Toyota prices GR86 for Australia

TOYOTA has expanded its GR branded model range this month with the arrival of the GR86 coupe, the fourth GR flavoured model in the local range behind the GR Supra, GR Landcruiser 300 and GR Yaris.

Priced from $43,240 plus on-road costs – and again available in GT and GTS trim – the sporty coupe is offered with a larger 2.4-litre engine (+400cc) developing 174kW (+22kW) and 250Nm (+38Nm), the latter now available from an earlier 3700rpm.

The figures equate to 135kW/tonne with the GT and GTS grades weighing from 1287 to 1291kg respectively when equipped with a manual transmission.

The second-generation ‘86’ arrives a decade after the original, a model which sold almost 22,000 examples Down Under. It retains the horizontally-opposed engine design of its predecessor, as well as the familiar front-engine/rear-drive configuration favoured by sports car fans.

Toyota says the model’s improved dynamics, technology and styling set the benchmark in value-for-money sports cars, despite the model’s price increase of $11,060 over the outgoing entry point to the range – and $2950 premium over the twin-under-the-skin Subaru BRZ.

The Subaru and Toyota duo feature a naturally aspirated engine that is tuned to offer linear throttle response and the “ability to rev effortlessly to high rpm” thanks in part to optimised fuel injection the manufacturer says provides more torque and better mid-range response.

Straight-line acceleration is improved with the 0-100km/h dash dropping 1.8 seconds to 6.3 in manual models. Automatic variants complete the standard dash in 6.8 seconds. Top speed is listed at 226km/h.

The GR86 is available with both six-speed manual or automatic transmissions for the same price within their respective trim line. Both variants are equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Fuel economy is listed at 8.7 litres per 100km for the GT automatic through to 9.5L/100km for the GTS manual with CO2 emissions from 199g/km to 217g/km respectively.

Toyota says that multiple other advances have been made beneath the skin of the GR86 including revisions to suspension and steering components, larger-diameter front brakes and chassis reinforcements that significantly improve torsional (+50%) and lateral (+60%) stability when compared with the outgoing model.

The Japanese importer said it focussed on weight reduction in developing the new model, installing aluminium front guards, bonnet and roof skin, resin rocker covers, a lighter tail shaft and muffler, and slimmer seat brackets to shed mass. The new model also boasts a lower centre of gravity (+1.6mm) when compared with its predecessor.

Enthusiast drivers will also benefit from stickier Michelin tyres and five different stability control settings ranging from full support to completely off.

Toyota said it conjured design cues taken from some of its great past sports models including the 2000GT and AE86 Corolla in styling the GR86. An evolution of the outgoing model, the more aerodynamic newcomer (0.27Cd) is slightly longer (+25mm) and lower (-10mm) than the outgoing model and is also 5mm longer in wheelbase.

The model is defined by the typical long bonnet and sloping roofline of the original 86, with a more tapered rear, prominent lip spoiler, dual exhausts, GR badging and 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on model grade.

Like its forebear, the GR86 offers a driver-centric cockpit with an ergonomic layout. The dashboard includes a central, horizontally set 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with DAB+ reception, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the new 7.0-inch TFT digital instrument panel incorporates features – such as a lap timers and G meter – developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers and engineers.

Both variants are equipped with a six-speaker sound system with Active Sound Control (ASC) to “further increase driver enjoyment”, Toyota says.

GT grades are trimmed with black cloth upholstery while the higher-grade GTS features a two-tone Ultrasuede and leather-appointed finish offered in black/silver or black/red. Both variants offer 237 litres of cargo space and split folding rear seats.

Safety equipment extends to seven airbags, a reversing camera, anti-lock brakes, stability control, tyre pressure warning, and front and rear seatbelt warning. Automatic models gain pre-collision braking with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, parking support brake with rear parking sensors, active cruise control and lane departure alert by virtue of the Subaru-developed EyeSight system.

GTS grades benefit further from rear cross-traffic alert and rear blind spot monitor.

The new Toyota GR86 range is offered in seven paint colours including: Storm Black, White Liquid, Magnetic Grey, Ice Silver Metallic, Apollo Blue, Rapid Blue and Spark Red.

Like all Toyota passenger models, the GR86 is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. The engine and driveline is warranted for seven years. Capped price servicing is offered for the first five years or 75,000km of ownership with each 12-month/15,000km service capped to $280.

2022 Toyota GR86 pricing*: