2022 Toyota GR 86 embraces sports car evolution with fresh looks, more power

We noticed the 2022 Subaru BRZ final 12 months, and on Sunday, Toyota debuted its model. Welcome the second-generation Toyota 86 sports activities automotive to the world, which bows with extra energy, edgier seems to be and the identical mission as its predecessor: present reasonably priced enjoyable for the plenty.

Toyota revealed the brand new sports activities automotive, formally generally known as the GR 86 world wide now, in Japan with companion Subaru exhibiting off the BRZ for the primary time regionally. Whereas the 2 put on totally different wrappers, the 86 is as soon as once more largely an similar automotive to the BRZ. Behind the Toyota Gazoo Racing grille sits a 2.4-liter flat-four engine, sans turbocharger, that makes 230 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. We’ll have to attend for US-spec items to see if the GR 86 really makes a pair extra horsepower than the BRZ’s 228 hp, or if the kilowatts-to-horsepower conversion is beneficiant. Toyota advised Roadshow US-specific data will come within the weeks forward. Just like the BRZ, the two.4-liter engine replaces the two.0-liter unit with over 20 extra hp and practically 30 extra lb-ft.

Drivers will as soon as once more have the choice of a six-speed guide or automated transmission, and each ship energy to rear tires completely, measuring 215/40, similar to these on the BRZ. A set of 18-inch wheels are customary. With the guide transmission, a dash from Zero to 62 mph ought to take 6.three seconds — over 1 second faster than the outgoing 86 — and weight solely will increase by 23 kilos when evaluating the brand new and previous vehicles. 

Roadshow understands the GR 86 was, certainly, delayed below Toyota’s path to distinguish the brand new coupe extra from the Subaru BRZ, and from the sound of it, engineers’ purpose was to create a good sportier automotive. The corporate mentioned Toyota and Subaru engaged in “pleasant rivalry” when each groups developed the vehicles, with the previous working to construct one thing somewhat extra uncooked. It isn’t completely totally different from how the present 86 and BRZ place themselves, with the Subaru model the extra “luxurious” of the 2, however it feels like Toyota labored to intensify the feeling, a minimum of on paper. The automaker guarantees a “distinct” driving really feel from its company cousin to fulfill the purpose of attainable efficiency.

Physique rigidity is up 50% over the previous GR 86, whereas using aluminum for the roof panels helps maintain the low middle of gravity a focus. Aluminum additionally makes its strategy to fenders to assist maintain the curb weight down. New seats and a revised mufflers additionally contribute to the minimal weight enhance. In the meantime, purposeful aerodynamic items trickle down from Gazoo Racing motorsport campaigns. The additional weight current seemingly comes from the very fact the brand new GR 86 bundles Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assist expertise. The entire equipment and caboodle comes alongside for the journey this time.

Talking of equipment, the cabin stays a driver-focused space, and just like the BRZ, features a brand new 7-inch show. The cockpits are similar to my eyes, when evaluating the images, however supplies within the outgoing 86 are fairly good for the worth, and hopefully, the 2022 86 retains it up. When drivers climb in, Toyota says a nifty animation sequence fires up with inspiration from the automotive’s boxer engine, too.

The present 86 completely embodies the thrill of a “slow-car-fast” driving expertise, and we’re fairly stoked to get behind the wheel of this new one. Thus far, evolutionary modifications appear to hold the 2022 GR 86, however you recognize what they are saying, do not repair what is not damaged. The brand new automotive goes on sale in Japan this fall, and a US launch should not be too far behind.