In a world overflowing with muted neutrals and conservative palettes, Toyota has decided to paint the town yellow (literally) with the all-new ‘cornea killing’ 2026 GR86 Yuzu Edition. This playful sports car is not just a nod to the vibrant “Release Series 1.0” Scion FR-S but also a statement of intent: the GR86 is here to bring fun and adrenaline back to the streets.
A Splash of Yuzu
The Yuzu Edition’s defining feature is, of course, its exclusive Yuzu Yellow paint. It’s a color so vibrant it could probably stop traffic, and perhaps that’s the point. Toyota pairs this sunny hue with striking black accents, 18-inch matte black wheels, and a sleek body kit, creating a visual contrast that’s sharp enough to cut through any crowd. On the inside, it continues the yellow-and-black theme, with black Ultrasuede® seats that feature yellow stitching and perforation, and matching yellow stitching on the steering wheel, door trim, and parking brake handle—because attention to detail is everything, darling.
Performance That Matches the Flash
The 2026 GR86 Yuzu Edition is not all show and no go. Under the hood lies a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder boxer engine generating 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s no fire-breathing monster, but paired with a taut, lightweight chassis (we’re talking just over 2,800 pounds for the manual variant) and a 0-60 time of as quick as 6.1 seconds, it delivers a pure, unadulterated driving experience. Enthusiast-approved, naturally.
And for those who need a little extra confidence through the corners, the Yuzu Edition comes standard with a Performance Package. Brembo brakes provide high-stakes stopping power, while SACHS dampers soak up vibrations and keep the car planted during spirited drives. This package also elevates the GR86’s existing track-inspired chassis, which uses a mix of high-strength steel, aluminum, and structural adhesives for maximum rigidity and minimum weight.
Limited by Design
With only 860 units allocated for the North American market, exclusivity is baked into the GR86 Yuzu Edition’s DNA. This makes it not only a head-turner but also a collector’s dream. Toyota will reveal pricing details later this year, but expect the competition for these cars to be as ferocious as the GR86’s cornering prowess.
The GR86 Lineup: Something for Everyone
While the Yuzu Edition is undoubtedly the star, the 2026 GR86 lineup offers options for all tastes. The GR86 and GR86 Premium grades continue to provide accessible entry points into the world of sports cars, with the same bulletproof engine and chassis combinations. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available across all grades, ensuring that this is a car for both purists and commuters alike.
Safety Meets Speed
Toyota hasn’t skimped on driver convenience and safety, either. Automatic transmission models boast a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and pre-collision systems, while all versions come equipped with the Star Safety System, multiple airbags, and modern connectivity options like Toyota’s Connected Services trials. Whether it’s locking the car remotely via a smartphone or indulging in a high-speed corner-to-apex pursuit on a track day, the GR86 ensures that drivers have confidence both on and off the road.
A Nod to Toyota’s Racing Pedigree
The Yuzu Edition is part of Toyota’s GR (GAZOO Racing) family—a badge that has been battle-tested on tracks around the world, from the Super Taikyu endurance races in Japan to Toyota GAZOO Racing North America’s GR Cup. With insights gleaned from real-world competitions, each GR86 is built not just to perform but to thrill.
Oh, and did we mention the complimentary one-year National Auto Sport Association membership? You’ll get to push your GR86 to the limit on a closed course, just as nature (and Toyota) intended.
A Ray of Sunshine… with Attitude
In a world where SUVs dominate, the GR86 Yuzu Edition is a refreshing anomaly—a car that doesn’t just embrace its role as a sports car but revels in it. It’s playful, stylish, and unapologetically fun. With its bright yellow exterior and razor-sharp handling, it’s an invitation to drive like it’s meant to be driven: with a grin on your face and your foot on the throttle.
