With its wide stance and low center of gravity, the 2+2 rear-wheel drive coupe’s handling changes come in the form of front- and rear-frame reinforcements that increase rigidity.
Functional exterior air vents were also added to further support steering stability. Weight shaving details, such as aluminum roof panels and fenders, also kept it at a nimble curb weight of just over 2,800 lbs.
The 2.4L naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine, brings the power upgrade – increasing from 205 to 228 hp and from 212Nm to 250Nm of torque on the manual version.
The all-new GR 86 now delivers linear acceleration across a wider band of rpms, delivering a longer surge to drivers.
The power boost comes from tweaks like increased bore size, changes to the intake and exhaust systems, and optimization of the Toyota D-4S dual injection technology. Drivers will have the choice of a 6-speed manual (MT) or automatic transmission (AT).
Zero to 60 times have dropped from 7 to 6.1 seconds for the MT and from 8 to 6.6 seconds for the AT.
Available in two grades, GR 86 and GR 86 Premium, it will come in seven exterior colour choices, including the aptly named Track bRED. The premium grade comes equipped with a rear duckbill spoiler, adding dynamic contours to the car’s sporty feel.
The cabin gets upgraded front seats with a deep bucket design and side bolsters that keep driver and passenger supported during serious cornering. GR 86 Premium grade seats are upholstered in Alcantara with leather accents. Leather-trimmed driver touchpoints and silver-colored accents also add a race-inspired touch to the cabin.
Additional interior upgrades include a three-mode digital display, offering different information layouts for Normal, Sport or Track driving modes. An 8-inch Multimedia Touchscreen with six speakers comes on the standard grade, while an eight-speaker system comes standard on the Premium grade, and available Connected Services, Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility with NFC pairing, and a Sirius-XM® three-Month All Access trial brings drivers their tech fix.
The new generation GR 86 takes cues from its “hachi-roku” forefather.
Its low overall height and hip point give it an athletic look. The fender tops extend horizontally to the beltline and give it a stance distinctive of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sportscars. Its low, horizontal underbody and narrowed rear cabin combine to create a launch-ready appearance.
The move from a 2.0L to a 2.4L engine has increased displacement nearly 20%, from 1,998cc to 2,387cc. Thanks to that increase, GR 86 now has 228hp and 250Nm of peak torque, which it now hits at 3,700 rpm, the previous generation hit max torque at 6,600 rpm.
