By Otsile Kadiege

Following the unveiling of the Subaru BRZ late last year, Toyota has unveiled the new GR 86 five months later. Yes, the 86 has been renamed to GR 86, the preceding letters stands for Gazoo Racing which is Toyota’s racing arm.

Similarly different 

Both the new BRZ and GR 86 are strikingly similar to one another but the 86 boasts a different grille with L-shaped air inlets and slightly restyled LED headlights. 

Bigger engine, more power

The 2.0-litre engine in previous generation Toyota 86 has been increased to 2.4-litre. It remains a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine but now develops 173 kW at 7,000 rpm and 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm. Toyota claims the new engine also delivers a “smooth, stress-free sensations from low to high rpms.” Power is sent to the rear-wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Toyota claims the GR 86 will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, which is 1.1 seconds faster that the previous generation Toyota 86.

For improved performance and handling, the engineers have used aluminium on body panels like the fenders and roof. The GR 86 is sitting on 18-inch wheels wrapped with 215/40 tyres. The GR 86 makes use of a MacPherson strut for the front suspension and a double-wishbone setup at the rear.

Lightweight sportscar

The Japanese automaker’s sportscar is 4,265 mm long, 1,775 mm wide, and 1,310 mm tall and has a wheelbase measuring 2,575 mm. The new GR 86 weighs 1,270 kg.

Toyota South Africa are yet to confirm local availability.