Toyota GR86 lands with more power, pricing announced

The third model in Toyota Gazoo Racing’s performance car series has landed with more power and improved handling over its predecessor.

Toyota Gazoo Racing has given the new 86 a makeover by its engineers in terms of design and engineering. It now features a larger and more powerful engine, improved torsional rigidity, precision handling and an updated interior.

At the heart of the car is a new 2.4-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that drives the rear wheels via a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Those who have experience with the former GT86 often say the model could do with a power increase. Now, Toyota has delivered on that request with a 2.4-litre four cylinder engine that delivers 174kW (up 27kW) and 250Nm of torque, which is an increase of 45Nm.

Peak torque now arrives at a substantially lower 3,700rpm (previously 6,400rpm). In addition, the power-to-weight ratio is substantially improved through the generous use of aluminium.

The new GR86 can cover the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds with a manual gearbox and 6.8 seconds with an automatic – an improvement of 1.4 seconds over the outgoing model.

Both the front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension components have been tuned to improve handling while a low centre of gravity, weight balance and lightweight stiff chassis contribute to what Toyota say “make the new GR86 an outstanding driver’s car”.

The exterior design changes include a matrix grille design, large side rocker mouldings, and a ducktail-type rear spoiler.

Other upgrades include premium 18-inch, 10-spoke matte black alloys shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres for better grip and performance.

Inside, newly designed front seats are heated and covered in perforated Ultrasuede with leather bolsters while a new multimedia system includes a larger 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, voice recognition and both wired Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM connectivity. A redesigned 7-inch colour combination meter with digital speedometer and multi-information display are also included.

Both variants include blind-spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and a tyre-pressure warning system. The automatic also receives driver assist technologies including a pre-collision braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, high beam assist and reverse automatic braking.

The GR86 will be available in seven exterior colours including Crystal White, Ice Silver, Magnetite Grey, Midnight Black, Hyper Blue, Spark Red, and Sapphire Blue (the latter two are new to the GR86).

“The popularity of the 86 is evident by the demand we experienced for the previous GT86, which is now sold out. That tells us that fans still have an appetite for compact, lightweight, and affordable sports coupes. The upgraded GR86 will undoubtedly continue to be popular with our New Zealand fan base,” Steve Pragnell, General Manage New Vehicles of Toyota New Zealand says.

Pricing for both the automatic and manual Toyota GR86 is $56,990 including on road costs and a three year or 100,000km warranty.