Thrills are just around the corner with Toyota’s all-new 2022 GR 86. For the next-generation coupe, the same fanatics behind Toyota Gazoo Racing’s championship racecars looked to engineer even greater curve-hugging precision, with a focus on added stability, power and improved aerodynamics. How’d they do it? The GR team built upon the nimble attributes of the current generation 86 chassis by adding strategically placed high-strength steel, new cross members up front and a full-ring frame in the rear. Then, they engineered nearly 18% more horsepower and 11% more torque by utilizing a larger, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. They tuned it so the peak torque arrives far earlier in the powerband at 3700 RPM, versus 6600 RPM on the previous generation, making for a responsive and powerful driving experience – especially when coming out of the curves and onto the straightaways. It’s available in a manual transmission (MT) or paddle-shifted automatic (AT), so drivers can choose an experience that fits their styleThe result? A track-ready, driver’s car made for pure fun.
GR engineers knew that keeping a low center of gravity and svelte curb weight was vital for maximum fun. Constructed with a weight-saving aluminum roof and front fenders, the Toyota GR 86 base grade weighs in at only 2,811 pounds for the MT (2,851 pounds in the AT), making it among the lightest sports cars on the market. GR 86 comes in seven exterior color choices, Track bRED, Halo White, Steel Silver, Pavement Grey, Raven Black and Neptune or Trueno Blue. With 2+2 seating for everyday functionality and a fold-flat rear seat for extra space, it’s available in two grades: GR 86 and GR 86 Premium. The Premium grade features a large duckbill spoiler, black 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, perforated Alcantara and leather-trimmed, dual-mode heated front seating and an eight-speaker multimedia audio system. The GR 86 base model sits on 17-inch wheels and comes with black G-embossed fabric seats and a six-speaker multimedia audio system. The combination of 53:47 front:rear balance, a low-slung 51.6-inch overall height and a compact flat-four engine gives GR 86 all the right ingredients for firmly planted sports car handling.
Sports car purists will love GR 86’s six-speed manual transmission. For the Automatic Transmission (AT), steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters offer enthusiasts a dynamic driving experience. Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport, Snow or Track modes. When in Sport mode, the AT senses brake and accelerator operation and vehicle behavior to automatically shift into the optimal gear, bringing drivers the control they want. Additional clutch discs and a new high-capacity torque converter allow for smooth delivery of the engine’s added power. With the push of a button, MT drivers can engage Track mode or switch off Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The shape of the shift lever is optimized for smooth, enjoyable shifting, whether you’re moving from 2nd to 3rd or downshifting from 5th to 4th. Additionally, a carbon synchronizer was added to improve shifting into 4th gear. The MT uses new low-viscosity oil and bearings for smooth shifting operability with the higher torque output of the 2.4L boxer engine.
Toyota GR 86’s three-spoked, leather-wrapped steering wheel puts drivers in direct control of its agile handling. With a 13.5 overall ratio that requires just 2.5 turns clock to clock for tight maneuverability, it features a new Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system with a column-mounted integrated motor and control unit that reduces both weight and space. Sport-tuned independent MacPherson® front struts feature refined damping performance and gain new rebound springs to enhance handling characteristics. A double-wishbone style, multi-link rear suspension features a Torsen® limited-slip rear differential for improved traction while cornering. The GR 86 base grade sits on 17-inch, V-shaped machined-finish 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin® Primacy HP® tires. The GR 86 Premium comes with 18-inch 10-spoke black aluminum alloy wheels that feature a Japanese-sword-inspired look and Michelin Pilot Sport 4® tires. The 18-inch wheels have truss cross-sectional spokes for structural rigidity and minimally fringed nut holes that create a compact hub. Braking comes from power-assisted 11.6-inch front and 11.4-inch rear ventilated disc brakes.
GR 86 features Toyota’s Smart Key System that functions on both the driver and passenger door. The HVAC system has added independent left/right temperature adjustments, and new, large LED dials and piano-key switches are arranged on the center console for easy operation. A leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated controls for the audio system, hands-free calling, voice-recognition system, display meters and cruise control; AT adds an ACC display option button. The Premium Grade gains aluminum sport pedals and footrest. Power windows come with auto up/down and pinch protection. A push-button start fires up a GR 86-logo animation on its 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display. Display content varies based on whether drivers are in Normal, Sport, Snow or Track mode (MT offers Track mode only). Sport Mode throws a red ring around the speedometer for an aggressive look. Track Mode was developed with race driver input and prominently displays an RPM-band in the center, oil and water coolant temperatures and lap timer.
