The aspirated boxer engine, rear-wheel and aesthetics are still intact.
Finally, the long-awaited new generation Toyota 86 has arrived. The basic formula is the same, but the model has been updated to include many new features. Here’s a side by side comparison of the new machine with the old one.
A new look
It is immediately apparent that the stylistic differences between the new 86 coupe and the old coupe are obvious. The new corner air intakes are vertically oriented and can be found at the front. The new grille is rectangular in shape and the headlights are smoother.
The roof has a couple of subtle bumps. They are not as prominent as the previous model, however. Side mirrors are now more sharply shaped than those on the older vehicle.
Profil
The new 86 side view has a subtle reference towards the Supra. A spoiler is incorporated into the trunk’s decklid. The front wheels have new air intakes. The sill lines are more prominent, giving the 86 a muscular appearance.
The roof antenna is now gone and replaced with a fin of the same color as its bodywork.
The Back
The Toyota GR86’s rear has undergone significant changes. In terms of the design and lights, it partially recalls the Yaris as well as the CHR. There are two circular exhausts for the lower portion. A rectangular light replaces the triangular one.
From the Inside
The cabin was a weak point of the previous 86. It was both poor in materials and technology. There was a small touch screen to control the outdated infotainment system. The new 86 is a completely different story. It has a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 8.0 inch infotainment display that are compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
There are two circular knobs that control the HVAC system under the screen. It is easy to reach the parking brake lever, which survived electronic controls.
Naturally Aspirated Power
The mechanical setup that made the first-gen-86 special was its naturally aspirated boxer engine, rear-wheel drive and manual gearbox. These features are still present, but they have been updated. The 2.0 with 200 horsepower is gone in favor of the 2.4-liter engine that produces 232 hp at 7,700 rpm. It also has 184 pound-feet. This engine can reach 62 mph in 6.3 seconds. That’s 1.1 seconds faster than the previous version. There is no turbo or electrification. There are only two options: a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed auto transmission.