86 due within weeks but still no price tag

AUSTRALIANS waiting on their new Toyota GR86 coupe are still in the dark as to how much they will pay for their next-generation sportscar – but at least the initial local line-up and specifications have now been confirmed.

Two versions of the GR86 will be offered – GT and GTS – with the choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Lower-priced GT variants are distinguished by 17-inch alloy wheels with a silver machined finish and twin five-spoke design and LED headlights with auto levelling and headlight washers.

Inside, the GT offers black fabric front seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, leather gear selector and parking brake trim, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, power windows and a redesigned centre console.

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and is paired with a six-speaker audio system.

Safety features on the automatic include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), parking support braking (PKSB) and lane departure alert, while all grades come equipped with seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, cruise control and tyre pressure warning.

Stepping up to the GTS brings a range of visual and safety upgrades, starting with matte black 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive headlights that provide illumination of the road ahead in accordance with steering inputs.

Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring boost safety credentials on both manual and automatic variants.

Inside, the GTS adds heated Ultrasuede and leather accented front seats, aluminium pedals and footrest, premium scuff plates, courtesy lamps and illuminated vanity mirrors.

All models are powered by the same Subaru-sourced engine as the Toyota’s BRZ twin-under-the-skin, developing an identical 174kW of power at 7000rpm and 250Nm of torque at 3700rpm.

Drive to the rear wheels is via a Torsen limited-slip differential on the rear axle as standard.

Tipped to retail from between $35,000 and $40,000 before on-road costs, the model will not be priced for at least another few weeks as Toyota works to 'trackify' its offering.

GoAuto understands Toyota required additional time to ready the dynamics of the GR86 baed on feedback from current 86 owners who often participate in track events.

Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the proud legacy created by the original 86 would be further enhanced by the new GR86.

“When we launched the first-generation 86 in 2012, it captured the hearts and minds of performance enthusiasts with a blend of driving ability and affordability,” said Mr Hanley.

“We look forward to building on that legacy with the new-generation GR86, which has been designed with motorsport DNA at its heart and track-focused levels of performance.”

The GR86 joins the Gazoo Racing fold in Toyota’s line-up (hence the GR nomenclature shared with GR Yaris, GR LC300 and GR Supra). Gazoo Racing has been in existence for decades and is Toyota’s racing development arm.

GR prefixes are scheduled to appear on more performance Toyotas due soon including the highly anticipated GR Corolla AWD hot hatch for which Toyota dealers are taking pre-orders.