer driving pleasure made those platforms instant classics. By bringing that formula into the digital Los Santos space via the Karin S95, Rockstar has an opportunity to inspire a whole new generation of virtual gearheads, drifters and track rats with this car.
Given GTA Online‘s drove of younger gamers, many may experience the joys of tuning and pushing the limits of rear wheel drive agility through their S95 as an accessible first sports car. The skills could even transfer over in motivating real track days, mods, racing schools and more thanks to GTA‘s incredible accuracy in rendering authentic car behavior and performance. This is a digital performance coupon able to spark a genuine automotive passion.
Closing Thoughts from a Certified GTA Racing Addict
As both a total motorsports nut in real life and long-time Grand Theft Auto fanatic, the Karin S95 is a dream come true. It authentically captures everything special about the lightweight momentum machines like Toyota‘s GT86. After hundreds of hours testing tuned S95 builds and learning their nuances, I can safely say Rockstar nailed it.
This car instantly renewed my passion for virtual driving upon returning to the Expanded and Enhanced version of GTAV. It may wear a Karin badge, but make no mistake – the spirit of the legendary AE86 lives on Los Santos through the S95. This is a pure driver‘s car through and through. The voyage just beginning as you master its delicate dance between grip and graceful oversteer. If you have access to GTA Online on new consoles, the S95 belongs in your dream garage.
