GR86 bound to thrill with power boost and improved handling
The all-new GR86, a sizable upgrade on the previous and highly popular Toyota 86 two-door sports
car, is the third thrilling model in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) inspired GR series.
The 86 has been given a GAZOO Racing makeover through the design and engineering expertise of
Toyota’s racing team. With a larger and more powerful engine, improved torsion rigidity, precision handling and an updated interior, the all-new GR86 is designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. It epitomises Toyota’s commitment to build more excitement and driver-enjoyment into its cars.
The GR86 is not only more powerful, but its performance has also been significantly upgraded to
create a lightweight sportscar with the handling and driving experience of a car that should cost a lot
more than the GR86.
TOYOTO GAZOO Racing New Zealand’s General Manager, Andrew Davis says TGR is now well
established in New Zealand as the marque for Toyota motorsport activities and motorsport-influenced
sports cars.
“The new GR86 carries a 60-year racing heritage into a street version that is built for a thrilling driving
experience. The GR86 is a car for drivers who enjoy driving for sheer pleasure,” he says.
While retaining the same format and shape of the previous 86, the GR86 has received many
improvements. Lateral bending has been improved by approximately 60% and torsional rigidity has
been enhanced by around 50%, providing pleasurable handling in all speed ranges for both urban and
performance drivers.
“By bringing car development across from the world of motorsport, the demanding conditions of
racing allow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to refine both race and roadgoing vehicles,” Andrew says.
Steve Prangnell, General Manager New Vehicles of Toyota New Zealand, says two variants of the GR86
will be introduced, a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
“The popularity of the 86 is evident by the demand we experienced for the previous GT86, which is now
sold out. That tells us that fans still have an appetite for compact, lightweight, and affordable sports coupes. The upgraded GR86 will undoubtedly continue to be popular with our New Zealand fan base,”
Steve says.
At the heart of the car is a new 2.4-litre horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder engine that drives
the rear wheels via a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Many wanted a power upgrade to the GR86, and Toyota has delivered with a 2.4L cylinder engine delivering 174kW (up 22-27kW) and 250Nm of torque, which is an increase of 38-45Nm. Peak torque now arrives at a substantially lower 3,700rpm (previously 6,400rpm). In addition, the power-to-weight ratio is substantially improved through the generous use of aluminium.
With a significant boost in power and torque compared with the previous Toyota 86, the new GR86
can cover the 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.4 seconds with a manual gearbox and 6.8 seconds with an
automatic transmission – an increase of 1.4 seconds over the current model.
The front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension has been tuned for performance
and together with the very low centre of gravity, superb balance, and lightweight stiff chassis, they
make the new GR86 an outstanding driver’s car.
The GR86 retains the familiar long bonnet and aerodynamic sports car profile; however, the exterior
design changes include a matrix grille design, large side rocker mouldings, and a ducktail-type rear
spoiler. Other significant upgrades include premium 18-inch, 10-spoke matte black alloys shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres for better grip and performance.
Inside, a new multimedia system includes a larger 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, voice recognition and
both wired Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM connectivity. A redesigned 7-inch colour combination
meter with digital speedometer and multi-information display are also included.
The new 2022 GR86 is priced at: GR86 GT MT 2.4L Six-speed Manual Transmission $56,990. GR86 GT AT 2.4L Six-speed Automatic Transmission $56,990.
Images – supplied.
