Toyota GR86: a sports car for purists

Toyota GR86

The launch of the Toyota GR86 coupe was one of the most hotly anticipated new model introductions of 2022. The third member of the thoroughbred GR sports car range, it will be available in strictly limited numbers – and production for Europe is limited to just two years.

Are you on the Toyota GR86 waiting list? Click here for more information.

Equipment features 

The Toyota GR86 range comprises a single model grade with the option of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The specification introduces equipment features not previously available on GT86, including: – 

  • 10-spoke 18-inch black alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres 
  • Multimedia system with an eight-inch display 
  • Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Reversing camera with Rear Cross Traffic Alert 
  • Blind Spot Monitor 
  • LED Adaptive Headlight System 
  • Illuminated entry 
  • Seven-inch colour multi-information display 

Other items include Ultrasuede and leather seat upholstery, heated front seats, cruise control, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, smart entry and push-button start and auto-folding door mirrors.  

The GR86 automatic gains additional, new active safety and driver assistance systems, including Pre-Collision System with autonomous emergency braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam and Lane Keep Assist. 

GR86 is available in seven different colours. Pearlescent finishes include Pearl White, Ignition Red, and Sapphire Blue Pearl. In addition, there are three metallics: Ice Silver, Magnetite Grey and Crystal Black. The Black metallic colour is free with the other metallic colours costing £645 and the Pearlescent colours costing £965.

Toyota GR86: power and performance

The horizontally opposed ‘boxer’ engine remains a defining element of the GR86. The new engine retains the same cylinder block as that used in the outgoing GT86 but has been bored out to increase displacement from 2.0 to 2.4 litres. Power has risen by around 17% to 231bhp, yet it is the 22% increase in torque that will be most keenly appreciated, especially as the 250Nm peak now arrives almost 3,000rpm lower down the rev range.

As a result, the 0-62mph acceleration time has been cut by more than a second to 6.3 seconds, while the top speed is now 140mph (6.9 seconds and 134mph for automatic).

Detailed mechanical changes have been made to reduce the engine’s weight and ensure performance that is appropriate for its higher output. These include thinner cylinder lines, stronger connecting rods and bearings, an optimised combustion chamber and water jacket, and a switch from aluminium to a resin material for the rocker covers.

The D-4S fuel injection has been retuned for quicker response to throttle inputs. The direct injection element of this system has a cooling effect in the combustion chamber, which supports the high 12.5:1 compression ratio, while its port injection operates under light and medium engine loads to maximise efficiency.

Engine breathing has been improved with changes to the diameter and length of the intake manifold, while upstream the intake has been redesigned to optimise airflow. Liquid management has been improved with a new anti-cavitation fuel pump, a smaller, high-speed water pump, and a new water-cooled oil radiator with a thicker core. Liquid-filled engine mounts combat unwanted noise and vibration, though a combination of a new 5.6-litre exhaust centre pipe and synthesised audio help to generate a satisfying roar in the cabin.

The six-speed manual transmission benefits from a new carbon synchroniser on gear four, as well as new low-viscosity oil and bearings to improve shift quality. The ergonomics of the shift lever have made it more satisfying to hold, while the stroke length has been shortened. The automatic transmission has been equipped with additional clutch discs and a new high-capacity torque converter to harness the engine’s higher power. Sport mode selects the optimum gear in line with driver input and the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour, although the driver can also take manual control of the gear shifts through paddle controls on the steering column.

Toyota GR86

Toyota GR86: chassis and handling

The new GR86 follows its predecessor in delivering the thrill of a car that responds exactly in line with the driver’s intentions. To ensure this translation is accurate, the chassis and body make extensive use of light but high-strength materials, strategic reinforcements and structural adhesives.

At the front, the bonnet has a new diagonal internal frame. Diagonal braces and high-strength fasteners have also been added to the connection between suspension and body frame to improve the transmission of load from the tyres and reduce lateral bending. These measures have increased rigidity in this area by 60%. At the rear, a continuous frame structure has been created by connecting the inner panel to the platform and joining the upper and lower chassis with the same high-strength fasteners. As a result, the torsional rigidity of the body has increased by 50%.

Aluminium is employed for the roof panel, front wings and bonnet, with further weight savings from the new front seat, silencer and prop shaft designs. These are key in giving GR86 a 53:47 front/rear weight balance and making it the lightest four-seat sports car on the market, with the lowest centre of gravity.

Toyota GR86

With regards to its chassis, the GR86 maintains the front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones of its predecessor, though tuned for an even higher level of response and stability. Shock absorber damping and coil spring characteristics have been optimised and the rear suspension has been improved by connecting the anti-roll car directly to the subframe for maximum stability. A Torsen limited-slip differential equalises traction across the rear axle when cornering.

The electric power steering has a 13.5:1 ratio and requires just 2.5 turns to move from lock to lock. The system uses a new column-mounted motor to reduce weight and use of space.

Finally, ventilated disc brakes are fitted front and rear, with diameters of 294 and 290mm respectively. A complement of braking control systems – ABS, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-start Assist – are provided as standard, together with an emergency brake signal system.

Toyota GR86

Exterior design

The exterior aesthetic is an evolution of the classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car proportions expressed in the GT86. The new GR86 has similar overall dimensions, though it is 10mm lower and 5mm longer in its wheelbase.

The LED headlights feature an L-shape internal arrangement similar to that of the GR Supra, and the rear light clusters have a strong three-dimensional design that blends into the rear haunches. The front bumper has a new textured finish that helps to reduce drag, and the front wings and large sill mouldings combine to form shapely side skirts.

Toyota GR86

Functional vents in the front wings manage airflow and reduce turbulence within the wheel arches, while fins around the rear wheel arches and lower bumper similarly train airflow over and away from the body to enhance stability.

Toyota GR86

Toyota GR86: interior design

The interior features a strong horizontal layout that gives the driver a wide field of vision. Within the instrument binnacle is a seven-inch multi-information display that prioritises the central tachometer and digital speedo. The contents of the display can be selected, reset and controlled using switches on the steering wheel. GR branding in the start-up animations on both the driver’s screen and eight-inch multimedia system acknowledges the car’s sports status.

Function controls are designed and located for intuitive operation, including large rotary dials for heating and ventilation, and piano key switches. The centre armrest has been improved with cup holder recesses, two USB ports and an auxiliary socket.

The new front seats are slim yet offer good body-holding through the use of supportive pads, and the rear seatback can be folded down from either inside or outside to reveal a load space big enough to hold four wheels – ideal for those driving to and from a track day.

Toyota GR86

Toyota GR86 technical specifications

ENGINE  
Type Four-cylinder horizontally opposed (boxer) 
Valve mechanism 16-valve DOHC 
Fuel system Toyota D-4S direct and port injection 
Capacity (cc) 2,387 
Bore x stroke (mm) 94 x 86 
Compression ratio 12.5:1 
Max. power (bhp/DIN hp/kW @ rpm) 231 / 234 / 172 @ 7,000 
Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) 250 @ 3,700 
TRANSMISSION  
Type Six-speed manual / six-speed automatic 
PERFORMANCE  
Max. speed (mph) 140 manual / 134 automatic 
0-62mph acceleration (sec) 6.3 manual / 6.9 automatic 
SUSPENSION  
Front suspension MacPherson strut 
Rear suspension Double wishbone 
Anti-roll bar thickness (mm) 18.3 front / 14 rear 
STEERING  
Type Electric power steering, rack and pinion 
Turns lock-to-lock 2.5 
Min. turning circle – body (m) 5.7 
Min. turning circle – tyre (m) 5.4 
BRAKES  
Front  Ventilated discs 
Rear Ventilated discs 
TYRES  
Tyre size  215/40 R18 
DIMENSIONS – EXTERIOR  
Overall length (mm) 4,265 
Overall width (mm) 1,775 
Overall height (mm) 1,310 
Wheelbase (mm) 2,575 
Front track (mm) 1,520 
Rear track (mm) 1,550 
DIMENSIONS – INTERIOR  
Length (mm) 1,625 
Width (mm) 1,480 
Height (mm) 1,060 
Load space – VDA (l) 226 
WEIGHTS  
Kerb weight – max-min (kg) 1,275-1,316 
Gross weight (kg) 1,670 manual / 1,700 automatic 

191 comments

  1. GR86 is supposed to go on sale at 10am today, but I cant find the link on the website from where I can place the order. Has the booking not opened yet?

      1. Extremely disappointed with Toyota website, have been trying since 10 this morning to order on a tablet but GR86 was not showing at all, tried via my mobile later and it was there ! Discovered this too late however as it is now sold out, very poor…

  2. Hello, Must say i’m really disappointed in Toyota. I placed a deposit with a dealer over a week ago and needed that money back in order to place the deposit online and still haven’t had that back and now can’t get the car because it’s sold out!! Please someone come back to me on this.

      1. I’ve had the same experience placed an order last week with a deposit, then told to order online and couldn’t get one!

      2. So rang Toyota relations and they said there was nothing i could do as alloacation has gone. How can your dealer network be so clueless about their own products? Or is it Toyota Japan keeoing them in the dark on purpose…I’ve joined the waiting list now but don’t hold much hope. This has really put me off getting one now. Rang my dealer and they assured for a second time of asking for my deposit back and it’s still not in my account. Andy i feel your pain!

      3. Please Toyota, you need to honour those who placed a deposit with dealers and couldn’t get their money back in time to place the deposit online. I rang relations but they just advised to join the waiting list as the allocation had gone.

  3. Afternoon, I was hoping to visit the Dealer this afternoon after work, When you say Sold Out, is that totally sold out or will there be a chance to order in the future (my MR2 was hoping for a friend)?

    Thank you

    1. Hi Abbie,
      The GR86 comes with a tilt & telescopic steering column adjustment and driver’s seat height adjustment.
      We hope this helps.
      Thanks.

  4. Hi,
    I didn’t get a chance to reserve a car today, will there be another run of cars released at a later date?

      1. That didn’t really answer my question! Is the waiting list for cars that are cancelled orders or will there be a further allocation of cars?

      2. Thanks for the reply, that’s great news! I’ve added my name to the waiting list and look forward to hearing some news.

  5. Some news stories stating it sold out in 40mins, my order and deposit went through at 11.09am, am I likely to get a car?

      1. Hi, yes I received an order confirmation email with PDF attached. Also went on to upload driving licence and bank details. Look forward to receiving the car!

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