All-New 2022 Toyota GR 86 Is A Prettier, More Powerful And Sharper Driver’s Car

When Subaru unveiled their second-gen BRZ last November, we thought Toyota’s version, the GR 86, would be close behind.

Apparently, we’d have to wait five months, but in the meantime Toyota has been working hard to make the jointly-developed sports car feel more like their own. Now, the GR 86 makes its world debut as the third vehicle in Toyota’s GR lineup, coming after the GR Supra sports coupe and GR Yaris hot hatch.

As with the first generation of the two sports coupes, Toyota and Subaru worked together on the new GR 86 and BRZ, with the two models having a nearly identical appearance, sans some minor details. In Toyota’s case, that meant first and foremost outfitting the GR 86 with the “Functional Matrix” grille similar to the one found on the GR Yaris, while the headlight LED signature is also slightly different compared to the BRZ.

That’s not to say it’s not a prettier and more muscular design than before, with a lowered stance and curvier hips along with some other tweaks such as the slightly narrower greenhouse. Other new exterior features include motorsport-derived aerodynamic components such as special air outlets and side sill spoilers that are said to improve the car’s handling and stability.

Toyota says it optimized the GR 86’s interior to maximize driver focus, placing the infotainment system in such a way that reduces the need to look away from the road. The 7-inch display now sports a more modern look, and upon startup shows an animation sequence inspired by the piston movements of the car’s boxer engine.

As for the rest of the interior’s design, it can be summed up nicely with one word: functional. The updates certainly bring it further into the modern age, but it also benefits from some old school charms. The fact that there are still some physical buttons, dials, and switches providing haptic feedback for the driver is one of those charms, and is a welcome sight in an age where full touch screen interiors are becoming more and more the norm.

While they were able to keep the car weighing roughly the same at 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg), Toyota claims it put in the extra work to get the new GR 86 to handle even better than its predecessor, which was already renowned for its driving dynamics. Through strategic use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum for the roof panels and fenders, they were able to keep the center of gravity low. Combine that with a 50 percent increase in torsional rigidity, and you have a recipe for a true driver’s car.

The GR 86 will be powered by the same naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine found in the Subaru BRZ, but with a very slight bump in power. The unit is good for 232 hp (235 PS / 173 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) and allows the GR 86 to complete the sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.3 seconds, or 1.1 seconds quicker than the outgoing model.

Peak power and torque arrive at 7,000 and 3,700 rpm respectively before a 7,400 rpm redline, and according to Toyota, the engine’s overall responsiveness has been enhanced to provide a better transition from low to high rpm. Power is still sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual for those who prefer to row their own gears.

Automatic transmission-equipped versions of the GR 86 will come with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The system includes various pre-collision safety features to help avoid accidents, secondary collision avoidance measures to mitigate subsequent impacts, and emergency rescue support in the unfortunate event that an accident does occur.

Surprisingly, despite the delay, the new GR 86 is scheduled to go on sale in Japan this fall alongside its Subaru twin. There was no word on when other markets would be receiving the car, but if Subaru’s timeline for the BRZ is any indication, it should be soon after, therefore, expect to see it in North American dealerships by the end of 2021 or early 2022 the latest with further details to be released in the coming months. As for pricing, in the U.S., we anticipate it to start close to $30,000.

Subaru disappointed many when it recently announced that the second generation BRZ will not be sold in Europe. However, the new GR 86 will launch in the Old Continent with Toyota to reveal more later in the year.

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more