TOYOTA IS PUSHING AHEAD WITH its sporty GR range and adding to it all the time. Latest to join the list is the new GR86 coupe, and it’s a great option if the new GR Supra is beyond your budget.
GR86 is the third model in the Toyota GAZOO Racing performance car brand, sitting alongside GR Supra and GR Yaris.
Like its GR siblings, the GR86 benefits directly from Toyota’s multi-championship-winning involvement in international motorsport with Toyota GAZOO Racing.
It is an evolution of the much-acclaimed 86 coupe, launched here in 2012, that signalled Toyota’s renewed commitment to sports-car engineering.
The 86 captured the hearts and minds of motoring enthusiasts with its blend of performance, affordability, classic front-engine/rear drive coupe configuration and scope for track use, with almost 22,000 vehicles sold in the past 10 years.
The new GR86 builds on this heritage with wholesale improvements that take its motorsport roots to new levels, making it more than worthy of a GAZOO Racing badge.
With improved performance, dynamics, technology and styling, while retaining the affordability and usability of its predecessor, the new GR86 sets the benchmark in value-for-money sports cars.
Powering the GR86 is a new 2.4-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine producing a maximum of 174kW and 250Nm, marking improvements of at least 22kW and 38Nm over the 2.0-litre powerplant it replaces. The new engine is the same as that in the Subaru BRZ that we wrote about back in January – read about that one here
The naturally aspirated engine provides linear throttle response and the ability to rev effortlessly to high rpm, with technologies including optimised D4-S direct injection helping to provide significantly more torque for better mid-range response.
Straight-line acceleration is also improved, with the GR86 manual able to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in as little as 6.3 seconds and the automatic in 6.8 seconds.
Owners have the choice of pairing the new engine with a six-speed manual or six-speed torque-converter automatic, with the latter featuring paddle shifters and a range of drive modes to tailor performance to driver preferences.
Combined cycle fuel consumption ranges from 8.7 L/100km for the GT automatic to 9.5L/100km for the GTS manual with combined cycle CO2 emissions from 199g/km to 217g/km respectively.
The new GR86 retains the fan-favourite front-engine/rear-drive layout, with the standard fitment of a limited-slip Torsen differential on the rear axle to maximise handling capability.
Multiple other advances have been made under the skin, including revisions to the suspension and steering components, larger-diameter front brakes and chassis reinforcements that significantly improve torsional and lateral rigidity.
Combined with a focus on weight reduction and a lower centre of gravity, the GR86 secures even sharper agility, handling and responsiveness.
Those wanting to take their GR86 to the track can also choose from five different vehicle stability control (VSC) settings ranging from full support to being completely switched off.
Exterior design cues are taken from some of Toyota’s great sports cars of the past, such as the 2000GT and AE86 Corolla.
An evolutionary exterior design reflects the outgoing model’s dynamic proportions and silhouette, while Toyota GAZOO Racing’s global motorsport experience has led to cooling and aerodynamic improvements with a 0.276 coefficient of drag.
Slightly longer and lower than the previous 86, the new GR86 features a long bonnet, sloping roofline and tapered rear end with a prominent lip spoiler, giving the vehicle a low and planted stance.
Dual exhaust pipes and GR badging complete the rear-end look, with 17-inch or black 18-inch alloys available depending on model grade.
Inside the GR86 cabin, designers have created a cockpit focused on pure driving, with a simple and ergonomic layout framed by a horizontally configured instrument panel.
All variants feature an upgraded 8.0-inch multimedia infotainment system offering DAB+ digital radio and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 8.0-inch screen is paired with a configurable 7.0-inch TFT colour LCD display offering a wealth of information. Display content includes a Track Mode, designed with help from Toyota GAZOO Racing’s professional drivers, providing real-time readouts of the most important information for circuit driving.
A six-speaker audio system is fitted, with Active Sound Control (ASC) included to further increase driver enjoyment.
The new GR86 is offered in two grades with two trim levels. The lower GT grade features black fabric upholstery, while the higher grade GTS uses two-tone Ultrasuede and leather-accented upholstery offered in black/silver or black/red.
With 237 litres of luggage space on offer, there is enough to carry four spare wheels for a day of circuit driving, when the rear seats are folded, or head into the country for a weekend away.
Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, ABS brakes, vehicle stability control, tyre pressure warning and front/rear seatbelt warnings.
Automatic models add further active safety equipment including pre-collision braking with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, parking support brake with rear parking sensors, active cruise control, and lane departure alert.
All GTS grades further add rear cross traffic alert and rear blind spot monitor.
A total of seven exterior colours are offered on the new GR86, including Storm Black, White Liquid, Magnetic Grey, Ice Silver Metallic, Apollo Blue and the new additions of Rapid Blue and Spark Red hues.
The new GR86 offers superb value at $43,240 for the GT for both manual and automatic versions with the range topping GTS manual and automatic priced at $45,390 (both plus on road costs).
The GR86 is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, which offers five-year unlimited kilometre coverage extending to seven-years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km and each 12-month/15,000km service costing $280.
GR86 pricing
GT Manual and Automatic: $43,240
GTS Manual and Automatic: $45,390