It has more torque at the low end and aerodynamics.
After a long absence, the 2013 Scion FR-S gave driving pleasure back to the Toyota family. Renamed the 2017 Toyota 86, the rear-drive sports car survived the death of the Scion brand. The 2022 Toyota GR 86 continues the light, 2+2 sports car spirit, but with a lot more power (as seen on the GR Sub).
The global debut for the sports car showed that the GR 86 maintains the basic proportions of its predecessor. However, it has a very low hoodline due to a flat four engine. A tapering rear roofline, upturned headlights, and gaping front bumper opening accomplish that look-fast-at-standstill mission, with a swoopier hood and ducktail rear spoiler setting the GR 86 apart from the old 86 – but not necessarily the nearly identical Subaru BRZ.
Zippy
The 2022 GR 86 inherits its hard specs from its twin. The 2022 GR 86 has a 2.4-liter flat four with 228 horsepower (170 kilowatts) and 184 poundfeet (249 newton meterss), and either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic that sends grunt to the rear wheels through a limited slip differential. This engine produces 23 hp, 28 lb-ft, 17 kW, and 38 Nm more than the 2.0-liter unit in the Toyota 86. It also has a twist peak at 3,700 rpm, rather than 6,600. It is therefore easier to drive in most conditions.
Given the small weight gain of the 2022 GR 86, this power is also put to good use. Toyota has not yet released exact numbers, but they claim that the curb weight is just over 2,800 lbs thanks to the aluminum roof and fender panel. The Toyota 86 was 2,776 to 2,835 pounds depending on the options and which transmission you choose. This makes the Toyota 86 a faster vehicle – according to Toyota, the manual-transmission GR 86 can sprint to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is 0.9 seconds faster than its 86 predecessor. The automatic, however, takes 6.6 seconds to reach the same speed (down from 8.0).
However, the coupe is not known for its speed. The Toyota GR 86 focuses on driving fun and handling dynamics. The platform is the same as the previous sports car but the new rear subframe reinforcements strengthen the body-in white’s rigidity. According to Toyota functional vents are found on the front bumper, fender and roof. The rocker panels, ducktail spoiler and rocker panels (standard on Premium trim) improve aerodynamics. It’ll be a joy to ride on a circuit, autocross or winding road if the GR 86 drives anything like the BRZ.
Toyota will offer a one-year membership for every 2022 GR 86. It also includes a free high-performance driver education course as well as discounted admission to NASA events. This should appeal to many potential buyers. The GR 86 is likely to be a lot of fun to wring, preserving every ounce of momentum around corners. The Premium trim’s 18-inch wheels are equipped with summer tires, while the base trim’s 17 inch wheels have all-season rubber.
Road Trippy
The 2022 GR 86 is more comfortable and has more advanced technology than its predecessor. The Premium and base versions both get the standard 7.0-inch digital instruments display and the 8.0-inch central touchscreen. While they are small by modern standards, they are still adequate for most people. The Premium model has eight speakers, while the base model has six. Wired Apple CarPlay is standard, as well as Android Auto.
The GR 86 Premium’s new front seats have a deeper design and provide better support. Alcantara upholstery is available with leather accents. Each trim gets a leather wrapped wheel, with paddle shifters for automatic-equipped models, and a leather wrapped shift selector. If you choose to shiftless, the auto comes with advanced driver-assist technology such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and automatic high beams. The manual doesn’t have any of these features.