Toyota GR 86 to take forward the GT86 legacy

KUALA LUMPUR: No, we didn’t make a mistake, it indeed is the Toyota GR 86. See how the addition of blank space and change of a letter brings the new 86 in league with other Toyota Gazoo Racing cars like the GR Yaris and GR Supra. Hopping on the performance-oriented lineup, the new 86 is very much a successor of the amazing driver-focused, rear-wheel drive, skinny-tyred GT86 sports cars.

Toyota once again entered in collaboration with Subaru as the 86 GR uses the same engine and chassis as the new BRZ.

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Powering the Toyota GR 86 is a massive naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four ‘boxer’ unit replacing the old 2.0-litre mill. It makes a maximum power of 232 bhp and a peak torque of 249 Nm. With so much power in hand, the GR 86 covers 0 to 100 kmph sprint in 6.3 seconds. The power is sent to the rear wheel through either a standard 6-speed manual or optional automatic transmission.

It however defies the trend of cars getting bigger with every passing next-gen model. The GR 86 is offered in exactly the same dimensions as the GT86, i.e., 4,265 mm long, 1,310 mm tall, and a wheelbase reading of 2,575 mm. It however is 50 kg heavier than the original, 1,270 kg. It rides on sporty Michelin Pilot 4S tyres, making one might have to work harder when getting out compared to the old eco Prius tyres.

Also new are the aluminum roof and body panels. Furthermore, it’s 50% stiffer in the wobbly bits and offers even better handling than the GT86. The upgraded chassis results in improved torsional rigidity, more strengthened panels, and even stronger bonding techniques that improve the body shell’s stiffness.

On the inside, there is a simple steering wheel with several buttons splattered across. Also, the present is a new digital central binnacle and a slightly larger 7-inch central display.

So, what are your thoughts on the Toyota GR 86? Do let us know in the comment section below.

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