IN A world of regular automotive design, one car stands head and shoulders above the rest – the all-new Toyota GR86.
Rightly described as an “analogue car for the digital age” and embodying all qualities that defined its acclaimed GT86 Hachi-Roku predecessor, this new model stays true to the original “Waku Doki” fun-to-drive brief to offer pure, unadulterated driving pleasure.
Sticking to the classic front engine/rear-wheel drive formula and kitted with the now-familiar naturally aspirated “boxer” engine, the newcomer ups the ante in three significant areas. These are a boost in performance courtesy of a bigger displacement 2,4-litre engine, enhanced dynamics thanks to increased body rigidity as well as lighter weight and a lower centre of gravity.
The new GR86 is Toyota’s third global GR model, providing a fitting entry point to the current range and creating a powerful triad of pure-bred sports cars, alongside GR Supra and GR Yaris.
It benefits directly from Toyota’s multi-championship-winning involvement in top-level international motorsport with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Just as with the
, the horizontally opposed “boxer” engine is a defining element of the new GR86, the heart of its performance and key contributor to its low centre of gravity.
But in its current execution, the capacity has increased from 2L to 2,4L for extra power, more torque and faster acceleration.
Retaining the same high 12.5:1 compression ratio, the engine delivers more power as maximum output has risen by around 17% from 147kW to 174kW at 7 000rpm.
As a result, the 0-100km/h acceleration time has been cut by more than a second to 6,4 seconds (6,8 seconds auto).
The six-speed manual transmission in the GR86 has been extremely revised in line with the engine’s increased power and torque, and is key to its essential fun-to-drive quality.
But in line with the times, the big news is the addition of an all-new six-speed auto that does not dilute the fun factor.
In Sport mode, the transmission automatically selects the optimum gear in line with the driver’s use of the brake and throttle, and the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour.
To ensure smooth harnessing of the engine’s higher power, additional clutch discs and a new high-capacity torque converter have been introduced.
The GR86’s interior design goal was to deliver the best possible layout for useability and operation of the car’s systems, with a strong horizontally configured instrument panel that gives the driver a wide field of vision and helps them focus on the business of driving.
Pricing
Toyota GR86 6MT – R698 100
Toyota GR86 6AT – R733 700
