Toyota GR 86 Lightweight coupé to replace GT86
GR 86 is lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupé with 232bhp four-cylinder atmo boxer
Toyota has unveiled its brand-new GR 86 sports coupé, the successor to the GT86, which will go on sale in Japan in the autumn and later in the UK, likely in 2022.
The lightweight, rear-wheeldrive 2+2 was revealed beside the new second-generation Subaru BRZ, with which it was jointly developed but which won’t be offered in Europe.
Toyota said the two cars were developed through a “friendly rivalry” and will both offer a “distinct driving feel”.
The new GR 86 ditches the GT86’S 2.0-litre horizontally opposed engine for a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit, again produced by Subaru.
The GR 86 will be launched in Japan offering 232bhp and 184lb ft, up from the GT86’S 197bhp and 151lb ft. Peak power is produced at 7000rpm, just before the redline at 7400rpm.
This uprating means it’s able to cover the 0-62mph sprint in 6.3sec, which is 1.1sec quicker than its predecessor.
Customers in Japan will be offered the choice of a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox.
Toyota said a major focus was on retaining the “essential fun-to-drive” characteristics of the GT86 and a key part of that was minimising weight.
The new car has a claimed kerb weight of 1270kg, which is 5kg lighter than the original. Toyota said this was achieved through features including the use of an aluminium roof and aluminium body panels.
The GR 86 has virtually identical dimensions to its predecessor, at 4265mm long and 1310mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2575mm. This helped Toyota keep its centre of gravity low, and the firm claims that torsional rigidity has been increased by around 50%, resulting in “even sharper handling and steering”.
The GR 86 also features aerodynamic front air ducts and side panels – based on learnings from Toyota’s motorsport programmes – which aid handling and stability.
Inside, the Japanesemarket GR 86 features a 7.0in infotainment touchscreen as part of what Toyota said is an upgraded and driver-focused dashboard design that retains plenty of physical switchgear.
Subaru’s Eyesight active safety systems are also fitted.
The GR 86 will go on sale in Japan in the autumn, prior to a launch date for Europe that will be confirmed soon.
The change of name from GT86 to GR 86 brings the coupé in line with the rest of Toyota’s new GR performance line, joining the more potent and pricier GR Supra coupé and the GR Yaris hot hatch.