TOKYO: Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) announced recently that it has upgraded the GR86 for improved turning performance and easier upper-limit handling.
Orders are now being accepted by Toyota vehicle dealers across Japan, with sales set to launch on Aug 1.
TGR also announced on Friday the start of a purchasing lottery that runs to July 28 for the RZ "Ridge Green Limited", a limited edition model that augments the GR86's exterior colour lineup with the newly added colour Ridge Green and sports exclusive bronze wheels and interior embroidery.
Only 200 units will be produced and sales will start from October.
Toyota and Subaru in 2021 jointly developed the GR86, a car known for its unique driving feel, intuitive handling, and agility. The GR86 shares its base with the Subaru BRZ but stands out for its GR vehicle characteristics.
TGR has used insights from motorsports, where the GR86 competes, to upgrade the vehicle.
Feedback from professional racecar drivers has refined the GR86's driving dynamics.
Enhancements include improved shock absorber damping, better electric power steering (EPS) control, modified throttle characteristics for manual transmissions, and an expanded engine-speed tolerance range for automatic transmissions.
These improvements enhance the car's traction, steering response, and linearity.
The upgraded shock absorbers provide better ground contact while maintaining direct handling.
EPS adjustments offer intuitive handling and responsiveness, crucial for motorsports.
Engine torque control has been tweaked for easier blipping, and throttle control now ensures a more direct response to accelerator inputs, improving high-performance handling.
For automatic transmission models, the expanded engine-speed tolerance range during downshifting allows for sporty driving with a wider torque band.
The upgraded GR86 promises better performance and responsiveness, catering to the demands of motorsports enthusiasts and daily drivers.