The little Toyota sports coupe hatched up five years ago still remains the subject of praise, thanks to its wonderful handling balance – a result of low weight, a low center of gravity and the ideal proportions. It is not free from derision, being an underpowered car, but makes up for a lack of grunt with incisive steering and incredible communication with the driver. Few cars “talk to you” in the way the little GT86 does, and this line of dialogue is one of the best forms of encouragement a driver can experience.

The unassuming exterior of the GT86 belies serious cornering speed.

It is for that reason that the GT86 has nearly matched the esteemed Miata in the department of “momentum cars,” a term thrown around when describing a car without much in the grunt department. Learning to drive a machine with more grip than power is something every driver worth their salt will master. In some ways, the lack of power only helps, since it keeps the driver from focusing on anything but cornering speed.

With only 200 horsepower, the little GT86 is not exactly putting around, but it isn’t going to lay long black strips down the straights anytime soon. Watch as the talented Domenico Solombrino keeps the revs up, skillfully entering each and every corner with a great combination of speed and aggression. In order to avoid time-sapping slides, his inputs are made with some delicacy and consideration, but ultimately, he’s looking to minimize the time spent from entry to apex everywhere, knowing well that his exit speed has little to do with the engine itself and more with the speed and angle of attack at the apex.